(1) v.12 points out the most important thing about being a priest: recognize the LORD's authority.
2:12 The sons of Eli were wicked men. They did not recognize the LORD’s authority.2:13 Now the priests would always treat the people in the following way:
(NET) Heb “the habit of the priests with the people [was this].”
2:17 The sin of these young men was very great in the LORD’s sight, for they treated the LORD’s offering with contempt.
Reflections: What would make the priests as someone who did not recognize God's authority and they treat God's offering with contempt as a habit? They probably only perform their duty of priesthood as a regular "job," and the offering as their "salary." Are we lost in the ministry? When we serve God do we just want to get it done and get it over?
(2) This passage alternated the description of Eli's sons (v.12-17,22-25, 27-34) and Samuel (v.18-21, 26, 35-36). The comment about them was vastly different.
a. 2:25 [Eli said to them,] If a man sins against a man, one may appeal to God on his behalf. But if a man sins against the LORD, who then will intercede for him?” But Eli’s sons would not listen to their father, for the LORD had decided to kill them.
2:26 Now the boy Samuel was growing up and finding favor both with the LORD and with people.
b. v.34b Hophni and Phinehas: in a single day they both will die! 2:35 Then I will raise up for myself a faithful priest. He will do what is in my heart and soul. I will build for him a secure dynasty and he will serve my chosen one for all time
Reflections: This is probably the main theme of this passage. Not those who were priests by the family line could be priests but those who were faithful and would do what was in God's heart and soul were qualified to serve Him. Are we faithful and ready to God's will today? This passage reminds that I should not take the privilege of serving God in the ministry for granted. God can give it to anyone when I do not honor Him anymore.
(3) Eli's was held accountable for his sons' sin
a. Who God is was plainly seen. He deserved our honor and respect.
v.27b ‘Did I not plainly reveal myself to your ancestor’s house when they were in Egypt in the house of Pharaoh?
b. What you have done did not match with Who God is
2:29 Why are you scorning my sacrifice and my offering that I commanded for my dwelling place? You have honored your sons more than you have me by having made yourselves fat from the best parts of all the offerings of my people Israel.’
Note here that God held Eli responsible for his sons' sin, "you scorning my sacrifice..." Why? The word, "you," is plural. In other words, he and his sons were grouped together. They both considered sinful.
In v.22-25, Eli seemed to fulfill his responsibility as a father and talked to his sons. It was just that his sons did not listen. However, in v.29, God said Eli was part of the team who scorned God's sacrifice and took the fat from the best parts of the offerings. No wonder his words did not bear much weight before his sons.
Reflections: Is our attitude towards God match Who He is? Is our discipline effective for our children? What I mean is, do you take part in your children's sin? Do we honor God or do we honor man/your children?
Note, it was a great loss of his family that the LORD removed their privilege of being the priest.
v.30b For I will honor those who honor me, but those who despise me will be cursed!
Note that God used the same word, "honor" to point out that Eli honored his son above God. Now God would only honor those who honor Him (who was not Eli). Immediately God announced curse to their family v.31.
Audrey
Comments