Prophecy Against the House of Eli: The result of the behavior of Eli’s family is set out in the long prophecy given by this unknown man of God. First, the calling of Eli’s family is outlined. God had selected their ancestor out of all the tribes of Israel to be his priest and to carry out all the priestly functions, providing them with the necessary means to do so. But they, and Eli is included alongside his sons, had shown scorn for God’s regulations. Maybe Eli had been unable to resist eating the delicacies prepared from the meat his sons had provided. By eating the portion assigned to God, Eli had aligned himself with his sons’ sin, and the ongoing prophecy, although involving the sons, is directed primarily to Eli.

2:27–36 There had been a promise of ministry forever for Eli’s family, b…