the high priest of the Jews when the ark was in Shiloh. He was the first high priest of the line of Ithamar, Aaron's youngest son. Eli also acted as regent or civil judge of Israel after the death of Samson; this function devolving on the high priest in the absence of any person specially appointed to deliver and govern Israel. He is said to have judged Israel forty years; the Septuagint makes it twenty. The longer period probably comprehends the whole period of his administration both as high priest and judge.

Eli seems to have been a religious man, but having failed to repress the conduct of his sons, Hophni and Phinehas, the judgment of God was at length denounced upon his house, through the young Samuel. During an inroad of the Philistines the ark of God was captured, and Eli when he heard the news fell heavily from his seat and died. The ultimate doom upon Eli's house was accomplished when Solomon removed Abiathar (the last high priest of this line) from his office, and restored the line of Eleazar in the person of Zadok.