Judge Eli (High Priest)

Eli served as both high priest and judge of Israel for about 40 years, but his story is told in the Book of 1 Samuel, not in Judges. He oversaw the sanctuary at Shiloh and mentored the young prophet Samuel. Eli is portrayed as personally devout and respectful toward God, especially in how he accepts divine judgment against his family.

However, his major failure was not restraining his sons, Hophni and Phinehas, who abused their priestly roles and acted corruptly. Because of this, God pronounces judgment on Eli’s house, and both sons die in battle when the Ark is captured by the Philistines. Upon hearing the news, Eli falls backward, breaks his neck, and dies—marking the tragic end of his leadership.