16
If the man objected, "First let the fat be burned - God's portion! - then take all you want," the servant would demand, "No, I want it now. If you won't give it, I'll take it."
17
It was a horrible sin these young servants were committing - and right in the presence of God! - desecrating the holy offerings to God.
18
In the midst of all this, Samuel, a boy dressed in a priestly linen tunic, served God.
19
Additionally, every year his mother would make him a little robe cut to his size and bring it to him when she and her husband came for the annual sacrifice.
20
Eli would bless Elkanah and his wife, saying, "God give you children to replace this child you have dedicated to God." Then they would go home.
21
God was most especially kind to Hannah. She had three more sons and two daughters! The boy Samuel stayed at the sanctuary and grew up with God. A Hard Life with Many Tears
22
By this time Eli was very old. He kept getting reports on how his sons were ripping off the people and sleeping with the women who helped out at the sanctuary.
23
Eli took them to task: "What's going on here? Why are you doing these things? I hear story after story of your corrupt and evil carrying on.
24
Oh, my sons, this is not right! These are terrible reports I'm getting, stories spreading right and left among God's people!
25
If you sin against another person, there's help - God's help. But if you sin against God, who is around to help?"
26
But the boy Samuel was very much alive, growing up, blessed by God and popular with the people.