1 Samuel 2:14
and plunge it into the pan or kettle or cauldron or cooking pot. And the priest would claim for himself whatever the meat fork brought up. This is how they treated all the Israelites who came to Shiloh.
and he would plunge it
The act of plunging the fork into the cooking vessel signifies a forceful and deliberate action. In Hebrew, the word used here can imply a sense of entitlement or taking by force. This reflects the corrupt practices of the priests at Shiloh, who were not content with the portions allotted to them by the Law of Moses but instead took more than their share. This action symbolizes a departure from the sacred duties and a move towards self-serving behavior.

into the pan or kettle or cauldron or pot
These cooking vessels represent the various means by which the sacrificial meat was prepared. Each vessel had a specific use in the preparation of offerings, and the mention of multiple types underscores the priests' indiscriminate greed. Historically, these vessels were part of the sacrificial system established in the Mosaic Law, where specific portions were designated for the priests. The priests' disregard for these distinctions highlights their contempt for the sacred traditions and laws given by God.

and the priest would claim for himself
The phrase indicates a selfish appropriation of what was not rightfully theirs. The Hebrew root here suggests an act of seizing or taking possession, which is contrary to the priestly role of serving God and the people. This behavior is a stark contrast to the ideal of priesthood, which is meant to be characterized by humility and service. The priests' actions reflect a broader theme of corruption and moral decline among the leaders of Israel during this period.

whatever the fork brought up
The randomness of what the fork brought up symbolizes the arbitrary and unjust nature of the priests' actions. Instead of following the prescribed portions, they took whatever they could get, showing a lack of respect for the sacrificial system. This practice was a direct violation of the Levitical laws, which specified the portions of the offerings that were to be given to the priests. The priests' greed and disregard for God's commandments serve as a warning against the dangers of self-indulgence and corruption in spiritual leadership.

This is how they treated all the Israelites who came to Shiloh
The phrase underscores the widespread nature of the abuse. Shiloh was the religious center of Israel at the time, and the priests' actions affected all who came to worship there. This systemic corruption not only dishonored God but also disillusioned the people, leading to a decline in spiritual fervor and trust in the religious leaders. The historical context reveals a period of moral and spiritual decay, setting the stage for the rise of Samuel, who would restore integrity and faithfulness to the priesthood and the nation. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of righteous leadership and the consequences of straying from God's commands.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Eli's Sons (Hophni and Phinehas)
The sons of Eli, the high priest, who were corrupt and abused their priestly duties.

2. Shiloh
The religious center of Israel at the time, where the tabernacle was located and where the Israelites came to offer sacrifices.

3. Israelites
The people of Israel who came to Shiloh to worship and offer sacrifices to the Lord.

4. Sacrificial Practices
The context of the verse involves the improper practices of the priests in taking portions of the sacrifices for themselves.

5. The Fork
A tool used by the priests to take meat from the sacrificial offerings, symbolizing their greed and disregard for God's laws.
Teaching Points
Respect for God's Instructions
God's instructions regarding worship and offerings are to be followed with reverence and obedience. Disregarding them leads to corruption and dishonor.

The Consequences of Corruption
The actions of Eli's sons serve as a warning about the consequences of corrupt leadership and the impact it has on the community's faith.

The Importance of Integrity in Leadership
Leaders, especially spiritual ones, are called to a higher standard of integrity and must lead by example, honoring God in all their actions.

God's Justice and Mercy
While God is just and will not tolerate sin indefinitely, He is also merciful and provides opportunities for repentance and restoration.

The Role of Accountability
Accountability within the community of faith is crucial to prevent and address corruption and to maintain the integrity of worship.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the behavior of Eli's sons in 1 Samuel 2:14 contrast with the instructions given in Leviticus 7 regarding priestly duties?

2. What are the implications of corrupt leadership on the faith community, as seen in the actions of Eli's sons?

3. How can we apply the lessons from 1 Samuel 2:14 to ensure integrity and accountability in our own spiritual communities today?

4. In what ways does the account of Eli's sons serve as a warning for us about the consequences of disregarding God's commands?

5. How can we, as individuals, ensure that our worship and offerings to God are done with the right heart and in accordance with His instructions?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Leviticus 7
Provides the proper instructions for priests regarding their share of the sacrifices, highlighting the contrast with the actions of Eli's sons.

1 Samuel 2:12-17
Offers a broader context of the corrupt behavior of Eli's sons, emphasizing their disregard for the Lord.

Malachi 1
Discusses the improper offerings and the dishonor shown to God by the priests, drawing a parallel to the actions of Eli's sons.

Hebrews 5
Describes the qualifications and duties of a high priest, contrasting with the behavior of Eli's sons.
A Degenerate PriesthoodB. Dale 1 Samuel 2:12-17
Corrupt Lives ContagiousW. G. Blaikie, D. D.1 Samuel 2:12-17
Degradation At the AltarRalph Brownrig.1 Samuel 2:12-17
Eli's HouseW. G. Blaikie, D. D.1 Samuel 2:12-17
File Priests and the Pure ChildG. B. Ryley.1 Samuel 2:12-17
Indulgent Home LifeJ. S. Exell, M. A.1 Samuel 2:12-17
Sinful and Childlike Ignorance of GodG. B. Ryley.1 Samuel 2:12-17
Sons of Eli, Sons of BelialJ. Parker, D. D.1 Samuel 2:12-17
The Sons of EliJ. Parker, D. D.1 Samuel 2:12-17
The Sons of EliA. Bonar.1 Samuel 2:12-17
People
Eli, Elkanah, Hannah, Hophni, Israelites, Pharaoh, Phinehas, Samuel
Places
Egypt, Ramah, Shiloh
Topics
Bringeth, Caldron, Cauldron, Fleshhook, Flesh-hook, Fork, Hook, Israelites, Kettle, Pan, Pot, Priest, Shiloh, Struck, Therewith, Thither, Thrust, Thus, Treated, Whatever
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Samuel 2:14

     5445   potters and pottery

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 Scripture

Reverence 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

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