Quote:
Originally Posted by Felicity
I'm not really sure exactly where the term came from but I just had a flash of inspiration ...  .... concerning Eli who was a priest and had two sons who were called the sons of Belial by Samuel and were very evil men. God sent judgment as a result of Eli not restraining his sons as their father but also in his role as priest.
So I'm thinking this could be part of where this "priest of your home" thing came from in regard to the responsibility a husband and father carries in the home.
I've heard the expression long as I can remember and have used it too, but it was just always used in conjunction with the understanding that the husband was to be a spiritual leader in his home.
Here's the scripture reference to Eli and his sons .....
1 Sa 3:12 In that day I will perform against Eli all things which I have spoken concerning his house: when I begin, I will also make an end.
1Sa 3:13 For I have told him that I will judge his house for ever for the iniquity which he knoweth; because his sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not.
1 Sam. 4:17 And the messenger answered and said, Israel is fled before the Philistines, and there hath been also a great slaughter among the people, and thy two sons also, Hophni and Phinehas, are dead, and the ark of God is taken.
1Sa 4:18 And it came to pass, when he made mention of the ark of God, that he fell from off the seat backward by the side of the gate, and his neck brake, and he died: for he was an old man, and heavy. And he had judged Israel forty years. |
Felicity,
In this case I would then apply the term only to ministry fathers...because they are not only the father/spiritual leader, but also the priest in position of Pastor. This would correlate to the position of ELI as the father of the two sons as well as being the Priest.
This is an excellent thought - thank-you for bringing it up.
Blessings, Rhoni