Eli

Ee´li; Heb., “God is exalted”

A judge of Israel (1Sam 4:18) and a priest in Shiloh, where the Ark was located during the period of the judges. On observing Hannah praying silently for children, he first thought she was drunk, but then assured her that her prayer would be fulfilled. Samuel, the offspring of this promise, was later brought to Shiloh, where he was devoted to divine service and subsequently succeeded Eli, whose sons, Hophni and Phinehas, were both wicked.