Question 1

Who were Eli’s sons, and why are they called sons of Belial?

Accepted Answer

Eli’s sons were priests serving at the tabernacle in Shiloh. Even though their father was the high priest, the passage calls them “sons of Belial,” meaning they were wicked and worthless in their behavior. They “knew not the Lord,” not in the sense of never hearing about him, but in that they had no fear of God in their hearts. Their lives did not match their holy office. They used their position for greed and sexual sin, so the text marks them as deeply corrupt men instead of true servants of God.

Question 2

What did Eli’s sons do wrong with the offerings of the Lord?

Accepted Answer

Eli’s sons twisted God’s instructions about sacrifices. When people brought their offerings, their servant came with a three‑toothed hook and took whatever meat he could pull out of the pot, not just what the law allowed. They also demanded raw meat before the fat was burned for God, even threatening to take it by force. This put their own appetite first and treated holy things like common food. Because of this abuse, people began to hate bringing offerings, and the sin of these young men was very great before the Lord.

Question 3

Why did men begin to abhor the offering of the Lord in this passage?

Accepted Answer

People began to abhor, or hate, the offering of the Lord because of how Eli’s sons behaved. The sacrifices themselves were good and given by God, but the priests were greedy, rough, and disrespectful. They grabbed more meat than they should, ignored God’s order for the sacrifice, and even used threats. Later we also learn of their sexual sin at the tabernacle. All this made worship feel dirty and unfair. Instead of drawing people to God, their conduct pushed people away and turned something holy into something burdensome.

Question 4

How is Samuel’s service different from the behavior of Eli’s sons?

Accepted Answer

Samuel’s life is the quiet opposite of Eli’s sons. While they abuse their priestly role, Samuel, still a child, “ministered before the Lord” with a simple linen ephod, doing his small tasks faithfully. His mother visits each year with a little coat, showing loving support. The passage says he “grew before the Lord” and later that he grew in favor with both God and people. So, in the same corrupt place, one group uses worship for selfish gain, while one boy serves God sincerely and keeps growing spiritually.

Question 5

What does Eli mean when he says, if a man sin against the LORD, who shall intreat for him?

Accepted Answer

Eli is warning his sons that their sins are especially serious. If one person wrongs another, there are human judges and ways to make things right. But when someone sins directly against the Lord in holy things, especially as a priest, there is no higher court to appeal to. Eli is saying they are playing with fire by treating God’s worship lightly. Sadly, his warning is too soft and too late, and they do not listen. The passage then explains that their hard hearts show that God’s judgment is already set against them.

Question 6

Why did Eli’s sons not listen to their father’s warning?

Accepted Answer

The passage says they did not listen to the voice of their father, because the Lord would slay them. This shows that their refusal to repent was not just stubbornness, but also a sign that judgment was coming. They had long abused their office, harmed the people, and despised God’s offerings. God allowed them to continue in that hardness as part of their punishment. It is a sober reminder that if people keep resisting God, there may come a point when he gives them over to their chosen path.

Question 7

What does this passage show about parenting and spiritual leadership?

Accepted Answer

The story puts two families side by side. Hannah and Elkanah keep their promises to God, visit the tabernacle regularly, and care for Samuel even while he serves there. God blesses them with more children. Eli, on the other hand, knows about his sons’ sins for a long time and only gives a mild rebuke when the scandal is public. He speaks, but he does not act with firmness. The passage shows that parents and leaders should not be passive about known sin, especially when it harms others and dishonors God’s name.

Question 8

What does this passage teach about God’s character and response to corruption?

Accepted Answer

Here we see that God takes sin in worship and leadership very seriously. Eli’s sons treat holy offerings like a way to satisfy their greed and lust, and God calls their sin very great. He does not overlook what happens in his house. At the same time, we also see God’s kindness. He blesses Hannah with more children and lets Samuel grow in his presence and in favor with people. So, while God judges corrupt leaders, he can still raise up faithful servants and quietly bless those who honor him.

Question 9

How can believers today apply the contrast between Eli’s sons and Samuel?

Accepted Answer

The contrast invites each of us to ask what kind of servant we are. Eli’s sons show how easy it is to use religious roles for personal gain and to harm others. Samuel shows that even in a messy, corrupt setting, a person can still serve God simply and honestly. Today, this means not letting the failures of leaders push us away from God, but also not ignoring sin in leadership. It encourages us to be faithful in small duties, to respect what is holy, and to keep growing before the Lord, whatever others are doing.

1 Samuel 2:12

¶ Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial; they knew not the Lord.

Eli’s Wicked Sons

The Sin of Eli’s Sons

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1 Samuel 2:12

¶ Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial; they knew not the Lord.

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Eli’s Wicked Sons

The Sin of Eli’s Sons

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