The story of Eli the High Priest is told in the book of I Samuel. He lived in the city of Shiloh where the people of Israel would go to worship. They also brought animals for Eli and his sons to be sacrificed before the lord.
Every year a man named Elkanah, along with his family, went to Shiloh to make a sacrifice. This man had two wives named Peninnah and Hannah. Peninnah had children and Hannah was childless. So one morning Hanna goes to the temple to pray and makes a vow to God. She states that if God gives her a son that she will give him back to him. While she is praying Eli thinks that she is drunk and approached her on this matter. Hanna informed the High Priest that she was not drunk and told him of the vow she made to God. Eli informed Hannah that God had heard her prayer.
As the months went by Hannah had a son and she named him Samuel. And Hanna did fulfill her vow to God. After Samuel was weaned Elkanah went to Shiloh on his annual visit. When Elkanah and his family returned home Samuel was left at the Temple. Samuel became a temple servant and Eli taught him the ways of God.
Eli did a wonderful job as Samuel’s tutor and as a Judge he gave the people Godly advice, as he did Hanna. But the downfall of Eli was with his two sons, Hophni and Phinehas. They would steal meat that was meant to be sacrificed to God. They also took bribes from the people. And they even committed adultery in the tabernacle. Eli approached them about this matter, but he did nothing to stop them.
One day a unnamed Prophet came to the tabernacle and pronounced God’s Judgment upon Eli and his sons. Eli’s family would be removed from the Priesthood and the leadership of Israel would be given to another man. In I Samuel Chapter 3 God calls Samuel to be the new leader of Israel. God never speaks to Eli again.
The Prophecy is fulfilled in Chapter 4, Israel went to battle against the Philistines. Hophni and Phinehas took the Ark of the Covenant to the scene of the battle. Israel was defeated, the Ark captured, and the sons of Eli were killed. When the news came to Eli he was sitting in his seat. As Eli heard the bad news he fell backwards in his chair and broke his neck. He was 98 years old and very fat and unable to pick himself up. This man who had once been a great leader died in disgrace.
Eli served as Israel’s Judge for 40 years.
Saturday, February 25, 2006
Friday, February 17, 2006
Eli the High Priest Part I
When the children of Israel wandered in the wilderness God instructed Moses that his brother Aaron and his fours sons were to be set aside to serve as Priest for Israel. In Numbers 20:25-28, Aaron’s third son Eleazar succeeds him as High Priest. The reason Eleazar succeeded his father because God had killed his older brothers, Nadab and Abihu for making an improper sacrifice.
Also in the book of Numbers we find that Eleazar has a son named Phinehas, who is a dedicated servant of God. He kills a Jewish man and a Moab women for committing adultery. The story is found in Numbers 25, the affair caused God to be angry with Israel. Phinehas brave act saved Israel from God’s wrath. Phinehas succeeded his father as High Priest.
When we read in the book of I Samuel we see that Eli was the High Priest. But Eli was neither a descendent of Phinehas or Eleazar. He was a descendent of Aaron’s fourth son Ithamar. This went against God’s instructions and caused Israel problems for many years.
You may ask yourself why did the elders of Israel permit Eli to serve as High Priest?
At this period of time in Israel’s history God wanted to be their King, but the Israelites would continue to rebel against God. So God would permit their neighbor’s, the Moabites, Philistines, Ammonites, and Midianites, to hold them captive. Israel would repent and God would call a man to serve as Judge. The Judge would defeat the oppressing nation and Israel’s freedom would be restored. But when the Judge died Israel would once again turn against God. After the death of Samson it would be many years before God would send a Judge.
At the end of the book of Judges we find nation Israel had turned completly away from God. The nation became involved in immorality and idolatry. There is even civil war among the twelve tribes. But as the book of I Samuel begins we see one mighty man of God was on the scene. It was Eli the High Priest. As Judge he had made a impression on the people, and was one of the few from the Priestly family who had stayed faithful to God during a dark period in Israel's history. This may be reason he was made High Priest.
Eli the High Priest Part II is coming soon.
Also in the book of Numbers we find that Eleazar has a son named Phinehas, who is a dedicated servant of God. He kills a Jewish man and a Moab women for committing adultery. The story is found in Numbers 25, the affair caused God to be angry with Israel. Phinehas brave act saved Israel from God’s wrath. Phinehas succeeded his father as High Priest.
When we read in the book of I Samuel we see that Eli was the High Priest. But Eli was neither a descendent of Phinehas or Eleazar. He was a descendent of Aaron’s fourth son Ithamar. This went against God’s instructions and caused Israel problems for many years.
You may ask yourself why did the elders of Israel permit Eli to serve as High Priest?
