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
In the days of the judges in ancient Israel, Eli served as the high priest at the tabernacle in Shiloh, overseeing the worship and sacrifices of the people. His sons, Hophni and Phinehas, who were also priests, abused their roles by seizing the best portions of the offerings for themselves and engaging in immoral behavior, which dishonored God. This verse records God's rebuke to Eli for prioritizing his sons' interests over obedience to divine commands regarding the sacred offerings.
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