Eli's demise

“The demise of Eli's line highlights important principles related to sin and its remedy. First, echoing the concerns expressed in the priestly legislation, sin against the sacred precincts has most serious consequences. Second, such direct sin against the deity is inexpiable—that is no sacrifice or offering is adequate to make atonement for this sin. Third, there are intergenerational implications for sin, and thus patriarchal figures must pay close attention to the behavior of those within their family units.”—A Severe Mercy, page 150