1 Samuel 3:11

I will do. Samuel lived for years in an evil environment, and could not help seeing the difference between the instructions given in the scrolls of the law and the lives of the young priests who had been his intimate associates. Had he made inquiry of them, he would have received only angry rebuffs. His parents were not present to advise him, and he was hesitant to approach Eli himself. As he turned the matter over in his heart, the same question would come to him that comes to the mind of a godly youth today: If the Word of God lays down certain principles for the conduct of His work, and the leaders not only fail to follow these instructions, but are guilty of gross misconduct, why does He allow them to continue ministering in holy office?

Seed sowing is not followed immediately by the harvest, because time is needed for the fruit to reach maturity. The process of character development requires time — probationary time. Thus it was with Hophni and Phinehas; thus it is today. Eventually God brings to nought all who defy His statutes (Ps. 119:118). As Christ permitted Judas to occupy a position where he would have the opportunity to succeed, so He allowed Hophni and his brother to be placed in a position where they could, by relying on Him, become acceptable ministers of the covenant. But like Judas, the sons of Eli would not surrender to His guidance. By allowing self to reign supreme, they made it impossible for God to impart to them the necessary training. God knew what would happen should they continue in their perverse course, and in love and long-suffering warned them what the result would be. Yet, like Judas, they chose their own way, only to realize ultimately the truth expressed by Paul centuries later, “He that soweth to the flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption” (Gal. 6:8). In his own experience, Samuel verified Paul’s admonition, “Let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not” (Gal. 6:9).