At this period of time in Israel’s history God wanted to be their King, but the Israelites would continue to rebel against God. So God would permit their neighbor’s, the Moabites, Philistines, Ammonites, and Midianites, to hold them captive. Israel would repent and God would call a man to serve as Judge. The Judge would defeat the oppressing nation and Israel’s freedom would be restored. But when the Judge died Israel would once again turn against God. After the death of Samson it would be many years before God would send a Judge.
At the end of the book of Judges we find nation Israel had turned completly away from God. The nation became involved in immorality and idolatry. There is even civil war among the twelve tribes. But as the book of I Samuel begins we see one mighty man of God was on the scene. It was Eli the High Priest. As Judge he had made a impression on the people, and was one of the few from the Priestly family who had stayed faithful to God during a dark period in Israel's history. This may be reason he was made High Priest.
Eli the High Priest Part II is coming soon.
Monday, February 13, 2006
Media Builds Up Drew Pritt
The other day I was looking at an article, posted on the Arkansas News Bureau, written by Rob Moritz. His article talked about Drew Pritt attending UALR, and getting college credits for his candidacy for Lt. Governor. This proves to me that our education system in Arkansas has really went down the drain.
Mortiz also talks about Pritt's career as a Political Consultant, and attending college in Monticello. What Mortiz fails to report is that Pritt was kicked out of Monticello for public immortality. Also he has been guilty of stealing from the campaigns he has worked on. Including his own cousin's campaign fund. Charolette Pritt who ran for Secretary of State in West Virgina.
A picture of Pritt campaign rally is also posted on the Arkansas News Bureau. The rally takes place in a conference room which is empty. I think I could see four people in an attendence.
It puzzles me that reporters are taking up their time on a campaign that is drawing very little public support. But when reading an article about Drew Pritt, I do get a good laugh.
Mortiz also talks about Pritt's career as a Political Consultant, and attending college in Monticello. What Mortiz fails to report is that Pritt was kicked out of Monticello for public immortality. Also he has been guilty of stealing from the campaigns he has worked on. Including his own cousin's campaign fund. Charolette Pritt who ran for Secretary of State in West Virgina.
A picture of Pritt campaign rally is also posted on the Arkansas News Bureau. The rally takes place in a conference room which is empty. I think I could see four people in an attendence.
It puzzles me that reporters are taking up their time on a campaign that is drawing very little public support. But when reading an article about Drew Pritt, I do get a good laugh.
Saturday, February 11, 2006
My Memories of Johnny Eagles
The last two weeks I have been busy and have done very little writing. This is an article I wrote a few years ago about one of my boyhood heroes.
Wrestling in the 70’s was not as popular as it is today. Regional promoters who aired their shows through the local television stations controlled the business. Most of the Wrestlers were not nationally known, but they were still loved by the fans in their region.
One of these great Wrestlers of this era was a man named Johnny Eagles.
Eagles was good showman who added acrobatics to his technical skill. He was youthful looking man with long blond hair, an eagle tattooed on his chest, and black shiny boots with the letters J.E. on them.
The first time I saw him wrestle was 1972 in Monroe Louisiana, against a long curly headed Cuban called Gypsy Joe Roserio. Johnny’s flips and high flying had Gypsy Joe in total confusion. It was not long until Johnny pinned him for the three count. After the match I got my pen and program and headed for the arena floor. As I was giving him my program to sign, a teen-age girl shoved me away so he could sign her hand. The kids would literally mob him when he would enter and exist the ring.
The next time I saw Johnny Eagles fight was the next year at the rodeo grounds in Famerville Louisiana. This time he was fighting, Louisiana State Champion, Tiger Don Duffy in a non title match. When Johnny was being introduce some fans were yelling," Hey Johnny ! Take off that wig."
The Announcer even introduced him as Gina Eagles. "Oh I am sorry," he said smiling, " I mean Johnny Eagles."
Johnny just laughed at the whole ordeal. But the moment the bell rung Johnny turned a flip, push Duffy to the floor and quickly pinned to the count of three. However like many of the 70’s bouts, this match was the best two rounds out of three. Fan were yelling, "Johnny do it again! Johnny do it again!"
Johnny shook his head but Duffy was not caught off guard the second round. Duffy won the second round despite his crying from being confused with Johnny’s tricks. One of my buddies stared yelling, "Don Duffy is a cry baby!" Everyone began to laugh. Duffy lost the third round and left the Rodeo ground a little embarrassed. Being the Champion of that state and losing the way he did was probably humiliating.
Eagles went to his station wagon which was parked behind our seats. Once again kids mobbed him. My little brother went up to him and said. "Hello Johnny Eagles."
"And hello to you little boy," he said as he rubbed my brother’s head.
