Eli

First Samuel introduces Eli at the sanctuary in Shiloh. He initially misunderstood Hannah's silent prayer but then blessed her, and after Samuel was dedicated to the Lord, the boy served under Eli. Eli's sons Hophni and Phinehas abused their priestly office and treated the Lord's offerings with contempt. Though Eli rebuked them, God condemned his household because he honored his sons above God and failed to restrain them effectively. When the Lord called Samuel at night, Eli eventually recognized what was happening and instructed Samuel to listen. Years later Israel carried the ark into battle; Hophni and Phinehas died and the ark was captured. On hearing that the ark was taken, the aged Eli fell backward, broke his neck, and died after judging Israel forty years.