1 Samuel 2:15

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.

Commentary

1 Samuel 2:15 reveals a disturbing aspect of the priesthood under Eli, specifically the egregious behavior of his sons, Hophni and Phinehas. This verse details their flagrant disregard for the sacred protocols of the Israelite sacrificial system, highlighting their greed and contempt for God's established law concerning offerings.

Context

The setting for this verse is the Tabernacle at Shiloh, the central place of worship for Israel during this period. According to the Mosaic Law, particularly in books like Leviticus and Exodus, specific instructions were given regarding animal sacrifices and the portions designated for God and for the priests. A crucial element was that the fat of the sacrifice was to be burned on the altar first, as it was considered God's exclusive portion and a "sweet savour" to Him (e.g., Leviticus 3:16, Leviticus 7:23-25). Only after God's portion was offered could the priests take their prescribed share, which was typically boiled ("sodden") and specific parts like the breast and the right thigh (Leviticus 7:34).

However, 1 Samuel 2:15 starkly contrasts this divine order. Eli's sons, through their servant, demanded their portion *before* the fat was burned, effectively robbing God of His due. Furthermore, they rejected the standard boiled meat, demanding "raw" flesh, presumably so they could roast it themselves, which was a more desirable culinary method, indicating their indulgence and disregard for priestly custom.

Key Themes

  • Disregard for God's Law: The most prominent theme is the priests' blatant disrespect for the divine commandments concerning sacrifices. Their actions were a direct violation of sacred protocols, demonstrating a contempt for God's holiness and His established order.
  • Greed and Self-Indulgence: Hophni and Phinehas prioritized their own desires—for specific cuts of meat and preferred cooking methods—over reverence for God and the sacredness of the offerings. This highlights a deep-seated materialism and self-serving attitude within the priesthood.
  • Corruption of the Priesthood: This verse is a clear indicator of the severe moral and spiritual decay within Eli's household. Their actions undermined the integrity of Israel's worship and set a terrible example, leading to widespread disrespect for the Lord's offerings (as mentioned in 1 Samuel 2:17).
  • Abuse of Authority: As priests, Eli's sons held a position of immense spiritual authority and trust. They exploited this position for personal gain, intimidating the worshippers who came to offer sacrifices.

Linguistic Insights

  • The phrase "before they burnt the fat" is critical. In Hebrew, the word for fat is ḥēleḇ (חֵלֶב), which was considered the richest and best part of the animal, symbolically reserved for God as a recognition of His sovereignty and worthiness of the firstfruits.
  • "Sodden flesh" refers to meat that has been boiled. This was the customary and prescribed way for the priests to receive and prepare their portion of the sacrifice.
  • "Raw" (Hebrew: nāʾ, נָא) indicates uncooked meat. Their demand for raw meat to roast instead of the "sodden" portion signifies their rejection of the established custom and their desire for a more palatable, self-chosen meal, further emphasizing their disregard for the sacred regulations.

Practical Application

The actions of Eli's sons serve as a powerful warning for all believers, particularly those in positions of spiritual leadership or service. This verse underscores several timeless principles:

  • Reverence for God: It reminds us of the profound importance of approaching God with reverence, humility, and obedience, rather than with casual disrespect or self-serving motives. Our worship and service should always prioritize God's glory and His commands.
  • Integrity in Service: Those entrusted with spiritual duties or any position of authority are called to serve with integrity, putting God's will and the welfare of others before personal gain or preference.
  • Consequences of Disobedience: The narrative of Eli's sons vividly illustrates that disobedience and corruption, especially within sacred duties, carry severe consequences (1 Samuel 2:30-34). It serves as a reminder that God holds His servants accountable for their actions and attitudes.
  • Honoring God with Our Best: Just as the fat was God's portion, we are called to give God our first and best in all areas of our lives, not just leftovers or what is convenient.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

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;
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