2:12 worthless. This Hebrew phrase (lit. “sons of Belial”) connotes vile persons. It is used of those who incite to idolatry (Deut. 13:13) or insurrection (10:27; 2 Sam. 16:7; 20:1); who are sexually immoral (Judg. 19:22); or who are liars (1 Kin. 21:10, 13). Unfortunately the phrase could be applied to Eli’s sons.

did not know. Use of the verb “know” here and in 3:7 sets up an ironic contrast between Eli’s sons and Samuel (3:7 note).