1 Samuel 2:13
1 Samuel 2:13 in Multiple Translations
or for the custom of the priests with the people. When any man offered a sacrifice, the servant of the priest would come with a three-pronged meat fork while the meat was boiling
And the priests’ custom with the people was, that, when any man offered sacrifice, the priest’s servant came, while the flesh was in seething, with a fleshhook of three teeth in his hand;
And the custom of the priests with the people was, that, when any man offered sacrifice, the priest’s servant came, while the flesh was boiling, with a flesh-hook of three teeth in his hand;
And the priests' way with the people was this: when any man made an offering, the priest's servant came while the flesh was being cooked, having in his hand a meat-hook with three teeth;
or their role as priests to the people. They would send one of their servants over with a fork when anyone came to offer a sacrifice.
For the Priestes custome towarde the people was this: when any man offered sacrifice, the Priestes boy came, while the flesh was seething, and a fleshhooke with three teeth, in his hand,
And the custom of the priests with the people [is]: any man sacrificing a sacrifice — then hath the servant of the priest come in when the flesh is boiling, and the hook of three teeth in his hand,
The custom of the priests with the people was that when anyone offered a sacrifice, the priest’s servant came while the meat was boiling, with a fork of three teeth in his hand;
And the priest's custom with the people was , that , when any man offered sacrifice, the priest's servant came, while the flesh was in seething, with a flesh-hook of three teeth in his hand;
Nor the office of the priests to the people: but whosoever had offered a sacrifice, the servant of the priest came, while the flesh was in boiling, with a fleshhook of three teeth in his hand,
While the people were boiling the meat from their sacrifices in the huge pot at the temple, one of Eli’s sons, would send his servant to come with a large three-pronged fork in his hand.
If somebody gave meat to God, those 2 used to take meat the wrong way from that person. You see, the Israel mob used to boil meat in a big cooking pot at God’s ceremony house. One of Eli’s sons used to tell a worker to get meat for him.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 2:13
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
1 Samuel 2:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וּ/מִשְׁפַּ֥ט
הַ/כֹּהֲנִ֖ים
אֶת
הָ/עָ֑ם
כָּל
אִ֞ישׁ
זֹבֵ֣חַ
זֶ֗בַח
וּ/בָ֨א
נַ֤עַר
הַ/כֹּהֵן֙
כְּ/בַשֵּׁ֣ל
הַ/בָּשָׂ֔ר
וְ/הַ/מַּזְלֵ֛ג
שְׁלֹ֥שׁ
הַ/שִּׁנַּ֖יִם
בְּ/יָדֽ/וֹ
וּ/מִשְׁפַּ֥ט
mishpâṭ
H4941
justice
Conj | N-ms
הַ/כֹּהֲנִ֖ים
kôhên
H3548
priest
Art | N-mp
אֶת
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep
הָ/עָ֑ם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Art | N-ms
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
אִ֞ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
זֹבֵ֣חַ
zâbach
H2076
to sacrifice
V-Qal
זֶ֗בַח
zebach
H2077
sacrifice
N-ms
וּ/בָ֨א
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
נַ֤עַר
naʻar
H5288
youth
N-ms
הַ/כֹּהֵן֙
kôhên
H3548
priest
Art | N-ms
כְּ/בַשֵּׁ֣ל
bâshal
H1310
to boil
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
הַ/בָּשָׂ֔ר
bâsâr
H1320
flesh
Art | N-ms
וְ/הַ/מַּזְלֵ֛ג
mazlêg
H4207
fork
Conj | Art | N-ms
שְׁלֹ֥שׁ
shâlôwsh
H7969
three
Adj
הַ/שִּׁנַּ֖יִם
shên
H8127
tooth
Art | N-cd
בְּ/יָדֽ/וֹ
yâd
H3027
hand
Prep | N-cs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 2:13
וּ/מִשְׁפַּ֥ט
mishpâṭ
H4941
"justice"
Conj | N-ms
Mishpat means justice or judgment, and is often used to describe God's righteous judgment, as well as human laws and decisions, in books like Deuteronomy and Isaiah.
