Why then do you kick at My sacrifice and offering that I have prescribed for My dwelling place? You have honored your sons more than Me by fattening yourselves with the best of all the offerings of My people Israel.' Why then do you scornThe Hebrew word for "scorn" is "בָּעַט" (ba'at), which conveys a sense of kicking or despising. This word choice indicates a deliberate and contemptuous rejection of God's commands. In the historical context, this rebuke is directed at Eli, the high priest, and his sons, who were treating the sacrificial system with disdain. The sacrificial system was central to Israel's worship and covenant relationship with God, and to scorn it was to scorn God Himself. My sacrifice and offering
The terms "sacrifice" (זֶבַח, zevach) and "offering" (מִנְחָה, minchah) refer to the various types of sacrifices prescribed in the Mosaic Law. These were acts of worship and atonement, symbolizing the people's devotion and obedience to God. The sacrificial system was a foreshadowing of the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, and thus, it held profound theological significance. By neglecting these, Eli's family was undermining the very foundation of Israel's spiritual life. that I have prescribed for My dwelling
The phrase "prescribed for My dwelling" emphasizes God's sovereign authority in establishing the sacrificial system. The "dwelling" refers to the Tabernacle, the place where God's presence resided among His people. This highlights the sacredness of the sacrifices, as they were not merely ritualistic acts but divine ordinances meant to maintain the holiness of God's dwelling place. You have honored your sons above Me
The Hebrew word for "honored" is "כָּבֵד" (kaved), meaning to give weight or glory. Eli's failure was in prioritizing his familial relationships over his duty to God. This is a poignant reminder of the first commandment, to have no other gods before the Lord, which includes not placing family or personal interests above God. by fattening yourselves
The imagery of "fattening" oneself is both literal and metaphorical. Eli's sons were taking the best portions of the sacrifices for themselves, which were meant for God. This act of greed and self-indulgence is a stark contrast to the selfless devotion God requires. It serves as a warning against the dangers of materialism and self-centeredness in spiritual leadership. with the best of all the offerings
The "best" (מֵרֵאשִׁית, mereshith) signifies the choicest parts, which were to be given to God as a sign of reverence and gratitude. By taking these for themselves, Eli's sons were robbing God of His due honor. This reflects a broader biblical principle that God deserves our first and best, not our leftovers. of My people Israel
The phrase "My people Israel" underscores the covenant relationship between God and Israel. The offerings were not just religious duties but expressions of the people's identity and commitment to God. Eli's failure to uphold this covenantal responsibility had implications not just for his family but for the entire nation, highlighting the communal nature of sin and its consequences. Persons / Places / Events 1. EliThe high priest of Israel during the time of Samuel's birth. He is reprimanded by God for failing to restrain his sons, who were corrupt priests. 2. Hophni and PhinehasEli's sons, who were priests but acted wickedly by taking the best portions of the sacrifices for themselves, thus dishonoring God. 3. The TabernacleThe dwelling place of God among the Israelites, where sacrifices and offerings were made according to God's law. 4. The IsraelitesGod's chosen people, who were commanded to bring sacrifices and offerings to the Tabernacle as acts of worship and obedience. 5. God's RebukeThe event where God sends a prophet to Eli to deliver a message of judgment against his household for their sins. Teaching Points Honor God Above AllWe must prioritize our relationship with God over familial or personal interests. Eli's failure to do so led to severe consequences. The Sacredness of WorshipThe sacrificial system was a means of worship and obedience. We must approach our worship with reverence and sincerity. Consequences of DisobedienceIgnoring God's commands can lead to personal and communal consequences, as seen in Eli's household. Parental ResponsibilityParents have a duty to guide their children in the ways of the Lord, correcting them when they stray. God's Justice and MercyWhile God is just and punishes sin, He also provides opportunities for repentance and restoration. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Eli's failure to discipline his sons reflect on his priorities, and what can we learn about setting our own priorities in life? 2. In what ways can we ensure that our worship and service to God remain sincere and not self-serving? 3. How do the consequences faced by Eli's family illustrate the principle of sowing and reaping found throughout Scripture? 4. What steps can parents take to ensure they are raising their children in accordance with God's will, and how can the church support them? 5. How can we balance the understanding of God's justice with His mercy in our own lives and in our interactions with others? Connections to Other Scriptures Leviticus 7Details the laws regarding offerings, highlighting the sacredness of the sacrificial system that Eli's sons violated. Exodus 20The Ten Commandments, emphasizing the importance of honoring God above all else, which Eli failed to do by prioritizing his sons. Matthew 6Jesus teaches about prioritizing God over earthly relationships and possessions, echoing the principle of honoring God first. Hebrews 12Discusses God's discipline of His children, relevant to the consequences faced by Eli's family. People Eli, Elkanah, Hannah, Hophni, Israelites, Pharaoh, Phinehas, SamuelPlaces Egypt, Ramah, ShilohTopics Best, Chiefest, Choice, Choicest, Commanded, Dwelling, Envy, Eye, Fat, Fattening, Greedy, Habitation, Honor, Honorest, Honour, Honourest, Honouring, Kick, Making, Meal, Meat, Oblation, Oblations, Offering, Offerings, Ordered, Prescribed, Primest, Sacrifice, Sacrifices, Sons, Trample, Wherefore, YourselvesDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Samuel 2:29 8737 evil, responses to 1 Samuel 2:27-29 5433 occupations 1 Samuel 2:27-30 8444 honouring God 1 Samuel 2:27-36 5340 house
5686 fathers, examples 1 Samuel 2:29-30 8741 failure 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 2:29 NIV1 Samuel 2:29 NLT1 Samuel 2:29 ESV1 Samuel 2:29 NASB1 Samuel 2:29 KJV
1 Samuel 2:29 Commentaries
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