As soon as he mentioned the ark of God, Eli fell over backward from his seat by the side of the gate, and his neck was broken and he died, for the man was old and heavy. He had judged Israel forty years. 1 Samuel 4:18
Not many places in the Bible mention somebody’s weight! This verse, then, ought to give us pause as we consider its significance. It may seem that Eli’s heaviness is mentioned simply to explain the physical reality of his death. But it’s actually more than that.
Earlier, in 1 Samuel 2:12-17, the narrator tells us that Eli’s sons had a custom of using a three-pronged fork to dig into the meat offered for sacrifice in order to take a portion for themselves and their family from the meat that belonged to God. They despised the tabernacle—the place that God had appointed for His own dwelling place among His people—deciding that their own earthly longings and selfish preoccupations took precedence over His glory. In one sense, God’s glory had been stolen and wrapped around Eli’s belly (v 29). His girth was a physical expression of the sin being perpetrated and promoted by the priests at Shiloh.
This is clearer in the writer’s original Hebrew, where the word for “heavy” is transliterated kabed. It is the verbal form of the word kabod, which is translated “glory.” The writer is making a play on words, showing that when those who are fastened on themselves and their own significance seek to rob God of His glory, they treat Him as if He is light and may be manipulated. And so, regarding themselves as heavy, they look to take precedence in everything.
Nevertheless, the sun eventually set—or rather events came crashing down—on Eli’s life, and he died miserably. He is now one of several individuals in the Bible, particularly in the realm of priestly or pastoral function, who stand as warnings against the presumptuousness captured by Paul’s words: “Let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall” (1 Corinthians 10:12).
This wisdom is not only for individuals who believe themselves to be unassailable—though it certainly is for them. It is also a striking warning to every assembly of God’s people. Let us hate the thought that in our churches we might ever take from the glory that God deserves in order to serve, enrich, or enjoy ourselves. This Sunday, as you head to your church, remember that you are there first and foremost not for yourself but to glorify your majestic, transcendent, glorious Lord and encourage His people.
Image Credit : By Vassil - Own work, Public Domain,
LOVE LIFTED ME - JAMES ROWE
I was sinking deep in sin, Far from the peaceful shore, Very deeply stained within, Sinking to rise no more; But the Master of the sea Heard my despairing cry, From the waters lifted me— Now safe am I. Refrain: Love lifted me, Love lifted me, When nothing else could help, Love lifted me; Love lifted me, Love lifted me, When nothing else could help, Love lifted me. All my heart to Him I give; Ever to Him I’ll cling, In His blessed presence live, Ever His praises sing. Love so mighty and so true Merits my soul’s best songs; Faithful, loving service, too, To Him belongs. [Refrain] Souls in danger, look above; Jesus completely saves. He will lift you by His love Out of the angry waves. He’s the Master of the sea; Billows His will obey. He your Savior wants to be— Be saved today. [Refrain]
The lyrics for this hymn are in the public domain and may be shared or reproduced without obtaining permission.
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