XX (ascension ), a descendant of Aaron through Ithamar, the youngest of his two surviving sons. ( Leviticus 10:1 Leviticus 10:2 Leviticus 10:12 ) comp. 1Kin 2:27 with 2Sam 8:17; 1Chr 24:3 (B.C. 1214-1116.) he was the first of the line of Ithamar who held the office of high priest. The office remained in his family till Abiathar was thrust out by Solomon, ( 1 Kings 1:7 ; 1 Kings 2:26 1 Kings 2:27 ) when it passed back again to the family of Eleazar int he person of Zadok. ( 1 Kings 2:35 ) Its return to the elder branch was one part of the punishment which had been denounced against Eli during his lifetime, for his culpable negligence. ( 1 Samuel 2:22-25 ) when his sons profaned the priesthood; comp. ( 1 Samuel 2:27-36 ) with 1Kin 2:27 Notwithstanding this one great blemish, the character of Eli is marked by eminent piety, as shown by his meek submission to the divine judgment, ( 1 Samuel 3:18 ) and his supreme regard for the ark of God. ( 1 Samuel 4:18 ) In addition to the office of high priest he held that of judge. He died at the advanced age of 98 years, ( 1 Samuel 4:18 ) In addition to the office of high priest he held that of judge. He died at the advanced age of 98 years, ( 1 Samuel 4:18 ) overcome by the disastrous intelligence that the ark of God had been taken in battle by the Philistines, who had also slain his sons Hophni and Phinehas.