Eli was the high priest of Israel. He was a good man, but his two sons were a different story: they were “worthless men” who “did not know the Lord” — that is, they did not respect God’s authority (1 Samuel 2:12). Eli’s sons abused their position as priests for selfish gain, showed disregard for the sacrifices they administered, and even used the women who served outside the tabernacle for their own sexual pleasure (verses 12-17, 22).
Eventually a word came from the Lord: “I am about to judge [Eli’s] house forever…