“And if any man said unto him, Let them not fail to burn the fat presently, and then take as much as thy soul desireth; then he would answer him, Nay; but thou shalt give it me now: and if not, I will take it by force.”
Samuel 2: 16 provides us with insights into the corrupt practices that were taking place at the time when Eli’s sons, Hophni and Phinehas, served as priests in the tabernacle. This verse highlights their disregard for the proper procedures and the abuse of their priestly authority.
Context:To better understand the significance of this verse, let’s establish the context. The book of 1 Samuel begins by introducing Elkanah and his two wives, Hannah and Peninnah. Hannah was barren and fervently prayed to God for a child. In response to her earnest prayers, God blessed her with a son named Samuel. Hannah dedicated Samuel to the Lord, and he served under Eli, the high priest, from a young age.
The Tabernacle and the Priesthood:During this time, the Israelites worshiped at the tabernacle, a portable tent structure where the Ark of the Covenant was kept. The Levites, chosen by God, were responsible for the priestly duties within the tabernacle. Eli, from the priestly line of Aaron, served as the high priest.
Corruption of Eli’s Sons:Unfortunately, Eli’s sons, Hophni and Phinehas, deviated from their sacred duties and exploited their positions for personal gain. According to the law of Moses, the fat of the offerings was to be burned as an offering to the Lord (Leviticus 3:16-17). However, Hophni and Phinehas would demand raw meat from the worshipers before the fat was burned. They showed no regard for God’s instructions or the sanctity of the offerings.
Disregard for God’s Instructions:In 1 Samuel 2:16, we see an example of their sinful behavior. If anyone offered a sacrifice and requested that the fat be burned first, as prescribed by the law, Hophni and Phinehas would demand their share of the meat before the fat was burned. They did not respect the individual’s desire to honor God’s instructions, indicating their greed and lack of reverence for God.
Use of Force:The latter part of the verse states, “and if not, I will take it by force.” This demonstrates the extent of their corruption and arrogance. If someone resisted their demands, Hophni and Phinehas were willing to resort to force to satisfy their desires. Their actions not only dishonored God but also oppressed the people seeking to worship and offer sacrifices sincerely.
Consequences:The corrupt behavior of Hophni and Phinehas did not go unnoticed by God. As we continue to read through the following chapters of 1 Samuel, we see that God sent a man of God to deliver a message of judgment against Eli’s family. God declared that because of their wickedness, both Hophni and Phinehas would die on the same day, and their father’s house would be replaced with faithful priests who would serve God diligently (1 Samuel 2:27-36).
In summary, 1 Samuel 2:16 sheds light on the corrupt practices of Hophni and Phinehas, who abused their priestly authority, disrespected God’s instructions, and oppressed the people. Their actions ultimately led to severe consequences for themselves and their family. This passage serves as a reminder of the importance of integrity, reverence, and obedience when entrusted with positions of authority and responsibility.
