This passage tells the tale of two families that are going in very different directions. Eli’s sons are wicked; they corrupt God’s worship and misuse their authority for their evil purposes. Eli fails to use his authority to restrain the wickedness of his sons. In contrast, Samuel, Elkanah and Hannah’s son, serves the Lord faithfully and continues to grow in stature and in favor with both God and man. This tale warns us of the devastating consequences of failed leadership and calls those in authority to faithfulness. It also reminds us that in the midst of wickedness and leadership failures, God is at work, accomplishing his purposes and preparing the way for Jesus Christ, our perfect Prophet, Priest, and King.