A flesh-hook is a tool mentioned in the Old Testament, primarily associated with the sacrificial practices of the Israelites. It is a type of fork or pronged instrument used by the priests in the tabernacle and later in the temple to handle the meat of the sacrifices offered to God.

Biblical References:

1. Exodus 27:3 · The flesh-hook is first mentioned in the context of the construction of the altar of burnt offering. "Make all its utensils of bronze: its pots to remove the ashes, its shovels, its basins, its forks, and its firepans; make all its utensils of bronze." Here, the flesh-hook is listed among the various bronze utensils used in the sacrificial rites.

2. 1 Samuel 2:13-14 · The flesh-hook is described in the narrative concerning the sons of Eli, who misused their priestly privileges. "Now it was the custom of the priests with the people that whenever anyone offered a sacrifice, the priest’s servant would come with a three-pronged meat fork while the meat was boiling and plunge it into the pan, kettle, cauldron, or pot. Whatever the fork brought up, the priest would take for himself. This is how they treated all the Israelites who came to Shiloh." This passage highlights the flesh-hook's role in the priests' portion of the sacrificial offerings, though it also underscores the corruption of Eli's sons in their handling of the sacrifices.

3. 2 Chronicles 4:16 · In the description of the temple furnishings made by Huram for King Solomon, the flesh-hooks are again mentioned. "The pots, shovels, and meat forks—all their articles—Huram-abi made of polished bronze for King Solomon for the house of the LORD." This indicates the continued use of flesh-hooks in the temple service, emphasizing their importance in the ritual practices.

Function and Symbolism:

The primary function of the flesh-hook was practical, allowing priests to manage the sacrificial meat without direct contact, thus maintaining ritual purity. The flesh-hook's design, often with two or three prongs, facilitated the handling of the meat portions designated for the priests.

Symbolically, the flesh-hook represents the priestly authority and the provision made for those serving in the temple. It underscores the system of offerings established by God, where a portion of the sacrifices was allocated to sustain the Levitical priesthood. This provision reflects the broader biblical principle of supporting those who minister in spiritual matters.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In the ancient Near Eastern context, similar tools were used in various religious and domestic settings. The Israelite use of the flesh-hook, however, was distinct in its association with the divinely ordained sacrificial system. The detailed instructions for its use and the materials specified (bronze) highlight the care and reverence required in the worship of Yahweh.

The misuse of the flesh-hook by Eli's sons, as recorded in 1 Samuel, serves as a cautionary tale about the corruption of religious practices and the consequences of disregarding God's commands. Their actions led to divine judgment, illustrating the seriousness with which God views the proper conduct of worship and the responsibilities of those who serve in His name.A many-pronged fork used in the sacrificial services (1 Samuel 2:13, 14; Exodus 27:3; 38:3) by the priest in drawing away the flesh. The fat of the sacrifice, together with the breast and shoulder (Leviticus 7:29-34), were presented by the worshipper to the priest. The fat was burned on the alter (3:3-5), and the breast and shoulder became the portion of the priests. But Hophni and Phinehas, not content with this, sent a servant to seize with a flesh-hook a further portion. FLESH-HOOK

flesh'-hook (mazlegh, and plural mizlaghoth):

One of the implements used around the sacrificial altar. According to Divine direction given to Moses (Exodus 27:3; Exodus 38:3), it was to be made of brass, but later David felt impelled by "the Spirit" or "in his spirit" to determine that for use in the magnificent Temple of Solomon it should be made of gold (1 Chronicles 28:17). But Huram made it, with other altar articles, of "bright brass" (2 Chronicles 4:16).

In Samuel's time, it was made with three hook-shaped tines, and was used in taking out the priests' share of the meat offering (1 Samuel 2:13, 14). With the other altar utensils, it was in the special charge of the Kohathites (Numbers 4:14). The hooks mentioned in Ezekiel 40:43 were altogether different and for another purpose.

See HOOK.

Leonard W. Doolan

4207. mazleg -- a utensil used in offering sacrifices
... mazleg. 4207a . a utensil used in offering sacrifices. Transliteration: mazleg
Phonetic Spelling: (maz-layg') Short Definition: fleshhook. fleshhook ...
/hebrew/4207.htm - 5kFleshhook (2 Occurrences)
...FLESH-HOOK. flesh'-hook (mazlegh, and plural mizlaghoth): One of the implements
used around the sacrificial altar. ...Fleshhook (2 Occurrences). ...
/f/fleshhook.htm - 9k

Flesh-hook (2 Occurrences)
Flesh-hook. Fleshhook, Flesh-hook. Fleshhooks . Easton's Bible Dictionary ... (ASV
DBY JPS WBS). Fleshhook, Flesh-hook. Fleshhooks . Reference Bible.
/f/flesh-hook.htm - 9k

Hook (10 Occurrences)
... (2) The "flesh-hook." (mazlegh, mizlaghah ... when any man offered sacrifice, the priest's
servant came, while the flesh was in seething, with a fleshhook of three ...
/h/hook.htm - 15k

Ivory (13 Occurrences)
... In the passages cited it is translated in English Versions of the Bible "ivory"
(of "crag," 1 Samuel 14:4, 5; "cliff," Job 39:28 twice; "flesh-hook of three ...
/i/ivory.htm - 17k

Fleshhooks (5 Occurrences)

/f/fleshhooks.htm - 8k

Three-pronged (2 Occurrences)
... the priests with the people was, that, when any man offered sacrifice, the priest's
servant came, while the flesh was in seething, with a flesh-hook of three ...
/t/three-pronged.htm - 7k

Prongs (1 Occurrence)
... the priests' custom with the people was, when any man sacrificed a sacrifice, the
priest's servant came, when the flesh was cooked, with a flesh-hook of three ...
/p/prongs.htm - 6k

Cauldron (8 Occurrences)
... (DBY). 1 Samuel 2:14 and he struck it into the pan, or kettle, or cauldron, or
pot; the priest took of it all that the flesh-hook brought up. ...
/c/cauldron.htm - 8k

Seething (5 Occurrences)
... custom with the people was, that, when any man offered sacrifice, the priest's servant
came, while the flesh was in seething, with a fleshhook of three teeth ...
/s/seething.htm - 8k

Altar (343 Occurrences)
... On altar furniture see POT; SHOVEL; BASIN; FLESH-HOOK; FIREPAN. ... For the utensils
connected with the altar, see PAN; SHOVEL; BASIN; FLESH-HOOK; CENSER. ...
/a/altar.htm - 78k

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