1 Samuel 2:16 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →When worshippers urged that God's portion be burned first, the priests refused and threatened to seize the meat by force.
What Does 1 Samuel 2:16 Mean?
Some worshippers protested, asking that the fat be burned to God first; then the priest could take whatever he wished. But the servant refused, insisting on the meat at once and threatening to take it by force if denied.
Here the sin reaches its full ugliness. Ordinary Israelites showed more reverence for God's order than the priests did, yet were overruled by threats. The priests used their office to bully the faithful into dishonoring God. When those who lead in worship despise the very God they serve, they do violence not only to the people but to the sacredness of worship itself. Such a state could not stand before the Lord.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1 Samuel 2:16
What does 1 Samuel 2:16 mean?
When worshippers urged that God's portion be burned first, the priests refused and threatened to seize the meat by force.