from עָלָה; lofty; Eli, an Israelite highpriest; Eli.
Transliteration:ʻÊlîy
Pronunciation:ay-lee'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew proper noun עֵלִי (ʻÊlîy, `{{H5941}}`) is derived from the verbal root עָלָה (ʻālāh, `{{H5927}}`), which signifies "to go up," "ascend," "be high," or "lofty." Consequently, the name ʻÊlîy inherently conveys meanings such as "my ascent," "my high one," or more broadly, "lofty" or "exalted." While the name itself suggests a position of elevation or prominence, it is primarily known as the personal name of the Israelite High Priest and judge who served in Shiloh during the period immediately preceding the monarchy. The etymological meaning subtly foreshadows the high office Eli held, yet it stands in poignant contrast to the eventual downfall and judgment pronounced upon his household due to their unfaithfulness.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Eli (ʻÊlîy, `{{H5941}}`) is a central figure in the early chapters of the book of 1 Samuel, appearing throughout chapters 1-4. He is presented as the High Priest and judge over Israel, residing at the tabernacle in Shiloh.
His initial appearance in [[1 Samuel 1:9]] shows him seated by the doorpost of the Lord's house, observing Hannah in her fervent prayer. He initially mistakes her distress for drunkenness ([[1 Samuel 1:12-14]]) but, upon understanding her plight, offers a blessing ([[1 Samuel 1:17]]).
The narrative then shifts to the profound moral failure within Eli's own household. His two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, are depicted as "worthless men" (literally "sons of Belial") who "did not know the Lord" ([[1 Samuel 2:12]]). They flagrantly abused their priestly office by taking the choicest parts of sacrifices for themselves before they were properly offered to God ([[1 Samuel 2:13-17]]) and by engaging in immorality with the women serving at the entrance of the tabernacle ([[1 Samuel 2:22]]). Eli's rebuke of his sons, though present, is shown to be weak and ineffective ([[1 Samuel 2:23-25]]), demonstrating a failure to honor God above his own children.
This neglect incurs divine wrath. A "man of God" (a prophet) confronts Eli, delivering a severe prophecy of judgment against his house. The prophecy states that his descendants will be cut off from the priesthood, and no old man will be left in his house. This judgment is explicitly linked to Eli's failure to restrain his sons, effectively honoring them more than God ([[1 Samuel 2:27-36]]).
The most dramatic confirmation of this judgment comes through the young Samuel, whom the Lord calls directly. Samuel is given the terrifying task of relaying God's complete and unwavering judgment against Eli's house ([[1 Samuel 3:11-18]]). Eli, upon hearing the prophecy, responds with a resigned acceptance: "It is the Lord; let Him do what seems good to Him" ([[1 Samuel 3:18]]).
Eli's tragic end is recounted in [[1 Samuel 4:12-18]]. Upon hearing the devastating news that the Ark of God had been captured by the Philistines, and that his two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, had died, Eli falls backward from his seat, breaks his neck, and dies at the age of ninety-eight. His death marks the immediate fulfillment of part of the prophecy against his house and signals a significant transition in Israel's spiritual leadership.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for ʻÊlîy (`{{H5941}}`) is its root, עָלָה (ʻālāh, `{{H5927}}`), meaning "to go up," "ascend," or "be high." This root is also used for the burnt offering, an *olah*, which "ascends" in smoke to God. The name's inherent meaning of "lofty" underscores the high position Eli held as High Priest and judge.
The narrative surrounding Eli is deeply intertwined with several key biblical concepts:
* **Priesthood (כֹּהֵן, kohen, `{{H3548}}`):** Eli's story is a cautionary tale about the sanctity and responsibility of the priestly office. His sons' desecration of the priesthood leads to its removal from their lineage.
* **Divine Judgment (שָׁפַט, shaphat, `{{H8199}}`, to judge):** Eli himself was a judge, but he failed to judge his own household. God's judgment against him highlights divine justice and the consequences of unfaithfulness, even for those in positions of authority.
* **Parental Responsibility:** Eli's failure to discipline his sons effectively is a central theme, illustrating the profound impact of parental negligence on children and the wider community.
* **Spiritual Authority and Accountability:** The narrative demonstrates that even those vested with great spiritual authority are accountable to God and are not exempt from His righteous judgment.
* **Transition of Leadership:** Eli's decline and death pave the way for the rise of Samuel, a faithful prophet and judge, signifying a shift in God's chosen leadership for Israel.
### Theological Significance
The life and demise of Eli carry profound theological weight:
* **God's Holiness and Sovereignty:** Eli's story powerfully affirms God's absolute holiness and His unwavering demand for purity in worship and leadership. It underscores that God is sovereign over all, including His chosen servants, and will not tolerate defilement of His sacred institutions.
* **The Gravity of Spiritual Neglect:** Eli's primary sin was not overt wickedness but passive negligence and a failure to honor God above his own children. This highlights the severe consequences of spiritual apathy and the abdication of leadership responsibilities, particularly within the family and the church.
* **The Integrity of Priesthood:** The narrative serves as a foundational text for understanding the divine requirements for a faithful priesthood. The removal of the priesthood from Eli's line (which was of Ithamar) foreshadows the establishment of a more faithful line (later seen in Zadok, of Eleazar's line, though Samuel himself was a Levite who ministered as prophet and judge).
* **Divine Providence in Leadership Succession:** God's raising up of Samuel as a righteous leader in place of Eli's corrupt house demonstrates His active involvement in history, ensuring that His purposes are fulfilled even when human leadership fails. It speaks to God's ability to call and equip new servants for His work.
* **The Ark of the Covenant as a Symbol:** The capture of the Ark during Eli's time is a potent symbol of God's temporary withdrawal of His manifest presence from a disobedient people and their unfaithful leadership, emphasizing the severity of their sin.
### Summary
ʻÊlîy (`{{H5941}}`), meaning "lofty" or "my ascent," is the name of the High Priest and judge in Shiloh during the pivotal period leading up to the Israelite monarchy. His story, primarily detailed in 1 Samuel, is a profound and sobering account of spiritual decline and divine judgment. Despite holding a high and revered office, Eli's failure to effectively restrain his wicked sons, Hophni and Phinehas, who desecrated the sacred priestly duties, brought severe consequences upon his entire household. The narrative underscores God's unwavering holiness, His judgment against unfaithfulness and spiritual negligence, and His sovereign power to raise up new, faithful leadership when existing structures fail. Eli's personal acceptance of God's judgment, "It is the Lord; let Him do what seems good to Him," reflects a degree of piety, yet it could not avert the predetermined consequences of his earlier inaction. His death, upon hearing of the Ark's capture and his sons' demise, marks a significant turning point, paving the way for the rise of Samuel and a new era in Israel's spiritual history.
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