God (or the judges; Hebrew ’elohim): The Hebrew word translated intercede is plural here. When ’elohim means "God" it often takes a singular verb. Some ancient translations interpret ’elohim as “judges” in this context. If so, the judges would mediate for the guilty in a human court. Yet, many Hebrew scholars argue that ’elohim should not be translated as “judges.” If so, how could God intercede for the man who sinned? Eli might have believed that court decisions came directly from God. God might work through his written laws or through other events to either free or find guilty a person accused of doing something wrong. Or Eli might have been talking about the system of animal sacrifices.
The sexual wrongdoing in (1 Samuel 2:22) and excessive eating in (1 Samuel 2:12–17) of Eli’s sons were sins against the Lord. This was because they were corrupting how Israel worshiped God. No one can speak to God on behalf of sinners who completely refuse to follow God's will (see Matthew 12:31).
Eli’s sons ignored their father because the Lord had already started to punish them by making their hearts stubborn (see Exodus 4:21; 7:3; 8:15–32; 10:27; 11:10).