1st Samuel 2:16 And if any man said unto him, Let them not fail to burn the fat presently, and then take as much as thy soul desires; then he would answer him, Nay; but thou shalt give it me now: and if not, I will take it by force. 17 Wherefore the sin of the young men was very great before the Lord: for men abhorred the offering of the Lord.
[Patriarchs & Prophets pp 579] When parents regard every wish of their children and indulge them in what they know is not for their good, the children soon lose all respect for their parents, all regard for the authority of God or man, and are led captive at the will of Satan.
Because of Eli's position, his influence was more extended than if he had been an ordinary man. His family life was imitated throughout Israel. The baleful results of his negligent, ease-loving ways were seen in thousands of homes that were molded by his example.
Thus, the inevitable ripple effect was that most of the people gradually stopped going to church, with the exception of this one man and his family, who decided to not forsake the assembly of God. Even if the virus of wickedness by Eli’s sons, caused the majority to abandon the sanctuary services, yet, Elkanah and his household would still go. The pews would be empty, but they would still go, because God says to go.
1st Samuel 2: 22 Now Eli was very old, and heard all that his sons did unto all Israel; and how they lay with the women that assembled at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. 23 And he said unto them, Why do ye such things? for I hear of your evil dealings by all this people.
May The Lord add His blessing to the study of His word. God bless!