“And the sin of the young men was very great before the Lord: for men abhorred the offering of the Lord.”
This verse is part of the narrative about Eli, the high priest, and his two sons, Hophni and Phinehas. They served as priests in the tabernacle at Shiloh. However, they were corrupt and engaged in sinful behaviour, which had severe consequences for themselves and the people they were supposed to serve.
Context:To fully understand the significance of this verse, it is essential to consider the broader context. The book of 1 Samuel begins with the story of Hannah, a barren woman who fervently prayed for a child. God heard her prayer and blessed her with a son named Samuel. In gratitude, Hannah dedicated Samuel to the Lord’s service, and he was brought to Eli to be raised in the tabernacle.
The sin of the young men:In 1 Samuel 2:12-16, it is described how Hophni and Phinehas, as priests, abused their positions of authority. They took advantage of the offerings brought by the people, seizing portions for themselves that were meant to be offered to God. Additionally, they engaged in sexual immorality with the women who served at the entrance of the tabernacle. These actions demonstrated their blatant disregard for God’s law and their responsibility as priests.
The abhorrence of the offering of the Lord:The latter part of the verse reveals the consequence of the young men’s sinful behaviour. The people who came to worship and offer sacrifices to the Lord were repulsed by the actions of Hophni and Phinehas. Their corrupt behaviour tainted the sacredness of the offerings, causing people to despise the worship of God and lose trust in the priesthood.
Lessons for us today:
- The importance of integrity:Hophni and Phinehas’ actions highlight the significance of integrity and faithfulness in serving God. As Christians, we should strive to uphold moral and ethical standards, especially when placed in positions of authority or leadership within the Church.
- The impact of our actions on others:The behaviour of the young men had a negative impact not only on themselves but also on the entire community. Our actions can influence those around us, either drawing them closer to God or pushing them away. We should be mindful of how our conduct reflects our faith and its effect on others.
- The dangers of hypocrisy:Hophni and Phinehas displayed a form of hypocrisy by participating in the rituals of worship while disregarding God’s commands. It serves as a reminder for us to avoid hypocrisy and ensure that our inward devotion aligns with our outward actions.
Overall, 1 Samuel 2:17 emphasises the importance of righteousness, integrity, and reverence in our service to God. It cautions against the detrimental consequences that can arise from abusing positions of authority and failing to live in accordance with God’s commands.
