INTRODUCTION. When Samuel was weaned, his mother Hannah took him to the
tabernacle in Shiloh in fulfillment of her vow. She left Samuel there to minister in the
service of the Lord with Eli who was the high priest and a descendant of Aaron.
Eli had two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, who were wicked. Although Eli reproved
his sons for their sins, they did not listen to him. One day a man of God came to Eli
and told him the Lord would judge his house (his family) because he did not discipline
his sons. The Lord promised to remove Eli's family from the office of priesthood
and give the priestly duties to another descendant of Aaron. As a sign to Eli that the
prophecy was true, Eli's two sons would die the same day.
When Samuel was still a child, the Lord called him one night as he slept. The Lord
repeated to Samuel the message given to Eli regarding the judgment of his house.