Now the sons of Eli [were] sons of Belial; they knew not the LORD.
Ver. 12. Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial.] So were Jehoshuah the high priest's sons. Ezr 10:18 Heroum filii noxae! Their parents, much employed about other things, are oft not so careful of well-breeding their children; and besides, they are apt to abuse their father's authority and power to a licentious practice. Eli brought up his sons to bring down his house. He might fitly have called them, as Augustus did his lewd daughters, his ulcers or cankers.
They knew not the Lord.] Apprehensively they knew him, but not affectively; they had no lively light, their knowledge was not accompanied with faith and fear of God. Rom 1:21 Tit 1:16