or for the custom of the priests with the people. When any man offered a sacrifice, the servant of the priest would come with a three-pronged meat fork while the meat was boiling Now the custom of the priestsThe Hebrew word for "custom" is "mishpat," which often denotes a judgment or ordinance. In this context, it refers to the established practices or traditions of the priests. Historically, the priests were given specific portions of the sacrifices as their due, as outlined in Levitical law ( Leviticus 7:31-34). However, the "custom" mentioned here suggests a deviation from the prescribed law, indicating a corruption of the priestly duties during this period. with the people
This phrase highlights the interaction between the priests and the Israelites. The priests were meant to serve as mediators between God and the people, facilitating worship and ensuring adherence to God's laws. However, the narrative in 1 Samuel 2 reveals a breakdown in this relationship, as the priests' actions were self-serving rather than God-honoring. whenever any man offered a sacrifice
The act of offering a sacrifice was central to Israelite worship, symbolizing atonement, thanksgiving, and devotion to God. The Hebrew word for "sacrifice" is "zebach," which encompasses various offerings, including peace offerings, burnt offerings, and sin offerings. The sacrificial system was a means for the people to maintain a covenant relationship with God, and any corruption in this process was a serious offense. the priest’s servant would come
The presence of the priest's servant indicates a delegation of duties, which in itself was not unusual. However, the servant's actions, as described in the following verses, reflect the priests' abuse of power. This highlights the broader theme of leadership accountability in Scripture, where leaders are called to serve with integrity and humility. with a three-pronged fork in his hand
The "three-pronged fork" is a unique detail that underscores the aggressive and greedy nature of the priests' actions. This tool was not part of the prescribed instruments for sacrifices, suggesting an innovation for personal gain. The imagery of the fork conveys a sense of intrusion and force, contrasting with the reverence and order that should characterize worship. while the meat was boiling
Boiling the meat was part of the preparation for certain types of sacrifices, particularly peace offerings, where the offerer and the priests would share in the meal. The timing of the servant's arrival—while the meat was boiling—implies an impatience and a desire to seize the best portions before the offering was properly completed. This act of taking the meat prematurely symbolizes a deeper spiritual corruption, where immediate gratification is prioritized over obedience to God's commands. Persons / Places / Events 1. PriestsThe religious leaders of Israel, responsible for performing sacrifices and maintaining the temple. In this context, they are represented by Eli's sons, Hophni and Phinehas, who were corrupt. 2. People of IsraelThe community of Israelites who brought sacrifices to the Lord as part of their worship and obedience to the Mosaic Law. 3. SacrificesOfferings made by the Israelites to God, which were an essential part of their worship and covenant relationship with Him. 4. Priest’s ServantAn assistant to the priests, tasked with collecting portions of the sacrifices, often in a manner that was corrupt and self-serving. 5. Three-pronged ForkA tool used by the priest’s servant to take meat from the pot, symbolizing the greed and corruption of the priests during this period. Teaching Points Integrity in LeadershipSpiritual leaders are called to a higher standard of integrity and must avoid corrupt practices that exploit their position. Respect for God's CommandsThe Israelites were given specific instructions for sacrifices, and deviation from these commands shows a lack of reverence for God. Consequences of CorruptionThe actions of Eli's sons eventually led to severe consequences, reminding us that God holds leaders accountable. Role of AccountabilityThe community and leaders must hold each other accountable to maintain purity and righteousness in worship. Heart of WorshipTrue worship involves obedience and respect for God's instructions, not just external rituals. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the behavior of Eli's sons in 1 Samuel 2:13 reflect a broader issue of corruption in spiritual leadership, and what can we learn from this for today's church leaders? 2. In what ways does the misuse of sacrificial offerings in 1 Samuel 2:13 contrast with the instructions given in Leviticus 7:31-34, and what does this teach us about obedience to God's Word? 3. How can the concept of a "royal priesthood" in 1 Peter 2:9 inspire believers to live with integrity and holiness in their daily lives? 4. What are some practical steps that a church community can take to ensure accountability and prevent corruption among its leaders? 5. Reflect on your own worship practices. How can you ensure that your worship is genuine and aligned with God's commands, rather than just a ritualistic routine? Connections to Other Scriptures Leviticus 7:31-34This passage outlines the proper portions of sacrifices that were to be given to the priests, highlighting the contrast with the corrupt practices described in 1 Samuel 2:13. Malachi 1:6-14This passage condemns the priests for offering defiled sacrifices, drawing a parallel to the corruption of Eli's sons. 1 Peter 2:9This verse describes believers as a royal priesthood, calling for a life of holiness and integrity, contrasting with the behavior of Eli's sons. People Eli, Elkanah, Hannah, Hophni, Israelites, Pharaoh, Phinehas, SamuelPlaces Egypt, Ramah, ShilohTopics Anyone, Band, Boiled, Boiling, Cooked, Custom, Flesh, Fleshhook, Flesh-hook, Fork, Hook, Meat, Meat-hook, Offered, Offering, Priest, Priests, Priest's, Prongs, Sacrifice, Sacrificed, Sacrificing, Seething, Servant, Teeth, Three-pronged, WheneverDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Samuel 2:13 5286 custom 1 Samuel 2:12-15 6134 coveting, prohibition 1 Samuel 2:12-16 4478 meat
5465 profit 1 Samuel 2:12-17 5311 extortion
6616 atonement, in OT 1 Samuel 2:13-15 5268 cooking Library The Child Prophet
'And the child Samuel ministered unto the Lord before Eli. And the word of the Lord was precious in those days; there was no open vision. 2. And it came to pass at that time, when Eli was laid down in his place, and his eyes began to wax dim, that he could not see; 8. And ere the lamp of God went out in the temple of the Lord, where the ark of God was, and Samuel was laid down to sleep; 4. That the Lord called Samuel: and he answered, Here am I. 5. And he ran onto Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureReverence in Worship.
