A fine art photographer, Eli Samuel seeks to capture the deep emotions etched upon his subjects’ faces, their captivating stories that emanate from their eyes and the exquisite textures of their diverse skins. His photographs serve as a heartfelt ode to the human body, unveiling its resplendent allure and intricate complexities.
According to the Bible, Samuel was born to a barren woman named Hannah. She was fervently praying for a child, and God heard her. He answered her prayers and Hannah gave birth to a son whom she dedicated to God at the shrine of Shiloh. She called him Samuel, a name that means “the Lord hears.”
Samuel grew up in a highly religious environment and was a model student. One day a man of God came to Shiloh to deliver a stern message. It was a warning against Eli’s sons, Hophni and Phinehas, who were behaving wickedly. They were taking for themselves the prime cuts of meat from the sacrifices that were offered through them, and they were having sex with the women who served at the entrance of the sanctuary.
Although Eli chastised his sons, they did not repent. As a result, he received a stern warning in the form of a visit from a man of God and he was told that his sons will die that very night, and that the priesthood will pass on to another family.
Hophni and Phinehas were indeed killed that night as the Philistines crushed the Israelites at the battle of Aphek. The ark of the covenant was captured by the Philistines, and Eli’s sons were among the casualties.
Eli died soon afterwards. His grandson, Ichabod, was named for his calamitous circumstances. The meaning of the name reflects a loss of prestige for the shrine of Shiloh, which had once been considered the most important temple in all Israel.
The story of the life of Samuel is intricately intertwined with the saga of Saul, who became the first king of the kingdom of Israel. In Samaritan tradition, Samuel’s protege later anointed David, a Judahite, as the first king of the kingdom of Judea and Israel.
The story of Samuel is a study in contrasting good and evil. Despite his personal righteousness, Eli is unable to control the sins of his sons and thus forfeits the blessing that God had intended for himself and his family. He is succeeded by a new high priest and judge, whose reign is plagued with defeat and death. Ultimately, the entire house of Eli falls into disrepute. Eli Samuel