16
If the man said to the servant, "First let the fat be burned, then take as much as you want," the servant would say to him, "Give it to me now, or I'll take it by force."
17
The sin of Eli's sons was a serious matter to the LORD, because these men were treating the offerings made to the LORD with contempt.
18
Meanwhile, Samuel continued to serve in front of the LORD. As a boy he was [already] wearing a linen ephod.
19
His mother would make him a robe and bring it to him every year when she went with her husband to offer the annual sacrifice.
20
Eli would bless Elkanah (and his wife) and say, "May the LORD give you children from this woman in place of the one which she has given to the LORD." Then they would go home.
21
The LORD came to Hannah. She became pregnant [five times] and had three sons and two daughters. Meanwhile, the boy Samuel grew up in front of the LORD.
22
Now, Eli was very old, and he had heard everything that his sons were doing to all Israel and that they were sleeping with the women who served at the gate of the tent of meeting.
23
So he asked them, "Why are you doing such things? I hear about your wicked ways from all these people.
24
Sons, the report that I hear the people of the LORD spreading isn't good!
25
If one person sins against another, God will take care of him. However, when a person sins against the LORD, who will pray for him?" But they wouldn't listen to their father's warning--the LORD wanted to kill them.
26
The boy Samuel continued to grow and gained the favor of the LORD and the people.