ìThen Solomon sat on the throne of the LORD as king instead
of David his father, and prospered; and all Israel obeyed him.î
1 Chronicles 29:23
But even if it was because of the sacrifice, the burnt offering went to God. It
was never intended to be used line the pockets of the priests. The Bible gives us
a very vivid picture of two men from the tribe of Levi that tried to steal from the
people of Israel the sacrifice meant for the LORD. Even though they were Levite
priests, the sonsí of Eli tried to take to themselves the offering that was meant for
God, with devastating consequences.
ìAnd the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, the priests of
the LORD, were there (in Shiloh)ÖNow the sons of Eli were
sons of Belial; they knew not the LORD.î 1 Samuel 1:3; 2:12
According to the Law, the fat offering was to be burnt and whatever was left
over belonged to the priestsí. But to Hophni and Phinehas, that offering was not
enough. Sounding dangerously close to the Apostleís of Greed, they wanted the
whole offering. If someone would not give it to them, they would take it by force
(coercion) if necessary.
ìAnd 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.î 1 Samuel 2:16
This was a great sin before the LORD.ìWherefore the sin of the young men was very great before the
LORD: for men abhorred the offering of the LORD.î
1 Samuel 2:17
A prophet was sent revealing the sin of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas and also the
judgment of the LORD.
ìWherefore kick ye at my sacrifice and at mine offering, which I
have commanded in my habitation; and honourest thy sons
above me, to make yourselves fat with the chiefest of all the
offerings of Israel my people?î 1 Samuel 2:29 (emphasis mine)
Eli and his family were going to be removed as priestsí of the LORD, and the
sonsí of Eli were going to die.