OT Characters: Eli

<p>For additional notes and resources check out Douglas' <a href="https://www.douglasjacoby.com/ot26-eli/">website</a>.</p><p><strong>Hebrew words:</strong></p><ul><li><i>'Eli </i>(ay-LEE)-- Note, despite the similarity, this is not the Hebrew word "my God," as the initial consonant is different (an ayin, not an aleph). Appears 36x in 1 Samuel 1-4.</li><li><i>'I-kavod </i>(ee-ka-VODE) -- "There is no glory," or (traditionally) "The glory has departed."</li></ul><p><strong>Further study:</strong></p><ul><li>Passages covered in this podcast<ul><li>1 Samuel 1-4</li><li>Leviticus 3:17, Isaiah 56:9-12</li></ul></li></ul><p><strong>Some things we learn about God:</strong></p><ul><li>God honors those who honor him (1 Samuel 2:30).</li><li>When parents fail to inculcate discipline and character in their children, the Lord make take over the task.</li><li>God may leave a leader in place for many years, despite glaring weaknesses.</li><li>God's promises may in some cases be nullified by human disobedience. (No one is above the law, or may act with impunity.)</li></ul><p><strong>For kids:</strong></p><ul><li>The story of Eli and his sons is a great example of what can happen when Ephesians 6:1-4 is not followed.  Read Ephesians 6:1-4. The concepts of obedience and giving honor can be discussed (for slightly older children).  Also the role of parents can be explained.</li><li>Read selections (parent/s) from the story of Eli, appropriate for the age of the children present.</li><li>Then discuss or act out the story of Eli and his sons.<ul><li>If role-playing: “Hophni” and “Phinehas” are behaving badly; “Eli” is sitting on his “chair” (ideally a cushion); mother or father plays the voice of the Lord; you will also need a little “Samuel.” And (if the brood is large enough), an unnamed "prophet," who can double as the messenger returning from battle. (Probably you will want to skip the final scene involving the birth of Ichabod!)</li><li>The children can point out where the sons were disobedient and not giving honor. Parents can