How we cite our quotes:
Quote #1
Now Eli was very old, and heard all that his sons did unto all Israel; and how they lay with the women that assembled at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. {assembled: Heb. assembled by troops} And he said unto them, Why do ye such things? for I hear of your evil dealings by all this people. {of your...: or, evil words of you} Nay, my sons; for it is no good report that I hear: ye make the LORD'S people to transgress. {transgress: or, cry out}If one man sin against another, the judge shall judge him: but if a man sin against the LORD, who shall intreat for him? Notwithstanding they hearkened not unto the voice of their father, because the LORD would slay them. (1 Samuel 2:22-25, KJV)
Now Eli was very old. He heard all that his sons were doing to all Israel, and how they lay with the women who served at the entrance to the tent of meeting. He said to them, "Why do you do such things? For I hear of your evil dealings from all these people. No, my sons; it is not a good report that I hear the people of the LORD spreading abroad. If one person sins against another, someone can intercede for the sinner with the LORD; but if someone sins against the LORD, who can make intercession?" But they would not listen to the voice of their father; for it was the will of the LORD to kill them. (1 Samuel 2:22-25, NRSV)
Obvious alert: good leaders must be able to direct the people who follow them. Sadly for Eli, he fails in this task. His own sons do a lot of bad things, which causes the people to not have a good opinion of them. While leaders often have to rise above public opinion, it's also important for people to respect them. Eli's sons have created a terrible scandal, which later has a terribly high price: their lives.
Quote #2
And this shall be a sign unto thee, that shall come upon thy two sons, on Hophni and Phinehas; in one day they shall die both of them. And I will raise me up a faithful priest, that shall do according to that which is in mine heart and in my mind: and I will build him a sure house; and he shall walk before mine anointed for ever. And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left in thine house shall come and crouch to him for a piece of silver and a morsel of bread, and shall say, Put me, I pray thee, into one of the priests' offices, that I may eat a piece of bread. {Put: Heb. Join} {one of...: of, somewhat about the priesthood}. (1 Samuel 2:34-36, KJV)
The fate of your two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, shall be the sign to you -- both of them shall die on the same day. I will raise up for myself a faithful priest, who shall do according to what is in my heart and in my mind. I will build him a sure house, and he shall go in and out before my anointed one forever. Everyone who is left in your family shall come to implore him for a piece of silver or a loaf of bread, and shall say, Please put me in one of the priest's places, that I may eat a morsel of bread.'" (1 Samuel 2:34-36, NRSV)
Some people believe that their actions don't matter that much, but the actions of Eli's sons Hophni and Phinehas are far reaching. Because of their sin, their family will lose favor in Israel and eventually lose their positions as priests. God will choose another family of priests to take over. This is rather sad considering how faithful and good Eli is as a priest.
Quote #3
And Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life. And he went from year to year in circuit to Bethel, and Gilgal, and Mizpeh, and judged Israel in all those places. {in circuit: Heb. and he circuited} And his return was to Ramah; for there was his house; and there he judged Israel; and there he built an altar unto the LORD. (1 Samuel 7:15 -17, KJV)
Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life. He went on a circuit year by year to Bethel, Gilgal, and Mizpah; and he judged Israel in all these places. Then he would come back to Ramah, for his home was there; he administered justice there to Israel, and built there an altar to the LORD. (1 Samuel 7:15 -17, NRSV)
If there's a job to be done, then Samuel's probably already done it. He works in the temple as a priest and a prophet, and we also read about some legal matters he attends to as a judge. Samuel maintained his position of leadership by regularly checking in with the people. Take note Shmoopers, the best way to be the boss is by letting everyone know you care.