Eli

1 Samuel 4:18 - When he mentioned the ark of God, Eli fell backward off his chair by the side of the gate. His neck was broken and he died, for he was an old man and heavy. He had led Israel 40 years.

I wonder how Eli got to be leader of Israel. Many leaders (judges) were good, strong people, but not so with Eli -- at least not from what we're told. Eli had led Israel from about age 58. I wonder what event(s) led to the need for another judge. Perhaps it was the Philistines who invaded Israel -- the same people who were still causing trouble at the end of Eli's life.

I wonder how Eli's wicked sons got to be in such high positions in the priesthood. I wonder why there wasn't enough opposition to have them removed from office.

I wonder why Eli allowed the ark of God to be taken into battle -- only to be used like a good luck charm. He was obviously worried about what might happen to it, and his fears were confirmed when the messenger told him that the Philistines had captured it, won the battle, and killed his two sons.