The answer is: He fell off his chair

1 Samuel 4:18

Eli's death is certainly a dramatic moment in the narrative of 1 Samuel, symbolizing profound themes of loss and accountability within the Israelite community. Eli, a priest and judge, is depicted as a man who, despite holding a significant role, struggles tremendously with a lack of oversight regarding his own family, specifically his sons Hophni and Phinehas, who disgrace their priestly duties.

When news comes that the Ark of the Covenant was captured by the Philistines, this represented a monumental crisis because the Ark symbolized God’s presence among the Israelites. The Philistines took not just an object, but the heart of Israelite faith. Eli's response, upon hearing this devastating news, is one of physical collapse—he falls backward from his seat and dies, not just from the shock, but most likely also from the weight of his own failures weighing upon him. It's a striking moment when the actions of a leader reverberate throughout a community.

Interestingly, his death can be viewed in light of ancient customs related to trust and honor. A judiciary failure like Eli's would have hiring consequences in many cultures; failure in leadership often brings about downfall. Echoes from other parts of scripture, like Proverbs, talk about the themes of righteous actions leading to good consequences, shedding light on why Eli's demise was not just an isolated event, but rather a sign of a much larger spiritual crisis underway for Israel at that time. The phrase “falling off his chair” might seem humorous, but it is a serious symbol of his spiritual governance crumbling. Continuous reflection can offer lessons on the importance of healing and accountability—qualities necessary in all forms of leadership.