“And did I choose him out of all the tribes of Israel to be my priest, to offer upon mine altar, to burn incense, to wear an ephod before me? and did I give unto the house of thy father all the offerings made by fire of the children of Israel?”
Historical Context:To better understand the significance of this verse, it is helpful to have some context. At this time, Israel was transitioning from the period of the judges to the establishment of the monarchy. Eli was the high priest and judge over Israel, and his sons, Hophni and Phinehas, were serving as priests. However, they were corrupt and indulged in wicked practices, causing the people to despise the offering of the Lord.
Divine Choice of Samuel:In this verse, God is addressing Eli, the high priest, and reminding him of His sovereign choice. The Lord appointed Samuel, even before he was born, to serve as a priest before Him. Samuel was chosen out of all the tribes of Israel to offer sacrifices on the altar and burn incense in the tabernacle. This highlights God’s divine selection and calling of individuals for specific purposes.
The Ephod:The verse mentions Samuel wearing an ephod before God. The ephod was a garment worn by the high priest and was associated with his role in seeking God’s guidance through the Urim and Thummim, which were special objects used for decision-making or obtaining divine answers. By mentioning the ephod, it signifies Samuel’s authority and close relationship with God.
Privileges and Responsibilities:The verse also alludes to the privileges and responsibilities entrusted to Samuel and his lineage. God had given the house of Samuel’s father, Elkanah, the honour of receiving the offerings made by fire from the children of Israel. This indicates that Samuel’s descendants would be provided for and would have a role in serving God.
Lessons and Applications:From this verse, we can draw several lessons. Firstly, God’s choice and calling of individuals are not based on human standards but on His divine wisdom. Secondly, God expects His chosen servants to fulfill their responsibilities with integrity and devotion. Eli’s sons failed to do so, leading to severe consequences. Lastly, this verse reminds us of the importance of honouring God’s chosen representatives and supporting them in their service.
