What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 2:13? Now the custom of the priests with the people was “Now the custom of the priests with the people was …” (1 Samuel 2:13) • God had established clear, limited portions for priests (Leviticus 7:29-34; Deuteronomy 18:3). • By introducing their own “custom,” Eli’s sons (called “worthless men,” 1 Samuel 2:12) replaced God-given order with self-made practice, revealing hearts already drifting from the Lord (Proverbs 4:23; Matthew 15:8-9). • The verse signals a clash between divine prescription and human invention—a warning echoed later when Jesus confronts man-made traditions (Mark 7:6-13). When any man offered a sacrifice “… when any man offered a sacrifice …” (1 Samuel 2:13) • Every Israelite who came to Shiloh intended to honor the LORD (1 Samuel 1:21; Deuteronomy 12:5-6). • Worship involved costly obedience; animals represented personal livelihood (2 Samuel 24:24; Hebrews 13:15-16). • The priests were meant to facilitate, not frustrate, that worship (Malachi 2:7). Their abuse therefore struck at the very center of Israel’s relationship with God. The priest’s servant would come “… the priest’s servant would come …” (1 Samuel 2:13) • Eli’s sons did not seize the meat personally; they sent attendants, adding intimidation and systematizing corruption (1 Samuel 2:15-16). • Delegated wrongdoing does not diminish guilt (2 Samuel 11:14-17 compared with v.27; Romans 1:32). • This misuse of authority previews later prophetic condemnations of shepherds who feed themselves instead of the flock (Ezekiel 34:2-3). With a three-pronged meat fork “… with a three-pronged meat fork …” (1 Samuel 2:13) • The vivid image paints greed: a large fork maximized whatever it could hook. • God had already allotted specific pieces (breast, right thigh; Leviticus 7:31-34). Grabbing at random showed contempt for the LORD’s portion and for the worshiper’s fellowship meal (1 Samuel 2:17). • Tools meant for service became instruments of exploitation—a reversal of God’s design (Isaiah 5:20). While the meat was boiling “… while the meat was boiling.” (1 Samuel 2:13) • Priests were entitled only after the fat was burned to the LORD (Leviticus 3:3-5, 16). By plunging in early, they took what belonged first to God (1 Samuel 2:29). • The boiling pot pictured communal enjoyment with God; invading it spoiled worship’s fellowship aspect (1 Corinthians 11:20-22 warns against similar selfishness at the Lord’s Table). • Such irreverence provoked divine judgment that soon fell on Eli’s house (1 Samuel 2:34; 4:11). summary 1 Samuel 2:13 exposes how Eli’s sons replaced God’s ordained order with a self-serving “custom.” By seizing meat before it was offered to God, they robbed both the LORD and His people. The verse warns that when spiritual leaders treat worship as a means for personal gain, they dishonor God and invite judgment. True ministry protects God’s portion, respects the worshiper, and points all glory back to the One to whom every sacrifice belongs. |
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