An abuse of power – Eli’s sons (1 Sam 2:12-21)

Early in the film, The Lord of the Rings, Gandalf, the wizard talks to Frodo about the ring the latter inherited, a ring that is capable of wielding incredible power. The original owner of the ring, the dark lord, is searching for it and has discovered some clues to its whereabouts. Frodo, a small and defenceless hobbit, must leave with the ring because if the dark lord manages to reclaim it, he will have the power to throw the world into appalling darkness and suffering. Frodo, afraid, offers the ring to Gandalf trusting that the great wizard will be in a better position to protect it, but he refuses. As he explains, he would take it with a desire to do good, but in his hands, it would wield too great and terrible a power to imagine. The film trilogy, as well as the original books by Tolkien (a Christian), reflect on the corrupting influence of power.

This is what becomes visible in our reading as Hophni and Phinehas use their religious authority to their selfish advantage and thereby despise the Lord’s offering (1 Sam 2:17). In animal sacrifices the fat was always burnt on the altar (it was considered the richest portion to be given to God) and certain parts of the meat went to the priest as payment (Lev 7:31-32). It was like the fixed salary of a pastor given from the church’s income. However, Eli’s sons were intent on picking out meat for themselves (1 Sam 2:14). Imagine a pastor saying that he would just put his hand in the Sunday offering plate and whatever he can hold would be his. I doubt the congregation would be much impressed! Additionally, Eli’s sons were more concerned about having the meat prepared to their liking than about offering the sacrifice to God first and threatened force if they didn’t get their way (1 Sam 2:15-16). In other words, their focus was on how they could benefit from other people’s devotion of God rather than enabling true worship through their service. Their behaviour indicates that they did not know the Lord (1 Sam 2:12), they lacked a relationship with Him and totally disregarded Him.

The scene then cuts over to Samuel who is ministering before the Lord (1 Sam 2:18) and this creates an implicit contrast between him and Eli’s sons. Although we know nothing of the boy’s inner world at this stage, his mother’s story and dedication to God’s ways is underscored again as she gives Samuel a little robe every year to enable his ministry in a small way. It is an ongoing confirmation of her commitment to the promise she had made about him and God rewards her faithfulness by giving her five more children (1 Sam 2:21). This small vignette highlights for us the two attitudes to power and prepare us for the reversal that will come: Samuel will be raised up as God’s chosen servant and Eli’s household will be judged.

In our contemporary contexts, the sexual exploitation of children or women by some church leaders, or incidents of swindling money out of devoted worshippers come to mind. Such actions bring shame on God’s name. However, we all have power to some extent and may use it inappropriately in response to our needs, wants or fears. Youth leaders may be tempted to bask in the adulation of young teenage girls and not be willing to jeopardise it by doing what is right though unpopular. Pastors can become reluctant to stand up for the truth of Scripture if it leads to the congregation’s disapproval. An employer can end up creating a double standard by allowing the leadership privileges that are declined the employees lower down. Couples may try to manipulate each other to get their own way. Parents may live vicariously through their offspring to fulfil their dreams instead of looking to what is best for their children. Our words also have an impact to hurt and diminish others or heal and encourage. May we use our power in our relationships, attitude and words unselfishly for the good of others.

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