The father was the Old Testament judge
Eli, and he was ashamed because his two grown sons were corrupt and ungodly men
who misused their privilege as priests for their own gain and carnal pleasure.
So Eli asked them this question:
“If someone sins against a man, God will
mediate for him, but if someone sins
against the Lord, who can intercede for him?” (1 Samuel 2:25a, my emphasis)