Four years later I was living in Houston Texas where some of the top stars would perform. And one night when I attended, Johnny Eagles was making a debut in Houston. I was really excited about seeing one of my old Heroes.
When Johnny got into the ring, he went up against Rocky Johnson (Father of WWF star, "The Rock"). He used none of his acrobatics or his wrestling skills. All he did was take a beating like he gave Gypsy Joe years earlier. The personality of Johnny seemed to change also. When he was introduced the fans began booing. I could tell by the look on his face he did not like the role of the bad guy. It really seem to hurt him when the fans did not approve of him. But a few fans did hand him their programs and he autographed them.
Later that night I noticed he was sitting by himself at the entrance of the locker room. He no longer had his youthful appearance. Instead he looked old and tired.
I remember my dad telling me on the way home, "I guess Johnny is past his peak."
" Boy I couldn’t believe it," I said. "Johnny did not even wrestle or attempt to do any of his tricks."
I never heard of Johnny after his short tenure in Houston. The other day as I was playing on the internet I discovered he died in 1999 at the age of 64. To my surprise, his real name was Roy Boyd. If Johnny would had been young enough to wrestle in today’s mega media organizations, I believe he would have been a highly paid star. Today wrestling fans have missed a lot by not seeing this talented athlete perform.
Wrestling in the 70’s was not as popular as it is today. Regional promoters who aired their shows through the local television stations controlled the business. Most of the Wrestlers were not nationally known, but they were still loved by the fans in their region.
One of these great Wrestlers of this era was a man named Johnny Eagles.
Eagles was good showman who added acrobatics to his technical skill. He was youthful looking man with long blond hair, an eagle tattooed on his chest, and black shiny boots with the letters J.E. on them.
The first time I saw him wrestle was 1972 in Monroe Louisiana, against a long curly headed Cuban called Gypsy Joe Roserio. Johnny’s flips and high flying had Gypsy Joe in total confusion. It was not long until Johnny pinned him for the three count. After the match I got my pen and program and headed for the arena floor. As I was giving him my program to sign, a teen-age girl shoved me away so he could sign her hand. The kids would literally mob him when he would enter and exist the ring.
The next time I saw Johnny Eagles fight was the next year at the rodeo grounds in Famerville Louisiana. This time he was fighting, Louisiana State Champion, Tiger Don Duffy in a non title match. When Johnny was being introduce some fans were yelling," Hey Johnny ! Take off that wig."
The Announcer even introduced him as Gina Eagles. "Oh I am sorry," he said smiling, " I mean Johnny Eagles."
Johnny just laughed at the whole ordeal. But the moment the bell rung Johnny turned a flip, push Duffy to the floor and quickly pinned to the count of three. However like many of the 70’s bouts, this match was the best two rounds out of three. Fan were yelling, "Johnny do it again! Johnny do it again!"
Johnny shook his head but Duffy was not caught off guard the second round. Duffy won the second round despite his crying from being confused with Johnny’s tricks. One of my buddies stared yelling, "Don Duffy is a cry baby!" Everyone began to laugh. Duffy lost the third round and left the Rodeo ground a little embarrassed. Being the Champion of that state and losing the way he did was probably humiliating.
Eagles went to his station wagon which was parked behind our seats. Once again kids mobbed him. My little brother went up to him and said. "Hello Johnny Eagles."
"And hello to you little boy," he said as he rubbed my brother’s head.
Four years later I was living in Houston Texas where some of the top stars would perform. And one night when I attended, Johnny Eagles was making a debut in Houston. I was really excited about seeing one of my old Heroes.
When Johnny got into the ring, he went up against Rocky Johnson (Father of WWF star, "The Rock"). He used none of his acrobatics or his wrestling skills. All he did was take a beating like he gave Gypsy Joe years earlier. The personality of Johnny seemed to change also. When he was introduced the fans began booing. I could tell by the look on his face he did not like the role of the bad guy. It really seem to hurt him when the fans did not approve of him. But a few fans did hand him their programs and he autographed them.
Later that night I noticed he was sitting by himself at the entrance of the locker room. He no longer had his youthful appearance. Instead he looked old and tired.
I remember my dad telling me on the way home, "I guess Johnny is past his peak."
" Boy I couldn’t believe it," I said. "Johnny did not even wrestle or attempt to do any of his tricks."
I never heard of Johnny after his short tenure in Houston. The other day as I was playing on the internet I discovered he died in 1999 at the age of 64. To my surprise, his real name was Roy Boyd. If Johnny would had been young enough to wrestle in today’s mega media organizations, I believe he would have been a highly paid star. Today wrestling fans have missed a lot by not seeing this talented athlete perform.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
