MPV Commentary

Eli sat in his official chair by the side of the road, anxiously waiting for news from the battle. As a public magistrate, he would often sit here to dispense justice and meet with passersby. His chair was a symbol of his authority, richly carved and ornate.

The calamities that Samuel had foretold would befall Eli's family were now unfolding before him. The death of his two sons was the first blow, followed by his own demise, and then the tragic fate of his daughter-in-law, whose infant son would bear a name that would forever commemorate the fallen glory of the church and nation (1Sa 4:19-22). The public disaster was complete with the capture of the ark. Eli's sensitive heart was deeply affected by this news, which proved to be a death knell for him.