Themes From The Old Testament (a) Relate the events that led to the Providing pronouncement...

Explanation

(a)(1 Sam 2:11-36):

(i) Eli, the priest of God had 'two sons; Hophni and Phinehas.

(ii) These sons were also priests of God.

(iii) However, Eli's sons were worthless men who had no regards for the Lord.

(iv) The priest could only take sacrificial meat while it was being boiled.

(v) With a three-pronged fork, the servants of the priest would take for himself whatever the fork brought up.

(vi) However, the sons of Eli would reject this law and would rather demand raw meat.

(vii) Even when their attention was drawn to the law, they would forcefully take whatever portion of meat they wanted.

(viii) This sin of Eli's sons was very great in the sight of the lord for they treated the Lord's sacrifice with contempt.

(ix) Meanwhile, Samuel, a small boy living with Eli kept the law and was faithfully ministering before the Lord.

(x) Eli was well aware of the depraved life of his sons who even slept with the women serving at the entrance of the tent of meeting.

(xi) Eli drew the attention of his sons to the enormity of their sins and encouraged them to repent,

(xii) However, the sons' of Eli did not listen to their father' rebuke, for it was the Lord's will to put them to death.

(xiii) Now, a man of God came to Eli to remind him of the Lord's relationship with Israel and how He chose Eli's father as a priest to serve in His presence.

(xiv) He further expressed God's disappointment at how Eli honoured his sons over God's sacrifices.

(xv) He declared that even though, the Lord promised the house of Eli's father to be priests forever, He would honour only those who honour Him and despise those who despise Him.

(xvi) The Lord would cut short the strength of Eli's household and there would not be any old man in the family line (xvii) Furthermore, those who would be spared would only blind their eyes with tears and grieve their hearts, and all their descendants would die in the prime of their lives.

(xviii) Your two sons would die on the the same day and in their place, i would raise a faithful priest who would do what is on my heart

(xix) The new priest would be firmly established on Eli's household would bow down before him for sustenance.

(b) (i) Assigning responsibilities to them.

(ii) Providing counseling and guidance.

(iii) Adequate supervision.

(iv) Showing interest in their affairs.

(v) Involving children decision-making.

(vi) Adequate provision of their needs.

(vi) Adequate formal education.

(viii) Being good role models to them.

(ix) Showing love and affection to them.

(x) Willingness to correct them when they go wrong.

(xi) Provision of religious and moral training.