1 Samuel 1, 2

Hophni and Phinehas, Eli’s sons, were scoundrels. Eli had failed at raising them. They defiled the Lord’s altar by seducing female worshipers and corruptly taking the prime selections of meat offered for themselves. They were good at using the priesthood as an opportunity to advance themselves. (Sadly, this practice still happens TODAY in churches)

Eli paid a dear price for neglecting to raise his sons properly. His whole family in essence was cursed by God. Samuel was raised up by God to become what Eli’s sons had failed at.

Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. [Pr. 22:6]