What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 2:29? Why then do you kick at My sacrifice and offering • To “kick” at God’s sacrifice pictures contempt and active resistance, like a stubborn ox kicking the goad (Acts 26:14). • The Lord confronts Eli for treating His worship as negotiable, ignoring Leviticus 7:29–34, where priests receive a portion yet must handle offerings reverently. • Malachi 1:7–8 shows similar disdain when priests brought defiled food; Hebrews 10:29 warns that trampling the Son of God’s blood is even more severe. • Application: any casual attitude toward gathered worship, tithes, or communion repeats Eli’s error of kicking against what is holy. that I have prescribed for My dwelling place? • God Himself designed the tabernacle service (Exodus 25:8–9); altering it attacks His authority. • “Dwelling place” emphasizes His presence among Israel (Exodus 29:42–46). Violating rituals distorts how God reveals Himself. • Compare Nadab and Abihu offering “unauthorized fire” (Leviticus 10:1–3); they died because they ignored God’s prescription. • The New Covenant parallel is Christ’s body as the true temple (John 2:19–21) and the church as His dwelling (Ephesians 2:22). We must follow His pattern, not our own preferences. You have honored your sons more than Me • Eli allowed Hophni and Phinehas to seize raw meat and commit immorality (1 Samuel 2:12–17, 22–25). • Jesus demands supreme loyalty (Matthew 10:37). Family affection becomes idolatry when it silences needed correction. • Proverbs 29:17 teaches that disciplining a son brings rest; Eli’s neglect brought national grief. • Parenting, leadership, and friendship all require loving confrontation when God’s honor is at stake. by fattening yourselves with the best of all the offerings of My people Israel. • Priests were entitled to a specific portion (Deuteronomy 18:3); Eli’s family seized the “best,” showing greed (cf. 1 Timothy 6:10). • The phrase “My people” underscores that the offerings belonged first to God, then to His people, and only after that to priests. • Ezekiel 34:2–4 rebukes shepherds who feed themselves instead of the flock; Peter reverses this in 1 Peter 5:2–3, calling leaders to serve willingly, not for sordid gain. • Whenever leaders exploit ministry for comfort or status, they repeat Eli’s sin. summary God’s accusation against Eli exposes four connected sins: despising ordained worship, rejecting God’s revealed pattern, placing human relationships above divine honor, and exploiting sacred resources for personal gain. The verse warns every believer—especially leaders—to treat God’s worship with reverence, guard the purity of His appointed ways, love Him above family ties, and steward His gifts selflessly. |
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