1 samuel 2:29 - Why do you kick at my sacrifice and at my offering, which I have commanded in my habitation, and honor your sons above me, to make yourselves fat with the best of all the offerings of Israel my people?’

Generated Verse: 1 samuel 2:29

What does "1 samuel 2:29" mean?


This verse from 1 Samuel 2:29 is a strong rebuke from God (speaking through an unnamed prophet) to Eli, the high priest, and his sons, Hophni and Phinehas. Let's break it down:

"Why do you kick at my sacrifice and at my offering, which I have commanded in my habitation..." This refers to the sacrifices and offerings that the Israelites were required to give to God in the Tabernacle (God's dwelling place at that time). To "kick at" something implies contempt, rejection, and disrespect. Eli and his sons were treating the sacred sacrifices with disdain. They weren't properly performing their priestly duties or holding the offerings in the reverence that God commanded.

"...and honor your sons above me..." This is the heart of the accusation. Eli was prioritizing his sons' desires and well-being over his duty to God. He was allowing them to get away with their sinful behavior (as described earlier in 1 Samuel 2) and was not holding them accountable. This prioritization of family over God was a grave offense.

"...to make yourselves fat with the best of all the offerings of Israel my people?" This points to the specific way in which Eli and his sons were profiting from their priestly position. They were taking the choicest portions of the sacrificial offerings for themselves, beyond what was rightfully theirs as priests. They were motivated by greed and were exploiting their sacred role to enrich themselves. "Making yourselves fat" is a metaphorical way of saying they were indulging in excessive luxury and comfort at the expense of the people and God's commands.

In essence, the verse is accusing Eli and his sons of:

Disrespecting God's commands and sacred offerings.
Prioritizing their personal interests and family loyalty above their duty to God.
Exploiting their priestly position for personal gain and indulging in greed.

The consequences of these actions would be severe, as outlined in the rest of the prophecy. This verse highlights the importance of integrity, obedience, and reverence in serving God, and the dangers of corruption and prioritizing personal gain over spiritual duty. It serves as a warning against those in positions of power who abuse their authority for selfish purposes.