JAMB CRS Note -Parental Responsibility

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• (a) Eli and Samuel
• (b) David
• (c) Asa
• Candidates Should Be Able To:
  • • i. Determine the Extent to Which Eli, Samuel, and David Were Responsible for the Shortcomings of Their Children:
    • ii. Describe How Asa Pleased God:

Introduction

Parental responsibility is a significant theme in the Bible, highlighting the importance of parents guiding, nurturing, and disciplining their children in the ways of the Lord. Various biblical characters, including Eli, Samuel, David, and Asa, provide different examples of parental responsibility. Their actions toward their children and their children’s outcomes offer lessons on the consequences of proper and improper parenting. In this note, we will explore the responsibilities of Eli, Samuel, David, and Asa as parents and evaluate their impact on their children.

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(a) Eli and Samuel

1. Eli: Eli was a high priest and judge in Israel. Despite his high position, Eli failed to adequately manage his responsibilities as a parent, particularly with his sons, Hophni and Phinehas.
   • Scriptural Reference: 1 Samuel 2:11-36; 3:2-18; 4:10-22; 8:15
   • Eli’s sons were corrupt and engaged in sinful activities, such as stealing offerings from the people and engaging in immoral acts at the temple (1 Samuel 2:12-17). Although Eli admonished his sons, he did not take the necessary steps to discipline them or remove them from their positions of authority, allowing them to continue in their sinful ways.
   • Parental Responsibility: Eli’s failure to properly discipline his children led to dire consequences for his family and Israel. God punished Eli and his household, and his sons died in battle (1 Samuel 4:10-22). Eli’s example shows that while admonishment is important, it must be backed by action, especially when a child’s behavior threatens spiritual and communal well-being.
2. Samuel: Samuel, a prophet of God, was a contrast to Eli in terms of his personal devotion and commitment to God. However, his sons, Joel and Abijah, did not follow in his righteous footsteps.
   • Scriptural Reference: 1 Samuel 8:15
   • Samuel appointed his sons as judges over Israel, but they became corrupt, accepting bribes and perverting justice (1 Samuel 8:1-3). Samuel did rebuke them, but like Eli, he did not take decisive action to remove them from their positions, which led to the people of Israel demanding a king instead of continuing under Samuel’s leadership.
   • Parental Responsibility: Samuel’s failure to correct his sons, despite his own righteousness, highlights the need for active, involved parenting. He was held responsible for not providing a clear example of godly leadership in his household. This shows that parental responsibility is not only about personal behavior but also about ensuring that children are raised in the fear of the Lord.
   Extent of Responsibility for Shortcomings: Eli and Samuel were both responsible for their children’s shortcomings. While both men were righteous, they failed to discipline their children properly or take steps to prevent their corruption. Eli’s failure was more severe, as he allowed his sons to continue their corrupt actions, leading to the destruction of his family. Samuel’s failure, though significant, led to the people’s request for a king, but did not result in a complete breakdown of Israel’s leadership.

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(b) David

David is one of the most well-known figures in the Bible, both for his deep relationship with God and his significant failings as a father. David’s relationship with his children was complicated, and several instances show his shortcomings in parenting.

