Who was Eli, and how did he influence Samuel’s early life?

Eli was a priest and judge of Israel who presided over the shrine at Shiloh. He played a pivotal role in the early life of Samuel after Samuel’s mother, Hannah, dedicated the boy to lifetime service to Yahweh.12

Eli’s influence on Samuel included:

• Training and Mentorship: Eli trained the young Samuel to serve at the shrine, where the boy grew in stature and favor with both God and the people.2
• Spiritual Guidance: When Samuel experienced his first revelation from Yahweh as a youth, it was Eli who instructed him on how to respond to the divine call.2
• A Contrast in Leadership: Eli’s own sons, Hophni and Phinehas, were corrupt and misused their positions at the shrine. In contrast, Samuel’s faithful service under Eli’s tutelage helped establish his reputation as a prophet of Yahweh.2

Ultimately, Samuel was tasked with delivering the difficult message to Eli regarding the impending fall of his house due to his sons' failures.2