What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 2:15? Even before the fat was burned • Scripture had already set the order of sacrifice: the fat belonged to the LORD first and was to be burned on the altar (Leviticus 3:3–5; 7:31). • Jumping ahead of that step shows blatant contempt for God’s portion. Compare the warning in Leviticus 7:25, “Anyone who eats the fat of an animal… shall be cut off.” • By recording that this happened “even before,” the text underlines how brazen the sin of Eli’s sons was—robbing God before the altar fire was even lit (Malachi 1:7–8). the servant of the priest would come • The sons of Eli used aides to do their dirty work (1 Samuel 2:13). Sin often spreads through delegated compromise. • Like Ahab using Jezebel to seize Naboth’s vineyard (1 Kings 21:7–14), leaders here manipulated underlings to mask their own guilt. • The pattern forms a sharp contrast with faithful priestly service where helpers strengthen obedience (Exodus 38:21; Numbers 3:5–9). and say to the man who was sacrificing • Worshipers came to Shiloh in good faith, expecting to honor the LORD (Deuteronomy 12:5–6). • Instead, they met intimidation. This recalls the fear placed on God’s people by corrupt leaders in Ezekiel 34:2–4. • The intrusion poisoned the worship moment, turning a sacred encounter into a shakedown (Micah 3:11). “Give the priest some meat to roast • Lawfully, priests received specific cuts after the fat was offered (Deuteronomy 18:3). • Here, however, they demand an open portion for roasting—tastier and faster than boiled meat. • Self-indulgence replaces service, echoing Philippians 3:19, “their god is their stomach.” because he will not accept boiled meat from you, but only raw.” • The law allowed what remained of the peace offering to be boiled and shared (Leviticus 6:28; 1 Samuel 2:14). • Refusing boiled meat meant despising God’s prescribed method and the fellowship meal imagery it carried (Exodus 24:5–11). • Insisting on raw meat signaled total disregard for divine boundaries, prefiguring later judgment on those who twist worship for appetite (Isaiah 56:11; 2 Peter 2:13). summary 1 Samuel 2:15 exposes the arrogant theft of God’s honor by Eli’s sons. They seized raw portions before the LORD received His due, trampling both worshiper and ordinance. The verse warns that when leaders prioritize appetite over obedience, they rob God, harm people, and invite judgment. Faithful hearts still heed the lawful order: God first, servant second, joy and fellowship following. |
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