How were Eli’s sons Hophni and Phinehas portrayed in the biblical account?

In the biblical account, Hophni and Phinehas, the sons of the priest Eli, are portrayed as corrupt figures who misused their positions at the shrine at Shiloh. Rather than serving the people and Yahweh faithfully, they exploited their roles to seize offerings intended for God for their own personal gratification.1

Their behavior stood in stark contrast to that of Samuel, who grew in stature and favor with both God and the people. Because Hophni and Phinehas failed to heed their father’s admonitions, their family was condemned to lose its position of power and trust. Ultimately, both brothers were killed during a battle against the Philistines in which the Ark of the Covenant was captured.1