1 Samuel 2:29
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?
1 Samuel 2:29 · King James Version
Meaning
God is expressing his disappointment in the behavior of the priests who are entrusted with overseeing the sacrifices and offerings in his temple. The priests are being rebuked for disrespecting and mistreating the sacrifices that they are meant to oversee. By "kicking" at the sacrifices, they are showing contempt and disregard for the offerings that have been commanded by God himself. Furthermore, the priests are accused of honoring their own sons above God, prioritizing their own desires and pleasures over the reverence and respect that they should be showing towards God and his commandments. Instead of carrying out their duties with sincerity and devotion, the priests are depicted as selfishly seeking to enrich themselves by indulging in the "chiefest of all the offerings of Israel." This verse serves as a cautionary reminder of the dangers of putting one's own interests above God's will and the importance of acting with humility and reverence in service to God.
Theological Overview
This verse from 1 Samuel 2:29 highlights the grave sin committed by Eli's sons, Hophni and Phinehas, who were priests but behaved wickedly by dishonoring God's sacrifices and offerings. The word "kick" in this context signifies a deliberate rejection and disrespect towards God's commandments. The theological interpretation of this verse emphasizes the importance of obedience and reverence to God's commands. By prioritizing their own desires and honoring their sons above God, Hophni and Phinehas not only dishonored God but also exploited the offerings meant for Him. This verse serves as a warning against prioritizing worldly desires over spiritual obligations and emphasizes the need for genuine worship and obedience in our relationship with God. The word study of "sacrifice" and "offering" in this verse underscores the significance of these rituals in the worship of God and the severity of neglecting or abusing them. Overall, this verse serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the importance of honoring God above all else.
1 Samuel 2:29 in other translations
American Standard Version
Wherefore kick ye at my sacrifice and at mine offering, which I have commanded in [my] habitation, and honorest thy sons above me, to make yourselves fat with the chiefest of all the offerings of Israel my people?
World English Bible
Why do you kick at my sacrifice and at my offering, which I have commanded in my habitation, and honor your sons above me, to make yourselves fat with the best of all the offerings of Israel my people?’
Douay-Rheims
Why have you kicked away my victims, and my gifts which I commanded to be offered in the temple: and thou hast rather honoured thy sons than me, to eat the firstfruits of every sacrifice of my people Israel?
Geneva Bible (1599)
Wherefore haue you kicked against my sacrifice and mine offering, which I commanded in my Tabernacle, and honourest thy children aboue mee, to make your selues fatte of the first fruites of all the offerings of Israel my people?