The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1915-02-17
LESSON FOR FEBRUARY Fl
THE DEATH OF ELI AND HIS SONS.

THE DEATH OF ELI AND HIS SONS.
LESSON TEXT Samuel 4:1-13, IS.
GOLDEN TExT-Be ye doers Of the
word, and not hearers only, deluding your
own selves.-James 1:22 r. v.
The Philistines in the days or Ell
overran Israel pretty much at will.
All Israel, Gods people, soon knew
that God was speaking through this
new prophet.
I. No Help at Ebenezer, w. ], 2. Eb-
enezer was that place where Samuel
later set up the stones of commemo-
ration Il Samuel 7:12). Here the az.
gressive Philistines overcame and put
to rout the Israelites. Israel had.
sinned and needed correction (chapter
7:3; Ps. 1864 Az. When Gods peo-
pie neglect him they weaken them
selves and easily become the prey OF
their enemies. Full often the church
Of today stands defeated and dis
graced, nay even turns It's back to the
enemy, because it harbors sin and
sinners in its ranks Josh. 7:12).
~. Seeking Help, w. s-s. If Israel
really desired to know the cause OF
their discontinue they did not need to
go far to seek it. The trouble was that
they were not willing to see and own
1t q. Cor. 11:31). The reasoning
upon the part of these elders seems
to be, why have we, Israelites, been
smitten by these Philistines who are
not Gods chosen people?" 1t was
absurd and unjust for them to have
to suffer We hear this same sort
of reasoning today, whereas God would
have us probe deeper and search our
hearts, for If we regard iniquity in
our hearts the Lord will not hear us.
At Shiloh, Eli is caring for the ark.
and with the fatalism and superstition
that will govern the ungodly, Israel
sends for it that 1t may save u.s.
". 81. The ark contained the tables
Of tho law and was the symbol OF the
presence Of God eek. 25: :10-22) Their
trust was in the ark and not In the
God of the ark. Such is ever the dam
ger of formafism in religion. To carry
the ark about Jericho trusting IN Je-
hovah, was quite different from har-
boring the sons of Eli. yet thinking
/ that God could not let the ark be
captured. The churches of our land
are the saving salt but "if the salt
hath lost it's SAVIOUR" IL Hophni and
Phinehas bear the ark, nothing but
defeat and disgrace can be expected,
though the enemy may tremble ". 81,
The Philistines were strong enough
to smite because of the weakness OF
Israel. They recognized the shouts
land remembered the mighty deeds OF
Jehovah. which exploits would have
been repeated had Israel truly turned
to God. There was good reason for
the Philistines to fear. But God was
not on the side Of Israel at thatstime.
The Philistines began to exhort them
selves. Their call ". 81 was good
one and was used later by Paul Il Cor.
1919. For them not to do anything
was to be captured by their former
slaves. If they fought, they could but
die. Such fatalistic courage would
have availed but little, had God been
with his chosen people at that time.
III. The Lost Battle, w. 1911. God
would not succor his chosen people,
nor defend the symbols of religion
when the spirit and heart Of that re-
ligion had departed Cps. 7S:56-64).
The two reprobate sons of Eli were
slain as punishment for their sins
and in fullfllment of the word OF God
(chapter 2:12; 1913, 14). Their pun
ishment came in connection with the
same holy service they had defled.
These bad sons Of good father
abused their holy Office, profaned the
sanctuary and brought the true re-
]igion into contempt with the people.
Ell was partly at fault but these
young men suffered the fate OF those
who hate knowledge" and will mot
choose the fear of the Lord" and their
removal was a blessing for Israel
which somewhat compensated for its
defeat. Doubtless the Philistines
boasted when they took the ark from
the people of God, but chapters five
and six contain the record Of their
mistake. ..
~. The Death of Ell, w. 1918. The
aged Eli, now ninety-eight years old,
was anxiously awaiting news OF the
battle, "for his heart trembled for the
ark of Cod" This anxiety was quite
unnecessary ". 13). God can take
care OF his ark. Ell had reason, how
ever, to tremble for Israel and his
wicked sons. He is an illustration OF
those indulgent parents who refuse
to use discipline in the care OF their
children. A lovable character cannot
atone for weakness nor will remon'
STRANGE, after habits are firmly fixed
take the place Of bringing up the
young children Alright. ELS sons were
in positions of power, STEPPED IN wick
edness. and his words were Intellectual
for they carried with them no note OF
authority. 1t is the careless, shifty, IN
sincere parent who has no sense OF
the reality and authority of God, oi
+b, norsictence and penalty Of sin