The capture of the ark and the death of Eli’s sons are linked.1 Hophni's and Phinehas' deaths are explicitly mentioned to confirm that the Lord’s promised judgment has now taken place.2 The Lord used the ark and it being taken into battle as a means of accomplishing his plans (see 1 Samuel 2:27–36; 1 Samuel 3:11–14).3 Similar to Achan (Joshua 7:1–26), the sins of Eli’s sons have resulted in casualties for Israel (see Deuteronomy 28:15, Deuteronomy 28:25).4
11 And the ark of God was captured, and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, died.