שמואל א, פרק ב׳, פסוק ל״ו

A dark prophecy outlines the ultimate downfall of the descendants of Eli the Priest, marking the completion of the curse upon his household. This severe punishment operates on a precise standard of justice. Because Eli's sons abused their sacred positions and forcefully took from the sacrifices to fatten themselves, God will strip away their greatness. He will leave their descendants utterly destitute, forcing them to beg just to survive [רלב״ג].

The survivors of this once-prominent family will be reduced to bowing down and humiliating themselves as they plead for a livelihood [רד״ק]. They will be forced to present their requests before the new High Priest, who will be appointed from the lineage of Zadok [מצודת דוד]. In their desperation, they will ask for a small silver coin, or perhaps a meager wage [רד״ק], as well as a whole loaf of bread [מצודת ציון].

Furthermore, they will humbly beg to be gathered and attached [רש״י, מצודת ציון] to one of the priestly divisions serving in the sanctuary [רד״ק, מצודת דוד]. This desperate request to join the service will not be driven by a desire for honor or status. Rather, pushed by extreme hunger and distress, they will seek any available work just to earn a small slice of bread [מצודת ציון, רד״ק]. Without this basic charity, they would be left with absolutely nothing to eat [מצודת דוד].