What does 1 Samuel 2:16 mean?
"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." - 1 Samuel 2:16
First Samuel 2:16 in the King James Version reads, "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."
This verse is part of the story of Eli and his two sons, Hophni and Phinehas. Eli was the high priest of Israel at the time and his sons served as priests alongside him. However, they were corrupt and took advantage of their positions for their own gain. This verse specifically describes how the priests would demand the best portions of the sacrifices brought to the temple by the people, even before the sacrifices were offered to the Lord.
The context of this verse is important to understanding its meaning. The book of 1 Samuel begins with the story of Hannah, a woman who was barren but prayed fervently for a child. God answered her prayers and she gave birth to a son, Samuel, whom she dedicated to the service of the Lord. Samuel was raised in the temple by Eli and would later become a prophet and judge of Israel.
In contrast to Samuel, Eli's sons, Hophni and Phinehas, were wicked men who had no regard for the Lord or for the duties of their priesthood. They abused their authority and took advantage of the people who came to the temple to worship. The verse in question illustrates their selfishness and greed, as they demanded the best portions of the sacrifices for themselves, even before the sacrifices were offered to God.
The themes present in this verse include corruption, abuse of power, and disobedience to God's commands. Hophni and Phinehas were not only disregarding the rights of the people who brought their sacrifices to the temple, but they were also disobeying the specific instructions given in the Law of Moses regarding the handling of sacrifices. Leviticus 3:16 states, "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."
The symbolism in this verse is significant as well. The fat of the sacrifices was considered the choicest and most valuable part, reserved for the Lord as a burnt offering. By demanding the fat for themselves, Hophni and Phinehas were essentially stealing from God and dishonoring His holy ordinances. This symbolizes their utter disregard for the sacredness of their calling as priests and their lack of reverence for the Lord.
Overall, 1 Samuel 2:16 serves as a warning against corruption and the abuse of power, particularly within the religious leadership. It also highlights the contrast between the righteous and the wicked, as seen in the characters of Samuel and Eli's sons. Through their actions, Hophni and Phinehas bring judgment upon themselves and their family, leading to their eventual downfall and the end of their priestly line. The verse ultimately serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience, humility, and reverence for the Lord in all aspects of life, especially in matters of faith and worship.
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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 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." - 1 Samuel 2:16
1 Samuel 16:2 - "And Samuel said, How can I go? if Saul hear it, he will kill me. And the LORD said, Take an heifer with thee, and say, I am come to sacrifice to the LORD."
1 Samuel 16:1–13
2 Samuel 5:16 - "And Elishama, and Eliada, and Eliphalet."
1 Samuel 3:16 - "Then Eli called Samuel, and said, Samuel, my son. And he answered, Here am I."
1 Samuel 2:12
2 Samuel 1:16 - "And David said unto him, Thy blood be upon thy head; for thy mouth hath testified against thee, saying, I have slain the LORD'S anointed."
1 Samuel 16:10 - "Again, Jesse made seven of his sons to pass before Samuel. And Samuel said unto Jesse, The LORD hath not chosen these."
1 Samuel 16:8 - "Then Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel. And he said, Neither hath the LORD chosen this."
2 Samuel 8:16 - "And Joab the son of Zeruiah was over the host; and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder;"
"And Elishama, and Eliada, and Eliphalet." - 2 Samuel 5:16
1 Samuel 28:16 - "Then said Samuel, Wherefore then dost thou ask of me, seeing the LORD is departed from thee, and is become thine enemy?"
2 Samuel 16:15 - "¶ And Absalom, and all the people the men of Israel, came to Jerusalem, and Ahithophel with him."
2 Samuel 16:14 - "And the king, and all the people that were with him, came weary, and refreshed themselves there."
1 Samuel 16:4 - "And Samuel did that which the LORD spake, and came to Beth-lehem. And the elders of the town trembled at his coming, and said, Comest thou peaceably?"
1 Samuel 16:13 - "Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah."
1 Samuel 15:16 - "Then Samuel said unto Saul, Stay, and I will tell thee what the LORD hath said to me this night. And he said unto him, Say on."
1 Samuel 17:16 - "And the Philistine drew near morning and evening, and presented himself forty days."
1 Samuel 6:16 - "And when the five lords of the Philistines had seen it, they returned to Ekron the same day."
2 Samuel 16:16 - "And it came to pass, when Hushai the Archite, David's friend, was come unto Absalom, that Hushai said unto Absalom, God save the king, God save the king."
1 Samuel 16:14 - "¶ But the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD troubled him."
1 Samuel 10:16 - "And Saul said unto his uncle, He told us plainly that the asses were found. But of the matter of the kingdom, whereof Samuel spake, he told him not."
2 Samuel 16:20 - "¶ Then said Absalom to Ahithophel, Give counsel among you what we shall do."
2 Samuel 16:12 - "It may be that the LORD will look on mine affliction, and that the LORD will requite me good for his cursing this day."
1 Samuel 1:16 - "Count not thine handmaid for a daughter of Belial: for out of the abundance of my complaint and grief have I spoken hitherto."
2 Samuel 16:1 - "And when David was a little past the top of the hill, behold, Ziba the servant of Mephibosheth met him, with a couple of asses saddled, and upon them two hundred loaves of bread, and an hundred bunches of raisins, and an hundred of summer fruits, and a bottle of wine."
2 Samuel 16:17 - "And Absalom said to Hushai, Is this thy kindness to thy friend? why wentest thou not with thy friend?"
1 Samuel 16:9 - "Then Jesse made Shammah to pass by. And he said, Neither hath the LORD chosen this."
1 Samuel 2:26 - "And the child Samuel grew on, and was in favour both with the LORD, and also with men."