Why was the burning of the fat so important, and why was it so egregious for Eli's sons to demand meat before it was offered?

The burning of the fat (חֵלֶב, *ḥēleḇ*) was of paramount importance in the Israelite sacrificial system because it represented the choicest and richest part of the animal, symbolically reserved exclusively for the Lord. According to Mosaic Law, particularly in Leviticus 3:16, the fat was considered "the Lord's food" and was to be burned on the altar as a "pleasing aroma" to Him. This act was a fundamental acknowledgment of God's sovereignty, His holiness, and His right to the first and best of all offerings. It was a tangible expression of worship and obedience, signifying that God was preeminent. For Eli's sons to demand their portion *before* the fat was burned was an act of profound sacrilege. It was not merely a procedural error but a direct usurpation of God's rightful share, a public display of contempt for divine law, and a tangible demonstration of their greed and self-indulgence. It effectively robbed God of His honor and defiled the sacred act of worship, turning a holy offering into a means for their personal gratification, thereby undermining the entire sacrificial system and the people's respect for the Lord's offerings, as noted in 1 Samuel 2:17.

2:14 2:14

1 Samuel 2:15

2:16 2:16

Bible Versions

Also before they burnt the fat, the priest's servant came, and said to the man that sacrificed, Give flesh to roast for the priest; for he will not have sodden flesh of thee, but raw.

Also before they burnt {H6999} the fat {H2459}, the priest's {H3548} servant {H5288} came {H935}, and said {H559} to the man {H376} that sacrificed {H2076}, Give {H5414} flesh {H1320} to roast {H6740} for the priest {H3548}; for he will not have {H3947} sodden {H1310} flesh {H1320} of thee, but raw {H2416}.

The cohen's servant would actually come before the fat had burned to smoke and say to the man who was sacrificing, "Give the cohen meat he can roast; because he doesn't want your meat stewed, but raw."

Even before the fat was burned, the servant of the priest would come and say to the man who was sacrificing, “Give the priest some meat to roast, because he will not accept boiled meat from you, but only raw.”

Yea, before they burnt the fat, the priest’s servant came, and said to the man that sacrificed, Give flesh to roast for the priest; for he will not have boiled flesh of thee, but raw.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Verse Lookup

Cross-References

Leviticus 3:16

And the priest shall burn them upon the altar: [it is] the food of the offering made by fire for a sweet savour: all the fat [is] the LORD'S.
Leviticus 3:3

And he shall offer of the sacrifice of the peace offering an offering made by fire unto the LORD; the fat that covereth the inwards, and all the fat that [is] upon the inwards,
Leviticus 3:5

And Aaron's sons shall burn it on the altar upon the burnt sacrifice, which [is] upon the wood that [is] on the fire: [it is] an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD.
Romans 16:18

For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.
Philippians 3:19

Whose end [is] destruction, whose God [is their] belly, and [whose] glory [is] in their shame, who mind earthly things.)
Jude 1:12

These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds [they are] without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;

Bible Versions

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