Though Eli rebuked his sons for their offences, he acted very leniently. He should have brought his sons before the civil authorities to answer for their crimes (see Deuteronomy 21:18–21).1 At the very least they should have been defrocked or expelled from office.2 But instead there was no consequence for their actions, except his words. In allowing his sons to continue as they please Eli honoured them above the Lord (see Matthew 10:37).3 There is also a suggestion in the Hebrew that Eli enjoyed some of the food which his sons took from the people.4 His and their actions are particularly heinous given the privileges which they enjoyed in serving as priests before God.
29 Why then do you scorn my sacrifices and my offerings that I commanded for my dwelling, and honor your sons above me by fattening yourselves on the choicest parts of every offering of my people Israel?’