Definition: : judgement/punishment 1) judgment, justice, ordinance 1a) judgment 1a1) act of deciding a case 1a2) place, court, seat of judgment 1a3) process, procedure, litigation (before judges) 1a4) case, cause (presented for judgment) 1a5) sentence, decision (of judgment) 1a6) execution (of judgment) 1a7) time (of judgment) 1b) justice, right, rectitude (attributes of God or man) 1c) ordinance 1d) decision (in law) 1e) right, privilege, due (legal) 1f) proper, fitting, measure, fitness, custom, manner, plan
Usage: Occurs in 406 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] adversary, ceremony, charge, [idiom] crime, custom, desert, determination, discretion, disposing, due, fashion, form, to be judged, judgment, just(-ice, -ly), (manner of) law(-ful), manner, measure, (due) order, ordinance, right, sentence, usest, [idiom] worthy, [phrase] wrong. See also: Genesis 18:19; 1 Kings 2:3; Psalms 1:5.
הַ/כֹּהֲנִ֖ים
kôhên
H3548
"priest"
Art | N-mp
In the Bible, a priest is a person who serves God and leads others in worship, like the Levitical priests in Exodus. They were responsible for making sacrifices and following God's laws. This term is also used to describe Jesus as a priest-king.
Definition: 1) priest, principal officer or chief ruler 1a) priest-king (Melchizedek, Messiah) 1b) pagan priests 1c) priests of Jehovah 1d) Levitical priests 1e) Zadokite priests 1f) Aaronic priests 1g) the high priest Aramaic equivalent: ka.hen (כָּהֵן "priest" H3549)
Usage: Occurs in 653 OT verses. KJV: chief ruler, [idiom] own, priest, prince, principal officer. See also: Genesis 14:18; Leviticus 13:33; Numbers 17:2.
אֶת
ʼêth
H854
"with"
Prep
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
הָ/עָ֑ם
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
Art | N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
אִ֞ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
זֹבֵ֣חַ
zâbach
H2076
"to sacrifice"
V-Qal
To sacrifice means to slaughter an animal, usually for a religious offering, as seen in the Bible's instructions for worship. This term is used in many contexts, including sacrifices for eating or in divine judgment. It's often translated as 'kill' or 'offer' in the KJV.
Definition: 1) to slaughter, kill, sacrifice, slaughter for sacrifice 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to slaughter for sacrifice 1a2) to slaughter for eating 1a3) to slaughter in divine judgment 1b) (Piel) to sacrifice, offer sacrifice Aramaic equivalent: de.vach (דְּבַח "to sacrifice" H1684)
Usage: Occurs in 127 OT verses. KJV: kill, offer, (do) sacrifice, slay. See also: Genesis 31:54; 1 Kings 8:62; Psalms 4:6.
זֶ֗בַח
zebach
H2077
"sacrifice"
N-ms
A sacrifice refers to the act of offering an animal's flesh to God, such as in the sacrifices of righteousness or the Passover. This term encompasses various types of sacrifices, including thank offerings and covenant sacrifices. The KJV translates it as 'offer' or 'sacrifice'.
Definition: 1) sacrifice 1a) sacrifices of righteousness 1b) sacrifices of strife 1c) sacrifices to dead things 1d) the covenant sacrifice 1e) the passover 1f) annual sacrifice 1g) thank offering
Usage: Occurs in 153 OT verses. KJV: offer(-ing), sacrifice. See also: Genesis 31:54; 1 Samuel 2:19; Psalms 4:6.
וּ/בָ֨א
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
נַ֤עַר
naʻar
H5288
"youth"
N-ms
In the original Hebrew, this word means a young person, either a boy or a girl, from infancy to adolescence. It is used to describe the servants and attendants who worked for kings and other important people in the Old Testament, like King David's servants.
Definition: 1) a boy, lad, servant, youth, retainer 1a) boy, lad, youth 1b) servant, retainer
Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: babe, boy, child, damsel (from the margin), lad, servant, young (man). See also: Genesis 14:24; 1 Samuel 25:5; Psalms 37:25.
