1 Samuel 2:16

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.

And if any man {H376} said {H559} unto him, Let them not fail {H6999} to burn {H6999} the fat {H2459} presently {H3117}, and then take {H3947} as much as thy soul {H5315} desireth {H183}; then he would answer {H559} him, Nay; but thou shalt give {H5414} it me now: and if not, I will take {H3947} it by force {H2394}.

If the man answered, "First let the fat burn to smoke, then take as much as you want," he would say, "No, give it to me now, or I'll take it by force."

And if any man said to him, “The fat must be burned first; then you may take whatever you want,” the servant would reply, “No, you must give it to me right now. If you refuse, I will take it by force!”

And if the man said unto him, They will surely burn the fat first, and then take as much as thy soul desireth; then he would say, Nay, but thou shalt give it me now: and if not, I will take it by force.

Commentary

1 Samuel 2:16 starkly illustrates the profound corruption of Hophni and Phinehas, the sons of Eli the high priest, who served at the tabernacle in Shiloh. This verse captures their audacious defiance of God's sacred laws concerning sacrificial offerings, revealing their insatiable greed and brazen abuse of their priestly office.

Context of 1 Samuel 2:16

This verse is part of a broader narrative in 1 Samuel 2:12-17 detailing the severe misconduct of Eli's sons. As priests, they were divinely appointed to facilitate the sacrificial system, which was central to Israelite worship and atonement. According to the Mosaic Law, specific parts of the animal sacrifice, particularly the fat, were considered sacred and designated to be burned on the altar as an offering to the Lord (e.g., Leviticus 3:3-5). Only after God received His portion were the priests permitted to take theirs (Leviticus 7:30-34). However, Hophni and Phinehas flagrantly disregarded these regulations, demanding their share immediately, and specifically the choicest parts, thereby showing utter contempt for God's ordinances and the sanctity of the sacrificial system.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Disregard for Divine Law: The most prominent theme is the priests' open rebellion against God's explicit commands for handling sacred offerings. They prioritized their personal appetite over divine decree.
  • Corrupt Leadership: This verse serves as a potent warning about the dangers of spiritual leaders who exploit their sacred roles for personal gain, leading to the desecration of holy practices and the stumbling of the people.
  • Greed and Entitlement: Hophni and Phinehas displayed extreme greed, not content with their rightful portions but demanding the best and threatening violence if refused. This highlights the destructive power of unchecked desires and a sense of unearned privilege.
  • Abuse of Power: Their willingness to "take it by force" underscores their tyrannical and oppressive use of their priestly authority, intimidating worshippers and undermining the very purpose of the sacrificial system.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "burn the fat presently" refers to the imperative to offer the fat, considered the prime portion, to God immediately. The priests' retort, "thou shalt give [it me] now: and if not, I will take [it] by force," reveals their aggressive and unlawful stance. The Hebrew word for "take by force" (חָזַק - chazaq) implies a strong, violent seizure, emphasizing their arrogant and tyrannical behavior. This act not only dishonored God but also brought distress and offense to those bringing offerings to the Lord.

Practical Application

The narrative of Eli's sons in 1 Samuel 2:16 offers enduring lessons for believers today:

  • Integrity in Service: It underscores the paramount importance of integrity, particularly for those in positions of spiritual leadership. All who serve God must do so with pure motives, valuing His commands above any personal benefit.
  • Reverence for God's Ordinances: This verse reminds us to approach God and His instructions with profound reverence, recognizing that He deserves our utmost respect, obedience, and the best of our worship.
  • Warning Against Greed: It serves as a powerful cautionary tale against the corrupting influence of greed and entitlement, which can lead individuals to disregard divine principles and cause harm to others and to the reputation of faith.
  • Consequences of Disobedience: The eventual downfall of Eli's household (1 Samuel 2:31-34) demonstrates that God does not tolerate such behavior indefinitely and will bring judgment upon those who persistently profane His name and His worship.
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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 7:23 (6 votes)

    Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, Ye shall eat no manner of fat, of ox, or of sheep, or of goat.

  • Leviticus 7:25 (6 votes)

    For whosoever eateth the fat of the beast, of which men offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD, even the soul that eateth [it] shall be cut off from his people.

  • Leviticus 3:16 (5 votes)

    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.

  • 1 Peter 5:2 (3 votes)

    Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight [thereof], not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;

  • 1 Peter 5:3 (3 votes)

    Neither as being lords over [God's] heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.

  • Micah 2:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ Woe to them that devise iniquity, and work evil upon their beds! when the morning is light, they practise it, because it is in the power of their hand.

  • Micah 2:2 (2 votes)

    And they covet fields, and take [them] by violence; and houses, and take [them] away: so they oppress a man and his house, even a man and his heritage.