"Samuel ministered before the Lord, being a child, girded with a linen ephod."--1 Samuel ii. 18. Samuel, viewed in his place in sacred history, that is, in the course of events which connect Moses with Christ, appears as a great ruler and teacher of his people; this is his prominent character. He was the first of the prophets; yet, when we read the sacred narrative itself, in which his life is set before us, I suppose those passages are the more striking and impressive which represent him, in …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VIII The Knowledge of God
'The Lord is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed.' I Sam 2:2. Glorious things are spoken of God; he transcends our thoughts, and the praises of angels. God's glory lies chiefly in his attributes, which are the several beams by which the divine nature shines forth. Among other of his orient excellencies, this is not the least, The Lord is a God of knowledge; or as the Hebrew word is, A God of knowledges.' Through the bright mirror of his own essence, he has a full idea and cognisance …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity Though the Fore-Mentioned Eternal Moral Obligations
are incumbent indeed on all rational creatures, antecedent to any respect of particular reward or punishment, yet they must certainly and necessarily be attended with rewards and punishments: Because the same reasons, which prove God himself to be necessarily just and good, and the rules of justice, equity, and goodness, to be his unalterable will, law, and command, to all created beings; prove also that he cannot but be pleased with and approve such creatures as imitate and obey him by observing …
Samuel Clarke—A Discourse Concerning the Being and Attributes of God Letter xxix. To Marcella.
An explanation of the Hebrew words Ephod bad (1 Sam. ii. 18) and Teraphim (Judges xvii. 5). Written at Rome to Marcella, also at Rome a.d. 384. …
St. Jerome—The Principal Works of St. Jerome A Private Enquiry
"What is the thing that the Lord hath said unto thee?"--1 Samuel 3:17. THE Lord would not speak directly to Eli, although he was the High Priest. In ordinary circumstances it would have been so; but Eli had grieved the Lord, and thus had lost his honorable standing. God had not cast him off; but he viewed him with such displeasure that he would only speak to him through another person: even as great kings, if they are offended with their courtiers, send them messages by other hands. The Lord sent, …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 37: 1891 Appendix xix. On Eternal Punishment, According to the Rabbis and the New Testament
THE Parables of the Ten Virgins' and of the Unfaithful Servant' close with a Discourse on the Last Things,' the final Judgment, and the fate of those Christ's Righ Hand and at His Left (St. Matt. xxv. 31-46). This final Judgment by our Lord forms a fundamental article in the Creed of the Church. It is the Christ Who comes, accompanied by the Angelic Host, and sits down on the throne of His Glory, when all nations are gathered before Him. Then the final separation is made, and joy or sorrow awarded …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah Covenanting a Privilege of Believers.
Whatever attainment is made by any as distinguished from the wicked, or whatever gracious benefit is enjoyed, is a spiritual privilege. Adoption into the family of God is of this character. "He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power (margin, or, the right; or, privilege) to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name."[617] And every co-ordinate benefit is essentially so likewise. The evidence besides, that Covenanting …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting The Mystery
Of the Woman dwelling in the Wilderness. The woman delivered of a child, when the dragon was overcome, from thenceforth dwelt in the wilderness, by which is figured the state of the Church, liberated from Pagan tyranny, to the time of the seventh trumpet, and the second Advent of Christ, by the type, not of a latent, invisible, but, as it were, an intermediate condition, like that of the lsraelitish Church journeying in the wilderness, from its departure from Egypt, to its entrance into the land …
Joseph Mede—A Key to the Apocalypse Sixth Day. Holiness and Glory.
