First, a side note on the neglected husband Elkanah, whose wife, Hannah, desired children and grieved because she had none. Well, she gave birth to Samuel (yes the namesake of our current biblical reading) then three sons and two daughters after him - thought you'd like to know?
Eli, the chief judge/priest of the time, was growing old and discovered his two sons were committing heinous acts against their holy priesthood office. He approached them and told them that he knew of their crimes but did not reprimand them in any way? Saying only...
1 SAMUEL 2:25
25 If one man sin against another, the judge shall judge him: but if a man sin against the Lord, who shall intreat for him? Notwithstanding they hearkened not unto the voice of their father, because the Lord would slay them.It's clear that Eli felt helpless to intercede for his boys because they had sinned against God, not man; still, would it hurt to scare the daylights out of them - toss a little fire and brimstone their direction? He was too soft and they did not fear his words or show concern for their future. Sometimes the only solution is fear - when nothing else seems to work - fear may suffice...
JUDE 1:22-23
22 And of some have compassion, making a difference:Pull them out of the fire with fear! When the mind is dull and without moral stimulant, slap some fear into the mind and reality may kickstart the repentance process - BELIEVE IT!
23 And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.
~Kipling
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