The Bible tells us that “the sons of Eli were sons of Belial (the devil); they knew not the Lord” (1 Samuel 2:12). Although Eli expressed his concerns to his sons’ about their behavior, it was not enough to restrain their evil ways.
Hophni and Phinehas were the officiating priests of the offerings and sacrifices under the jurisdiction of their father. They forcefully stole portions of what the people offered to God and fornicated with the woman who assembled at the door of the tabernacle (1 Samuel 2:16 and 22).No wonder God said they acted in a devilish way.
How could Eli be so insensitive to God to allow this to happen? It is amazing that the high priest of the tabernacle at Shiloh could possibly have such ungodly sons! There must have been something very wrong with Eli’s fathering. These two sons should never have been appointed into the ministry in the first place. The fact that they knew not the Lord implies that Eli had failed to father them in a way that would incline their hearts toward the knowledge of God.
I will continue this discussion tomorrow.
Be encouraged. Colin