Why was the Book of Eli removed from the Bible?
Introduction
The canonical Bible we use today does not contain all the books used as theological materials by Christians.
Certain books have been excluded before arriving at the 39 and 27 books of the Old and New Testaments, respectively, as we have them today, especially in protestant churches that use the King James Version.
The books removed from the canonical Bible are called apocryphal books.
These excluded books are believed to not be divinely inspired. So they lack authority in the church of God.
The apocryphal books are:
- The Prayer of Manasses
- The Second Book of Esdras
- The Book of Tobit
- The Epistle of Jeremiah
- The Book of Judith
- Additions to the Book of Esther
- The Book of Wisdom
- The Book of Sirach
- The Book of Baruch
- Additions to the Book of Daniel
- The Additional Psalm
- The First Book of Maccabees
- The Second Book of Maccabees
- The Third Book of Maccabees
- The Fourth Book of Maccabees
Notice that the Book of Eli is not on the list.
The Book of Eli was removed from the Bible because it was never part of the biblical canon in the first place.
It is a fictional concept popularized in the 2010 post-apocalyptic film “The Book of Eli.”
The film portrays a post-apocalyptic world where a man named Eli possesses the last known copy of the Bible and seeks to protect it.
While the film presents a fictional story with religious themes, it does not reflect historical events or decisions regarding the biblical canon.
The biblical canon
The biblical canon was formed through a complex historical process involving religious leaders and communities.
The books included in the biblical canon were chosen based on their perceived authorship, theological content, and acceptance within specific religious traditions.
The process of forming the biblical canon was complex and occurred over many centuries.
- Apostolic Authority: Early Christians valued books believed to have been written by the apostles or those closely associated with them. The direct connection to the apostolic era was an essential criterion for inclusion.
- Orthodox Teaching: Books consistent with the orthodox teachings and beliefs of the early Christian communities were more likely to be accepted into the canon. Doctrinal conformity and coherence with the existing body of literature played a significant role.
- Widely Recognized and Used: Books widely recognized and used in various Christian communities were considered more for inclusion. Widespread acceptance and usage indicated that the early believers deemed the books valuable and authoritative.
- Consistency with Existing Scripture: Compatibility with the existing scriptural texts, content, and theological themes, was an important criterion. The books needed to harmonize with the broader theological framework of the faith community.
- Inspiration and Divine Revelation: The belief that the books were inspired by God or contained divine revelation was crucial. The early Christians sought texts that conveyed God’s message to humanity.
- Tradition and Reception: The historical usage and reception of the books within the religious community played a significant role. Books consistently read, quoted, and regarded as authoritative by early Christian leaders and communities were more likely to be included.
Who was Eli in the Bible?
In the Bible, Eli was a high priest and judge of Israel who served during the period of the judges.
He is primarily mentioned in 1 Samuel, which describes the transition from the era of the judges to the establishment of the monarchy in Israel.
Eli is portrayed as a righteous and devout priest who served at the Tabernacle in Shiloh.
He gave Hannah the assuring word of God that she would have a child after he met her, saying a heartfelt prayer to God in the temple.
“Then Eli answered and said, “Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition which you have asked of Him.” (1 Samuel 1:17)
Eli is also known for his role as the mentor and guardian of the prophet Samuel.
Eli played a significant part in Samuel’s early life and spiritual development.
The highlight of his mentorship relationship with Samuel was when God called Samuel from his sleep to deliver a message, but he thought it was Eli calling him. However, being more experienced, Eli knew it was a divine call, so he told Samuel how to respond (1 Samuel 3).
However, Eli is also depicted as having shortcomings as a father and priest.
His two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, were corrupt and engaged in immoral behavior, disregarding their priestly duties. But Eli failed to discipline them effectively, even when God sent a direct warning to him about His impending judgment upon his house because of his son’s sins and Eli’s negligence in handling the issue.
Eli’s family eventually faced the wrath of God. Eli and his sons died the same day (1 Samuel 4:17–18).
Is there a Book of Eli?
Although Eli played a key role in raising Samuel, one of Israel’s greatest prophets and judges, no book was written by him or in his name in the Bible.
“The Book of Eli” is only a work of fiction featuring Hollywood star Denzel Washington. The post is set in a world that survived a nuclear holocaust.
It is also important to note that the movie is not based on any specific biblical narrative or historical events.
The film incorporates religious themes and symbolism but is not directly tied to religious texts or scripture.
In conclusion, to answer the question, why was The Book of Eli removed from the Bible? — it is simple — such a book doesn’t exist in The Old Testament or The New Testament since The Book of Eli is actually a film and is not part of the bible. This is a common misconception.
