1 Samuel 2:28
And did I choose him out of all the tribes of Israel to be my priest, to offer upon mine altar, to burn incense, to wear an ephod before me? and did I give unto the house of thy father all the offerings made by fire of the children of Israel?
1 Samuel 2:28 · King James Version
Meaning
The meaning of this verse is centered around the concept of divine selection and questioning the authority and actions of those in positions of power and privilege. In this passage, God is questioning why Eli, as a priest, has not maintained the integrity and holiness expected of him in his role. The verse highlights the responsibilities of a priest, including offering sacrifices, burning incense, and wearing the ephod, a ceremonial garment. God also calls attention to the fact that Eli's family has been benefiting from the offerings made by the people of Israel, which should have been reserved for the Lord. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of honoring one's divine responsibilities and the consequences of failing to do so.
Theological Overview
In this verse, the speaker is questioning whether they specifically chose someone from among all the tribes of Israel to serve as a priest, offer sacrifices on the altar, burn incense, and wear an ephod. By asking these rhetorical questions, the speaker is highlighting the special role and responsibilities of the priesthood. The priesthood was a sacred and prestigious position chosen by God Himself, and the priest had the privilege of representing the people before God and offering sacrifices on their behalf. Additionally, the verse mentions the offerings made by fire, which were an important aspect of the Israelite sacrificial system. These offerings were meant to atone for sins and express gratitude to God. Therefore, this verse not only emphasizes the significance of the priesthood but also the importance of proper worship and reverence towards God.
1 Samuel 2:28 in other translations
American Standard Version
and did I choose him out of all the tribes of Israel to be my priest, to go up unto mine altar, to burn incense, to wear an ephod before me? and did I give unto the house of thy father all the offerings of the children of Israel made by fire?
World English Bible
Did I choose him out of all the tribes of Israel to be my priest, to go up to my altar, to burn incense, to wear an ephod before me? Did I give to the house of your father all the offerings of the children of Israel made by fire?
Douay-Rheims
And I chose him out of all the tribes of Israel to be my priest, to go up to my altar, and burn incense to me, and to wear the ephod before me: and I gave to thy father's house of all the sacrifices of the children of Israel.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And I chose him out of all the tribes of Israel to be my Priest, to offer vpon mine altar, and to burne incense, and to weare an Ephod before me, and I gaue vnto the house of thy father all the offrings made by fire of the children of Israel.