The Lord Judges the House of Eli

2:27 A man of God came to Eli and said to him, “This is what the Lord says: ‘Did I not plainly43 reveal myself to your ancestor’s44 house when they were in Egypt in the house of Pharaoh? 2:28 I chose your ancestor45 from all the tribes of Israel to be my priest, to offer sacrifice on my altar, to burn incense, and to bear the ephod before me. I gave to your ancestor’s house all the fire offerings made by the Israelites. 2:29 Why are you46 scorning my sacrifice and my offering that I commanded for my dwelling place?47 You have honored your sons more than you have me by having made yourselves fat from the best parts of all the offerings of my people Israel.’

2:30 Therefore the Lord, the God of Israel, says, ‘I really did say48 that your house and your ancestor’s house would serve49 me forever.’ But now the Lord says, ‘May it never be!50 For I will honor those who honor me, but those who despise me will be cursed! 2:31 In fact, days are coming when I will remove your strength51 and the strength52 of your father’s house. There will not be an old man in your house! 2:32 You will see trouble in my dwelling place!53 Israel will experience blessings,54 but there will not be an old man in your55 house for all time.56 2:33 Any one of you that I do not cut off from my altar, I will cause your57 eyes to fail58 and will cause you grief.59 All of those born to your family60 will die in the prime of life.61 2:34 This will be a confirming sign for you that will be fulfilled through your two sons,62 Hophni and Phinehas: in a single day they both will die! 2:35 Then I will raise up for myself a faithful priest. He will do what is in my heart and soul. I will build for him a secure dynasty63 and he will serve my chosen one for all time.64 2:36 Everyone who remains in your house will come to bow before him for a little money65 and for a scrap of bread. Each will say, ‘Assign me to a priestly task so I can eat a scrap of bread.’ ”