In what ways does 1 Samuel 2:16 connect to honoring God with offerings? Text in Focus “Even if the man said to him, ‘Let the fat be burned first, then take whatever you want,’ the servant would reply, ‘No, you must give it to me right now. If you refuse, I will take it by force.’ ” (1 Samuel 2:16) Setting the Scene • Israel’s worship center was at Shiloh. • Sacrifices followed God-given instructions (Leviticus 3:3-5; 7:31). The fat belonged to the Lord; only after it was burned could the priest receive his portion (Deuteronomy 18:3). • Eli’s sons, Hophni and Phinehas, treated this order with contempt, sending servants to seize raw meat before the fat was offered. What Went Wrong? • Reversed priorities – they demanded for themselves before anything was given to God. • Contempt for God’s portion – the fat, symbolizing richness and best, was bypassed. • Coercion instead of worship – “I will take it by force” turned sacred service into intimidation. • Result: “The sin of the young men was very great before the LORD, for the men treated the offering of the LORD with contempt.” (1 Samuel 2:17) Principles for Honoring God with Offerings • Give God first place. The Lord’s share is never an afterthought (Proverbs 3:9-10). • Offer the best, not leftovers. Fat represented quality; God still deserves excellence (Malachi 1:6-8). • Follow His instructions, not our preferences. True worship submits to revealed patterns (John 14:15). • Reject manipulation. Giving must be willing, “not under compulsion” (2 Corinthians 9:7). • Remember accountability. Disregarding God’s portion invites judgment, as Eli’s household discovered (1 Samuel 2:34). Connecting to Our Giving Today • Firstfruits principle: budget the Lord’s portion before any personal spending. • Quality over quantity: motive and sacrifice of praise matter more than amount (Mark 12:41-44). • Joyful surrender: offerings express gratitude, not grudging duty. • Guard the heart: pride and entitlement turn giving into taking, echoing Hophni and Phinehas. Complementary Scriptures • Leviticus 3:16 – “All the fat belongs to the LORD.” • Deuteronomy 16:16-17 – no one is to appear before the LORD empty-handed. • Proverbs 11:24-25 – generosity brings blessing. • Hebrews 13:16 – doing good and sharing are sacrifices that please God. Takeaway Honoring God with offerings means placing Him first, bringing our best, and giving freely in obedience to His Word. 1 Samuel 2:16 stands as a cautionary snapshot: when self-interest pushes ahead of reverence, offerings lose their sacred purpose, and worship loses its heart. |
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