“Then the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Behold, I am about to do a thing in Israel at which the two ears of everyone who hears it will tingle. On that day I will fulfill against Eli all that I have spoken concerning his house, from beginning to end. And I declare to him that I am about to punish his house forever, for the iniquity that he knew, because his sons were blaspheming God, and he did not restrain them. Therefore I swear to the house of Eli that the iniquity of Eli’s house shall not be atoned for by sacrifice or offering forever.’”

More than a few things could be said about this text, but note especially the responsibility one has as the leader of one’s house. Eli is never said to have blasphemed the Lord. Only his sons. But as the leader of his house (and the priesthood) Eli is held responsible for such blaspheming. “He who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.” So Eli has sinned time and again by enduring the sins of his sons rather than adequately dealing with them both.

If their is a problem in my home and the Lord comes to my house, no matter who answers the door, He will ask for me. Not because the woman (wife, mother) is inferior, but simple because the Lord has called men to lead and to be responsible for everyone under their charge. Men ought to tremble at such a reality and to recognize how diligent they must be to faithfully lead their wife and children in the knowledge of the Lord and obedience to Him.

Men must recognize that their influence over the home is so great that any issue found within it ends up being a reflection of an issue of their own.