Who is like unto Thee, O Lord! among the gods? Who is like unto Thee, glorious in holiness, Fearful in praises, doing wonders? Thou in Thy mercy hast led Thy people which Thou hast redeemed: Thou hast guided them in Thy strength to the habitation of Thy holiness ... The holy place, O Lord, which Thy hands have established.' --Ex. xv. 11-17. In these words we have another step in advance in the revelation of Holiness. We have here for the first time Holiness predicated of God Himself. He …
Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ Sanctification.
VI. Objections answered. I will consider those passages of scripture which are by some supposed to contradict the doctrine we have been considering. 1 Kings viii. 46: "If they sin against thee, (for there is no man that sinneth not,) and thou be angry with them, and deliver them to the enemy, so that they carry them away captives unto the land of the enemy, far or near," etc. On this passage, I remark:-- 1. That this sentiment in nearly the same language, is repeated in 2 Chron. vi. 26, and in Eccl. …
Charles Grandison Finney—Systematic Theology Seventeenth Sunday after Trinity the Christian Calling and Unity.
Text: Ephesians 4, 1-6. 1 I, therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beseech you to walk worthily of the calling wherewith ye were called, 2 with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; 3 giving diligence to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as also ye were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all, and through all, and in all. …
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. III The Sun Rising Upon a Dark World
The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon then hath the light shined. C ontrasts are suited to illustrate and strengthen the impression of each other. The happiness of those, who by faith in MESSIAH, are brought into a state of peace, liberty, and comfort, is greatly enhanced and heightened by the consideration of that previous state of misery in which they once lived, and of the greater misery to which they were justly exposed. …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1 Entire Sanctification
By Dr. Adam Clarke The word "sanctify" has two meanings. 1. It signifies to consecrate, to separate from earth and common use, and to devote or dedicate to God and his service. 2. It signifies to make holy or pure. Many talk much, and indeed well, of what Christ has done for us: but how little is spoken of what he is to do in us! and yet all that he has done for us is in reference to what he is to do in us. He was incarnated, suffered, died, and rose again from the dead; ascended to heaven, and there …
Adam Clarke—Entire Sanctification The Holiness of God
The next attribute is God's holiness. Exod 15:51. Glorious in holiness.' Holiness is the most sparkling jewel of his crown; it is the name by which God is known. Psa 111:1. Holy and reverend is his name.' He is the holy One.' Job 6:60. Seraphims cry, Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts, the whole earth is full of his glory.' Isa 6:6. His power makes him mighty, his holiness makes him glorious. God's holiness consists in his perfect love of righteousness, and abhorrence of evil. Of purer eyes than …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity Mothers, Daughters, and Wives in Israel
In order accurately to understand the position of woman in Israel, it is only necessary carefully to peruse the New Testament. The picture of social life there presented gives a full view of the place which she held in private and in public life. Here we do not find that separation, so common among Orientals at all times, but a woman mingles freely with others both at home and abroad. So far from suffering under social inferiority, she takes influential and often leading part in all movements, specially …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire from 745 to 722 B. C.
TIGLATH-PILESER III. AND THE ORGANISATION OF THE ASSYRIAN EMPIRE FROM 745 to 722 B.C. FAILURE OF URARTU AND RE-CONQUEST Of SYRIA--EGYPT AGAIN UNITED UNDER ETHIOPIAN AUSPICES--PIONKHI--THE DOWNFALL OF DAMASCUS, OF BABYLON, AND OF ISRAEL. Assyria and its neighbours at the accession of Tiglath-pileser III.: progress of the Aramaeans in the basin of the Middle Tigris--Urartu and its expansion into the north of Syria--Damascus and Israel--Vengeance of Israel on Damascus--Jeroboam II.--Civilisation …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 7 Samuel
Alike from the literary and the historical point of view, the book[1] of Samuel stands midway between the book of Judges and the book of Kings. As we have already seen, the Deuteronomic book of Judges in all probability ran into Samuel and ended in ch. xii.; while the story of David, begun in Samuel, embraces the first two chapters of the first book of Kings. The book of Samuel is not very happily named, as much of it is devoted to Saul and the greater part to David; yet it is not altogether inappropriate, …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 1 Samuel 2:13 NIV1 Samuel 2:13 NLT1 Samuel 2:13 ESV1 Samuel 2:13 NASB1 Samuel 2:13 KJV
1 Samuel 2:13 Commentaries
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