Observation

This question was popular among the candidates. However, some candidates went astray by emphasising on the discussion that transpired between Eli and Samuel. After candidates must have pointed out the sins of Eli's children and his failure to stop his children from their sinful acts, candidates were expected to point out the effects of incident to Israel as outlined below:

i. God sent the Philistines to fight Israel and Israel was defeated by Philistia

ii. About three thousand Israelites died in the war

iii. The Ark of covenant was also captured by the Philistines.

iv. The two sons of Eli were also killed

v. Eli died when he heard that his two sons were dead and the Ark was also captured

vi. When Phinehas' wife who was pregnant heard of the death of her husband and the father-in-law, she gave birth prematurely and later died

vii. The child was called "Ichabod" meaning the glory has departed from Israel

viii. The priestly position of Eli's family was taken away, and given to Samuel.

The (b) Part was less challenging to some of the candidates in that they were able to answer the questions well. However, majority of the candidates were blaming Eli for the deeds of his sons instead of drawing out some of the lessons that can be learnt from Eli's attitude. Some of the peculiar lessons parents can learn include;

i. Parents should inculcate into their children the fear of God. E.g. Bible studies etc.

ii. Parents should train children to acquire good moral values/ they should be role models.

iii. Disobedience to the Lord's commandments leads to severe punishment.

iv. Parents should be stern on children who go astray they should not be afraid to reprimand their children.

v. They should take interest in the affairs of their children. E.g. relationships, pastimes, hobbies, education and aspirations.

vi. They should reward and encourage good behavior.

vii. Parents should be good friends of their wards.