1. Absalom: One of David’s most tragic fathering failures was with his son Absalom, who eventually rebelled against him and sought to take the throne (2 Samuel 13, 15:1-29). David’s failure to address the violence committed by Amnon (Absalom’s brother) against Tamar (Absalom’s sister) allowed the bitterness and resentment in Absalom to grow. This eventually led to Absalom’s rebellion and death.
   • Scriptural Reference: 2 Samuel 13, 15:1-29
   • David failed to provide clear discipline for Absalom after the murder of his brother Amnon, resulting in Absalom fleeing and becoming estranged from David. When Absalom later rebelled, David was deeply grieved, but he was also complicit in allowing the issues in his family to escalate without proper intervention.
2. Adonijah: Another of David’s sons, Adonijah, attempted to usurp the throne when David was old and near death (1 Kings 1:5-10). David did not act promptly to establish Solomon as his successor, which allowed Adonijah to rebel.
   • Scriptural Reference: 1 Kings 1:5-10
   • David’s failure to publicly declare Solomon as his successor led to instability within the royal family. Adonijah’s rebellion was a result of David’s lack of proper leadership in his family, particularly in his latter years.
3. Solomon: Solomon, David’s chosen successor, eventually became king. While Solomon was known for his wisdom, his reign was also marked by the negative influence of foreign wives, who turned his heart away from God (1 Kings 11:1-8). David’s failure to address these issues with Solomon earlier may have played a role in his son’s eventual downfall.
   • Scriptural Reference: 1 Kings 11:1-8
   • David’s failure to give Solomon the proper spiritual foundation and guidance contributed to Solomon’s spiritual decline in his later years.
   Extent of Responsibility for Shortcomings: David, as a father, had significant responsibility for the failings of his children. While his relationship with God was strong, he failed to provide adequate discipline and leadership for his children, which led to rebellion and division within his household. His failures in parenting had profound consequences for his family and for Israel.

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(c) Asa

Asa was one of the kings of Judah, and his reign is marked by his desire to please God and lead Judah into spiritual reform. His actions stand in stark contrast to the failures of Eli, Samuel, and David as parents.

1. Scriptural Reference: 1 Kings 15:9-15; 22:41-44; Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Proverbs 4:1-10; 13:1; 24:22:6; 23:13-14; 31:10-31
   • Asa pleased God by removing idols from the land, restoring proper worship, and encouraging the people of Judah to follow the Lord (1 Kings 15:9-15). He also sought the help of the Lord during times of war and relied on God’s guidance.
2. Spiritual Leadership: Asa’s leadership was characterized by his personal devotion to God and his efforts to lead his people in righteousness. He not only removed idols from Judah but also encouraged his people to observe the law of God. His reforms included the removal of idol worship and the restoration of proper worship in the temple.
3. Parental Responsibility: Asa’s desire to please God extended to his role as a parent. While the Bible does not give much detail about Asa’s direct relationship with his children, his personal devotion to God would have influenced his household. His commitment to maintaining the worship of the true God would have set an example for his children to follow.
   • God’s Approval: Asa pleased God with his reforms and obedience to divine commands. His reign was characterized by peace and prosperity, and he received God’s blessing for his faithfulness.

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Candidates Should Be Able To:

i. Determine the Extent to Which Eli, Samuel, and David Were Responsible for the Shortcomings of Their Children:

• Eli: Eli was largely responsible for the moral and spiritual failure of his sons. His failure to discipline them effectively resulted in their corruption and ultimately their death.
• Samuel: Samuel, though a righteous man, was responsible for the shortcomings of his sons, who failed to follow his godly example. Samuel’s failure to act decisively in removing his sons from positions of authority led to a crisis in leadership in Israel.
• David: David’s failure to properly discipline and guide his children contributed to their moral and spiritual decline. His lack of intervention in key moments led to rebellion, division, and violence within his family.

ii. Describe How Asa Pleased God:

• Asa pleased God by his efforts to purify Judah and restore proper worship. His reforms involved the removal of idols, encouragement of the people to follow the law of God, and reliance on God’s help during times of crisis. Asa’s personal devotion to God and his desire for spiritual purity in his kingdom earned him God’s approval and blessings.

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In summary, the biblical examples of Eli, Samuel, David, and Asa show the importance of parental responsibility in both the physical and spiritual upbringing of children. While Eli and Samuel failed to address their children’s shortcomings adequately, David’s failures led to major family divisions. In contrast, Asa demonstrated how a godly leader and father could lead by example and influence his people, including his children, to follow God’s ways. These examples highlight the deep responsibility that parents bear in shaping the future of their children and their nations.