The answer is: He fell off his chair

1 Samuel 4:18

Eli's death in 1 Samuel is both poignant and a significant moment in biblical history. Picture this: an aging high priest, overwhelmed by the news of a staggering defeat in battle and the loss of the sacred Ark of the Covenant, meets his fate when he falls backward off his chair. This isn't just a physical tumble but symbolizes the collapse of spiritual leadership in Israel during a time when the moral fabric was fraying.

Eli's final act of falling off his chair serves as a striking metaphor for his inability to guide his sons Samuel and Hophni, who led Israel astray. His failure to restrain them is highlighted earlier in the narrative, underlining a reminder to train up future generations wisely. In some ways, Eli’s story serves as a caution against complacency in family and spiritual duties.

This tale reflects ancient practices and beliefs, evoking the reverence associated with handling the Ark—a solid connection to the Divine—a connection Eli failed to navigate adequately. Interestingly, some biblical scholars touch upon the deeper irony in Eli's later rebuke of his sons juxtaposed against his admission that evil had overtaken his house.

Finally, Eli's age at his death was estimated to be around 98. Ancient historians note that priests led remarkably long lives, yet Eli’s fate compels us to ponder the consequences of neglecting responsibilities. The story encourages a deep examination of leadership roles, both religious and familial, reminding us that how we tend those roles often bears eternal significance.