Wherefore 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?
Why do you treat my sacrifices and offerings with contempt—the ones I commanded to be made in my dwelling place? Why do you honor your sons more than you honor me, making yourselves rich by taking the best parts of all the offerings that my people Israel bring?
God is confronting Eli for allowing his sons to dishonor the sacrificial system and for putting family loyalty above obedience to God.
📚 Historical Context
This is God's rebuke to Eli, the high priest at Shiloh, whose sons Hophni and Phinehas were corrupt priests who abused their position by taking the best portions of sacrifices for themselves. Eli knew of their wickedness but failed to stop them, choosing to honor his sons over God's commands. This ultimately led to God's judgment on Eli's household.
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