Judges were meant to be incorruptible (Exodus 18:21; Deuteronomy 16:19; 1 Samuel 12:3–5).1 We are not told why Samuel’s sons did not walk in his ways. Presumably he was a good father who honoured the Lord and did his best to teach his sons God’s truth (see Deuteronomy 6:1–9). Nevertheless, his sons did not embrace that same truth for themselves. As a result, their wickedness serves to parallel that of Eli’s sons (see 1 Samuel 2:12–17, 1 Samuel 2:22),2 and confirms to us that a work of the Spirit is necessary for anyone to trust in the Lord. Faith does not happen automatically.
3 Yet his sons did not walk in his ways but turned aside after gain. They took bribes and perverted justice.