This verse shows how corruption and disregard for God’s commandments not only undermine worship but also reveal the need for true spiritual integrity.
In this passage, we read that “Also, before they burned the fat, the priest’s servant would come and say to the man who was sacrificing, ‘Give the priest meat for roasting as he will not take boiled meat from you, only raw’” (v.15). The setting for these events is Shiloh, located in the central hill country of ancient Israel, where the tabernacle of the LORD was established before the temple was built in Jerusalem. This verse highlights the improper conduct of Eli’s sons—servants acting on behalf of the priest—who demanded portions of the sacrifices for their own consumption before they were offered to God as commanded by the law (see Leviticus 7:28-34). Around the 11th century BC, the priestly family of Eli was entrusted with the worship practices of Israel, but his sons twisted their duties for personal gain.
By stating that “before they burned the fat, the priest’s servant would come” (v.15), the verse underscores the sons’ blatant disregard for God’s sacrificial system. According to God’s commandments, the fat was to be burned as a sacred offering to the LORD, signifying the best portion devoted to Him. These servants, on the other hand, sought to secure the raw meat first, dismissing the holy requirement and dishonoring the true purpose of Israel’s sacrificial worship. Their approach foreshadows the arrogance and corruption that can infect spiritual leadership, a corruption that Jesus later condemned when He overturned tables in the temple, driving out money changers who misused religious rituals for profit (John 2:14-16).
The selfish behavior described in “he will not take boiled meat from you, only raw” (v.15) clashes with the biblical principle that every relationship with God is marked by humble obedience. Offering sacrifices was a demonstration of faith, dependence on God, and reverence for His perfect law. When leaders or servants place their desires above God’s honor, they hinder the hearts of those who come to worship. Ultimately, this verse warns believers that the reverence due to the LORD should always shape their conduct, a theme fulfilled in Christ’s sacrificialobedience and perfect leadership (Hebrews 7:26-27).
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1 Samuel 2:15 meaning
In this passage, we read that “Also, before they burned the fat, the priest’s servant would come and say to the man who was sacrificing, ‘Give the priest meat for roasting as he will not take boiled meat from you, only raw’” (v.15). The setting for these events is Shiloh, located in the central hill country of ancient Israel, where the tabernacle of the LORD was established before the temple was built in Jerusalem. This verse highlights the improper conduct of Eli’s sons—servants acting on behalf of the priest—who demanded portions of the sacrifices for their own consumption before they were offered to God as commanded by the law (see Leviticus 7:28-34). Around the 11th century BC, the priestly family of Eli was entrusted with the worship practices of Israel, but his sons twisted their duties for personal gain.
By stating that “before they burned the fat, the priest’s servant would come” (v.15), the verse underscores the sons’ blatant disregard for God’s sacrificial system. According to God’s commandments, the fat was to be burned as a sacred offering to the LORD, signifying the best portion devoted to Him. These servants, on the other hand, sought to secure the raw meat first, dismissing the holy requirement and dishonoring the true purpose of Israel’s sacrificial worship. Their approach foreshadows the arrogance and corruption that can infect spiritual leadership, a corruption that Jesus later condemned when He overturned tables in the temple, driving out money changers who misused religious rituals for profit (John 2:14-16).
The selfish behavior described in “he will not take boiled meat from you, only raw” (v.15) clashes with the biblical principle that every relationship with God is marked by humble obedience. Offering sacrifices was a demonstration of faith, dependence on God, and reverence for His perfect law. When leaders or servants place their desires above God’s honor, they hinder the hearts of those who come to worship. Ultimately, this verse warns believers that the reverence due to the LORD should always shape their conduct, a theme fulfilled in Christ’s sacrificialobedience and perfect leadership (Hebrews 7:26-27).