1 Samuel 2:11-36

“Now the sons of Eli were worthless men. They did not know the LORD” (v12).  Just as Hannah proclaimed in her prophetic message (v1-11), God judges the actions of individuals, exalting the humble and casting down the mighty.  Eli’s sons were priests who abused their position of privilege and trust in the community.  They were forcibly taking more than their share of sacrificial food, and they were sexually involved with (likely abusing) the serving women (v22).  A “man of God” prophesied the deaths of these corrupt priests (v34).

“The sin of the young men was very great in the sight of the Lord” (v17).  God judges those who abuse their power (v8), and He calls us to follow His heart.