God chose the priestly line for a sacred purpose, yet they squandered their privileged position through disobedience.
"I did choose them from all the tribes of Israel to be My priests, to go up to My altar, to burn incense, to carry an ephod before Me; and did I not give to the house of your father all the fire offerings of the sons of Israel?" (v.28)
In this verse, the Lord reminds Eli’s house of the high honor He bestowed upon the priestly line. Historically, this line can be traced back to Aaron (around the 1400s BC), whom God separated from the other tribes to perform sacred duties such as burning incense on behalf of the people and carrying the ephod in service at the tabernacle. At this time, the tabernacle was located in Shiloh, a city situated in the hill country of Ephraim, approximately 20 miles north of Jerusalem. Serving at the altar and wearing the ephod symbolized the privilege of mediating between God and the nation of Israel.
By referencing the “house of your father,” the Lord specifically addresses the priestly family’s lineage, stressing that they were once chosen from among all Israel to enjoy portions of the sacrificial offerings. The term “fire offerings” encompasses the various sacrifices the Israelites offered to God in worship, from which the priests received a share to sustain them. These priests were thus set apart to exemplify wholehearted devotion to God, yet the larger context of 1 Samuel 2 reveals that Eli’s sons were exploiting the sacred offerings and dishonoring their calling.
The verse also points forward to the ultimate High Priest, fulfilled in Jesus, who mediates a new covenant for believers (Hebrews 4:14; 7:23-27). Like the priests in this verse were intended to intercede on behalf of Israel, Christ intercedes once and for all. This holy role, therefore, highlights God’s mercy to His people alongside the serious responsibility of representing Him faithfully.
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1 Samuel 2:28 meaning
"I did choose them from all the tribes of Israel to be My priests, to go up to My altar, to burn incense, to carry an ephod before Me; and did I not give to the house of your father all the fire offerings of the sons of Israel?" (v.28)
In this verse, the Lord reminds Eli’s house of the high honor He bestowed upon the priestly line. Historically, this line can be traced back to Aaron (around the 1400s BC), whom God separated from the other tribes to perform sacred duties such as burning incense on behalf of the people and carrying the ephod in service at the tabernacle. At this time, the tabernacle was located in Shiloh, a city situated in the hill country of Ephraim, approximately 20 miles north of Jerusalem. Serving at the altar and wearing the ephod symbolized the privilege of mediating between God and the nation of Israel.
By referencing the “house of your father,” the Lord specifically addresses the priestly family’s lineage, stressing that they were once chosen from among all Israel to enjoy portions of the sacrificial offerings. The term “fire offerings” encompasses the various sacrifices the Israelites offered to God in worship, from which the priests received a share to sustain them. These priests were thus set apart to exemplify wholehearted devotion to God, yet the larger context of 1 Samuel 2 reveals that Eli’s sons were exploiting the sacred offerings and dishonoring their calling.
The verse also points forward to the ultimate High Priest, fulfilled in Jesus, who mediates a new covenant for believers (Hebrews 4:14; 7:23-27). Like the priests in this verse were intended to intercede on behalf of Israel, Christ intercedes once and for all. This holy role, therefore, highlights God’s mercy to His people alongside the serious responsibility of representing Him faithfully.