Commentary on 1 Samuel 2, part 2

Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial;
they knew not the Lord. 1 Sam 2:12

The next people in this chapter (see part 1) are Eli’s two sons, Hophni and Phineas. Like their father, they were Levite priests, descendants of Aaron through Ithamar. Since the offices were assigned by family the position of High Priest came to Eli, and would pass to one of his sons when he died. Knowing this, Eli was responsible for training his sons to fulfill the highest and most powerful position in the country. At that time, Israel did not yet have a King, and did not have a Judge to lead them.

Instead of being satisfied with their powerful position, Hophni and Phineas used their position for personal greed by forcing people to give their sacrifices to the priests instead of seeing them go to God, and they led women who came to worship into sexual immorality. This is not the kind of behavior that can be kept quiet; it was known to the people. And what did Eli do? Not much.

When Hophni and Phineas were young, Eli should have instructed them better. He should have taught them love and respect for God. And now that they are grown, Eli does not restrain them as he should. Eli is still the High Priest and he has authority. But his correction to them is weak. He asks them “Why do ye such things?”, but their greed is obvious, and asking why is pointless. There is no justification for what they do. Eli tells his sons that he knows what they do is wrong, but it is all weak talk and no action. Is it any wonder that the sons ignore Eli?