Animalism is a "preoccupation with or motivation by sensual, physical, or carnal appetites rather than moral, spiritual, or intellectual forces" according to Dictionary.com. This describes two priesthood holders in 1 Samuel named Hophni and Phinehas. The were sons of the high priest Eli. 1 Samuel 2:12-17 details their behavior:
"12 Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial; they knew not the Lord.
"12 Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial; they knew not the Lord.
13 And the priest's custom with the people was, that, when any man offered sacrifice, the priest's servant came, while the flesh was in seething, with a fleshhook of three teeth in his hand;
14 And he struck it into the pan, or kettle, or caldron, or pot; all that the fleshhook brought up the priest took for himself. So they did in Shiloh unto all the Israelites that came thither.
15 Also before they burnt the fat, the priest's servant came, and said to the man that sacrificed, Give flesh to roast for the priest; for he will not have sodden flesh of thee, but raw.
16 And if any man said unto him, Let them not fail to burn the fat presently, and then take as much as thy soul desireth; then he would answer him, Nay; but thou shalt give it me now: and if not, I will take it by force.
17 Wherefore the sin of the young men was very great before the Lord: for men abhorred the offering of the Lord."
Not only did these priests harass and bully the people they also took advantage of women. 1 Samuel 2:22 says, "Now Eli was very old, and heard all that his sons did unto all Israel; and how they lay with the women that assembled at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation." These men were animalistic, following their carnal appetites.
At the same time the Bible tells us a wonderful story about a random woman named Hannah from the tribe of Ephriam. Her husband had two wives. Her sister wife, Peninnah had children but Hannah had none. Peninnah continually harassed her to tears for having no children. She was completely miserable. 1 Samuel 10-17 describes her desperation:
"10 And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the Lord, and wept sore.
11 And she vowed a vow, and said, O Lord of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the Lord all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head.
12 And it came to pass, as she continued praying before the Lord, that Eli marked her mouth.
13 Now Hannah, she spake in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard: therefore Eli thought she had been drunken.
14 And Eli said unto her, How long wilt thou be drunken? put away thy wine from thee.
15 And Hannah answered and said, No, my lord, I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit: I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but have poured out my soul before the Lord.
16 Count not thine handmaid for a daughter of Belial: for out of the abundance of my complaint and grief have I spoken hitherto.
17 Then Eli answered and said, Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant thee thy petition that thou hast asked of him.
18 And she said, Let thine handmaid find grace in thy sight. So the woman went her way, and did eat, and her countenance was no more sad."
God answered her prayer and she gave birth to a boy. She named him Samuel. Her family was not of the tribe of Levi. Her husband was not a descendant of Aaron. They were not involved with the priesthood work but she did give her son to God. He lived and worked at the sanctuary with the priests. Though we forget the story of the priests Hophni and Phinehas, we all remember the story of Samuel. He grew up to become a great prophet and leader in Israel. He anointed Israel's first two kings, Saul and David. Please read this interesting story of Hannah, Samuel, Eli, Hophni and Phinehas in the first four chapters of 1 Samuel.
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