I Samual 3-4

“I am about to punish his house forever, for the iniquity that he knew, because his sons were blaspheming God, and he did not restrain them” (3:13). Though the priest Eli was God-fearing (ch1-2), he ignored his sons’ terrible abuse of their spiritual power.  Israel’s communal life was centered on worship, regular sacrifices, and following the Law, but their spiritual leaders were only good at self-indulgence.  Israel lost battles, the priests died, and, finally, they lost the ark of the covenant (4:22). God’s glory departed, yet He remained.

“Here I am!” (3:4). In the darkness, God was working through Hannah and Samuel to speak to another generation. When we fail, His love pursues us with the goal of redemption.