1 Samuel 2:17 Wherefore the sin of the young men was very great before the Lord: for men abhorred the offering of the Lord.
Eli, the High Priest, could not control the sinful behavior of his sons. They acted as priests for the people, but they abused their position by skimming off the offerings for themselves and abusing the young women. The response of Hophni and Phinehas to their privileged position was sinful and abhorrent before the Lord. Stealing and adultery is always sinful, but it is especially abhorrent for trusted men of God.
Their behavior is set in contrast to the upright behavior of the young Samuel. Samuel even heard from the Lord to become a prophet of bad news: Eli’s sons would perish. Eli bears the guilt in this case, for God says, “His sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not.” Samuel went on to become a great prophet and priest for the people, while Hophni and Phinehas died in battle and Eli died when he heard the news. Our response to God makes a great difference in our lives!