Lessons from the Life of Eli
Though there is no such book as the Book of Eli in the Bible, Eli’s story contains some significant lessons we can apply in the parental, spiritual, and relational areas of our lives.
Importance of faith and service
Eli lived an exemplary life regarding his faith and service to God.
He was a dedicated priest who was always carrying out his priestly activities.
In fact, it was his unwavering dedication to service that made him have little time to focus on his parental responsibilities with his children.
Eli strengthened the faith of Hannah, Samuel’s mum, when she went to pray for a child.
His simple statement when she desperately prayed for a child strengthened her faith.
“Then Eli answered and said, “Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition which you have asked of Him.” (1 Samuel 1:17)
He mentored Samuel into the great judge and prophet he became later in life. He taught him how to recognize God’s voice and obey it.
Parental responsibility
Eli is not given much credit concerning his two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, who turned out bad.
Although Eli’s nonchalant attitude towards God’s warning led to their death, he still did some commendable things as a parent.
Hophni and Phinehas were officiating priests in the temple.
They became that because of Eli’s mentorship and teachings.
Eli trained his children into young adults who served in God’s house, although they were terrible examples and evil.
This underscores the need to train the next generation diligently before handing them any sensitive position.
Parents must ensure they are fully involved in their children’s lives and understand their weaknesses.
Leaders or mentors must diligently train and transform their students and mentees before entrusting sensitive responsibilities to them.
Discipline and correction
What made God judge Eli’s household was not only because of the misdeeds of his sons but also his attitude toward God’s warning.
God told Samuel to warn Eli about His impending judgment, but Eli shrugged it away.
Then God said, “For I have told him that I will judge his house forever for the iniquity which he knows, because his sons made themselves vile, and he did not restrain them.” (1 Samuel 3:13)
Proverbs 13:24 says children not disciplined appropriately become spoilt.
This was Hophni and Phinehas’ situation.
Unfortunately, they died untimely for their sins and were unrepentant. But their punishment spilled on the whole of Israel. God’s Ark of Covenant was stolen the same day Eli and his family died.
The consequences of our actions might affect the innocent. Therefore, we must repent when we have the time to do so.
Listening to God’s voice
Another profound lesson in Eli’s story is why listening to God’s voice is crucial.
Eli seemed to be over-familiar with God, which made him ignore His warnings.
Most of us have become too used to God’s Word and His instructions, so we take Him for granted.
We forget that God is not only the gentle Lamb but also the Lion.
He is the consuming fire whose wrath melts the mountains and dries the oceans. Little sins like disobedience can have dire consequences. Therefore, we must keep ourselves holy and not deliberately sin to have Eli’s experience.
Consequences of neglect
God has given everyone responsibilities we must fulfill.
Eli’s responsibilities were his children and his priestly duties. No one was greater than the other.
They all had equal value and significance before God. However, Eli prioritized one more than the other, and he paid for it.
We all have been entrusted with more than one responsibility. But most importantly, God has given us the grace and capacity to juggle them without failing.
1 Thessalonians 5:24 says, “He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.”
God will help you if you are willing to do your bit.
Repentance and forgiveness
Another concept to consider in Eli’s story is repentance and forgiveness.
God will forgive us our sins if we are ready to repent.
All He needs from us is to acknowledge we are wrong, ask for mercy, and repent.
Eli did not do any of this.
He did not pray for forgiveness.
Instead, he said, “It is the Lord. Let Him do what seems good to Him” (1 Samuel 13:18).
This was why he was punished. God’s wrath and judgment are rolled away if we genuinely repent and turn away from sin.
Is the Book of Eli in the Bible: The implication of adding to God’s Word
We have already established that the Book of Eli never existed.
God’s Word warns about adding to the Bible and the punishment that follows it.
The Bible is sacred and must be treated as such.
Revelation 22:18-19 mentions the consequences of adding and removing from God’s Word, including suffering all the plagues recorded in the Bible and removal from the Book of Life.
Believers must ensure all we do are within the confines of the Bible to avert judgment.
Bible verses about adding to the Bible
“Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him. Do not add to His words, lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar.” (Proverbs 30:5-6)
“You shall not add to the word which I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you.” (Deuteronomy 4:2)
“Whatever I command you, be careful to observe it; you shall not add to it nor take away from it.” (Deuteronomy 12:32)
“For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.” (Revelation 22:18-19)
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David Akeju is a Christian writer who believes in the transformational power of God’s Word. His articles and books have been published on global platforms, and thousands of lives have been touched. He works with pastors and ministers, churches and ministries, and brands.