הַ/כֹּהֵן֙
kôhên
H3548
"priest"
Art | N-ms
In the Bible, a priest is a person who serves God and leads others in worship, like the Levitical priests in Exodus. They were responsible for making sacrifices and following God's laws. This term is also used to describe Jesus as a priest-king.
Definition: 1) priest, principal officer or chief ruler 1a) priest-king (Melchizedek, Messiah) 1b) pagan priests 1c) priests of Jehovah 1d) Levitical priests 1e) Zadokite priests 1f) Aaronic priests 1g) the high priest Aramaic equivalent: ka.hen (כָּהֵן "priest" H3549)
Usage: Occurs in 653 OT verses. KJV: chief ruler, [idiom] own, priest, prince, principal officer. See also: Genesis 14:18; Leviticus 13:33; Numbers 17:2.
כְּ/בַשֵּׁ֣ל
bâshal
H1310
"to boil"
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to boil or cook something, like food in a pot. It can also mean to ripen, like fruit growing ripe on a tree.
Definition: 1) to boil, cook, bake, roast, ripen, grow ripe 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to boil, cook 1a2) to grow ripe, ripen 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to boil 1b2) to cook 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be boiled 1c2) to be sodden 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to ripen 1d2) ripen, brought to ripeness
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: bake, boil, bring forth, roast, seethe, sod (be sodden). See also: Genesis 40:10; 1 Samuel 2:15; Zechariah 14:21.
הַ/בָּשָׂ֔ר
bâsâr
H1320
"flesh"
Art | N-ms
The Hebrew word for flesh refers to the body or a person, and can also describe living things or animals. In the Bible, it is used to describe humans and animals, as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: 1) flesh 1a) of the body 1a1) of humans 1a2) of animals 1b) the body itself 1c) male organ of generation (euphemism) 1d) kindred, blood-relations 1e) flesh as frail or erring (man against God) 1f) all living things 1g) animals 1h) mankind Aramaic equivalent: be.shar (בְּשַׁר "flesh" H1321)
Usage: Occurs in 241 OT verses. KJV: body, (fat, lean) flesh(-ed), kin, (man-) kind, [phrase] nakedness, self, skin. See also: Genesis 2:21; Numbers 11:21; Psalms 16:9.
וְ/הַ/מַּזְלֵ֛ג
mazlêg
H4207
"fork"
Conj | Art | N-ms
A fork, specifically a three-pronged fork, was used in ancient Israelite sacrifices, as described in the book of Leviticus. This word is used to describe the tool used by priests to handle meat during sacrifices.
Definition: three-pronged fork Another spelling of miz.la.gah (מִזְלָגָה "fork" H4207B)
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: fleshhook. See also: Exodus 27:3; 1 Samuel 2:13; 2 Chronicles 4:16.
שְׁלֹ֥שׁ
shâlôwsh
H7969
"three"
Adj
This Hebrew word means three or thrice, and is used to describe quantities or repetitions in the Bible. It appears in various forms, including three, third, and thirteen.
Definition: 1) three, triad 1a) 3, 300, third Aramaic equivalent: te.lat (תְּלָת "three" H8532)
Usage: Occurs in 381 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] fork, [phrase] often(-times), third, thir(-teen, -teenth), three, [phrase] thrice. Compare H7991 (שָׁלִישׁ). See also: Genesis 5:22; Joshua 1:11; 2 Kings 9:32.
הַ/שִּׁנַּ֖יִם
shên
H8127
"tooth"
Art | N-cd
The Hebrew word for tooth can also mean ivory or a sharp cliff. It is used in the Bible to describe the teeth of humans and animals, as well as sharp rocks, and is often translated as tooth or ivory.
Definition: : tooth 1) tooth, ivory 1a) tooth 1a1) of man, lex talionis, beast 1b) tooth, tine (of fork) 1c) ivory 1c1) as material 1c2) of commerce 1d) sharp pointed rock
Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: crag, [idiom] forefront, ivory, [idiom] sharp, tooth. See also: Genesis 49:12; Psalms 57:5; Psalms 3:8.
