If one man sin against another, God shall judge him; but if a man sin against Yahweh, who shall entreat for him? Notwithstanding, they didn't listen to the voice of their father, because Yahweh was minded to kill them.
While Eli’s sons were growing in disfavor with the Lord and the Israelites (1 Samuel 2:22-25), Samuel was growing in favor with both (1 Samuel 2:26; cf. Luke 2:52) because he was obeying God.