Eli’s Fall and the Ark Captured

The root of Eli’s failure as a high priest was not so much in his own wickedness; rather, in his negligence. As a father, he reproved but failed to restrain his wicked sons Hophni and Phinehas. They showed contempt for the worship rituals at the sacred Tabernacle in Shiloh, as they recklessly violated the prescribed routines for the purpose of their own selfish gain.