Sons of Belial — The Scandal of Hophni and Phinehas. The fall of Hophni and Phinehas reads like the obituary of a corrupt ministry. They wore priestly garments, spoke priestly words, and presided over holy sacrifices — yet their hearts were profane. The tragedy of Shiloh is not that pagans invaded the sanctuary but that the sanctuary became pagan from within. When worship turns self-serving, even sacred spaces rot.