What responsibilities were given to the priests in 1 Samuel 2:28? Setting the Scene God sends a prophet to confront Eli, the high priest, because Eli’s sons have treated the priesthood with contempt. Before warning of judgment, the Lord reminds Eli of the sacred trust He placed in Aaron’s line. Key Verse “I chose your ancestor out of all the tribes of Israel to be My priest, to present offerings on My altar, to burn incense, and to wear an ephod in My presence. And I gave to the house of your ancestor all the offerings of the Israelites made by fire.” Responsibilities Outlined - Go up to the altar—approach God’s dwelling, representing the people before Him. - Present offerings—handle every animal and grain sacrifice placed upon the altar (Leviticus 1–7). - Burn incense—maintain the sweet-smelling, perpetual incense symbolizing prayer (Exodus 30:7-8; Psalm 141:2). - Wear the ephod—carry the special priestly garment with the stones of Israel on the shoulders, bearing the nation before the Lord (Exodus 28:6-12). - Receive the offerings by fire—enjoy the portions God allotted to the priests for their sustenance (Numbers 18:8-10). Why These Duties Matter - Altar ministry kept the covenant relationship alive through atonement (Leviticus 17:11). - Incense underscored continual intercession (Revelation 5:8 reflects the same imagery). - The ephod marked visible, consecrated service—priests couldn’t blend in with the crowd. - Receiving the offerings highlighted God’s provision, reminding priests to depend on Him, not self-made schemes (1 Corinthians 9:13 ties this to New-Testament ministry). Connecting Scriptures - Exodus 28–29: original commissioning of Aaron and his sons. - Deuteronomy 10:8: “At that time the LORD set apart the tribe of Levi to carry the ark… to stand before the LORD to minister and to pronounce blessings in His name.” - Numbers 18:1-19: detailed list of priestly privileges and duties. - Malachi 2:1-7: later rebuke that echoes 1 Samuel 2, showing God’s unchanging expectations. Living It Out Today - Faithful worship leaders and believers alike must approach God on His terms, not ours. - Intercession and sacrificial service remain core to spiritual leadership (1 Peter 2:9). - God’s provision accompanies obedience; manipulating spiritual privileges, as Eli’s sons did, brings loss. - Visible consecration—symbolized by the ephod—reminds us that holiness should be evident in speech, conduct, and lifestyle (1 Timothy 4:12). The Lord’s description of priestly duties in 1 Samuel 2:28 is a timeless call to reverent, obedient, intercessory ministry grounded in His Word. |
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