בְּ/יָדֽ/וֹ
yâd
H3027
"hand"
Prep | N-cs | Suff
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 2:13
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 2:13 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 2:13
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 2:13
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 2:13
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 2:13
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 2:13
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 2:13
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 2:13
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 2:13
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 2:13
Context — Eli’s Wicked Sons
11Then Elkanah went home to Ramah, but the boy began ministering to the LORD before Eli the priest.
12Now the sons of Eli were wicked men; they had no regard for the LORD
13or for the custom of the priests with the people. When any man offered a sacrifice, the servant of the priest would come with a three-pronged meat fork while the meat was boiling
14and plunge it into the pan or kettle or cauldron or cooking pot. And the priest would claim for himself whatever the meat fork brought up. This is how they treated all the Israelites who came to Shiloh. 15Even before the fat was burned, the servant of the priest would come and say to the man who was sacrificing, “Give the priest some meat to roast, because he will not accept boiled meat from you, but only raw.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Leviticus 7:29–34 | “Speak to the Israelites and say, ‘Anyone who presents a peace offering to the LORD must bring it as his sacrifice to the LORD. With his own hands he is to bring the offerings made by fire to the LORD; he shall bring the fat, together with the breast, and wave the breast as a wave offering before the LORD. The priest is to burn the fat on the altar, but the breast belongs to Aaron and his sons. And you are to give the right thigh to the priest as a contribution from your peace offering. The son of Aaron who presents the blood and fat of the peace offering shall have the right thigh as a portion. I have taken from the sons of Israel the breast of the wave offering and the thigh of the contribution of their peace offerings, and I have given them to Aaron the priest and his sons as a permanent portion from the sons of Israel.’” |
1 Samuel 2:13 Summary
This verse describes how the priests, specifically Eli's sons, would take advantage of the people who came to offer sacrifices, using a three-pronged meat fork to take the best parts of the meat for themselves. This was not in line with God's instructions for the priests, as seen in Leviticus 7:31-35, where the priests were to receive a portion of the sacrifices as an offering to the Lord. The priests' actions showed a lack of respect for God and His people. We can learn from this verse to always prioritize God's will and instructions above our own desires, and to trust Him to provide for us, as promised in Philippians 4:19.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the custom of the priests being referred to in this verse?
The custom of the priests in 1 Samuel 2:13 refers to the way they would take meat from the sacrifices offered by the people, as described in this verse and the following verses, such as 1 Samuel 2:14. This practice was not in line with God's original instructions for the priests, as seen in Leviticus 7:31-35.
Why were the priests using a three-pronged meat fork?
The priests used a three-pronged meat fork to take a portion of the meat from the sacrifices, as described in 1 Samuel 2:13-14, likely to claim the best parts for themselves, which was not in accordance with God's plan for the priests' support, as outlined in Deuteronomy 18:1-5.
How does this verse relate to the overall character of Eli's sons?
This verse shows the disregard of Eli's sons for both the Lord and the customs of the priests, as stated in 1 Samuel 2:12-13, highlighting their wickedness and corruption, which is further emphasized in 1 Samuel 2:17 and 1 Samuel 3:13.
What does this verse reveal about the spiritual state of the priests and the people?
This verse reveals a lack of reverence for God and His ordinances among the priests, as they were more concerned with gaining the best portions of the sacrifices for themselves rather than serving the Lord and the people, as commanded in Numbers 18:8-32 and Malachi 2:1-9.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I might be taking advantage of my position or role for personal gain, rather than serving others and honoring God?
- In what ways can I ensure that my actions and motivations are aligned with God's will and instructions, rather than my own desires?
- How can I cultivate a deeper reverence for God and His ordinances in my own life, and what practices can I adopt to prioritize His will above my own interests?
- What are some areas in my life where I might be 'taking the best parts' for myself, rather than trusting God to provide for me and using my resources to serve others?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 2:13
And the priest's custom with the people was,.... Not what was according to the will and law of God, but which the sons of Eli had introduced; and in which they were followed by the rest of the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 2:13
And the priests' custom with the people was, that, when any man offered sacrifice, the priest's servant came, while the flesh was in seething, with a fleshhook of three teeth in his hand; The priest's custom with the people.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 2:13
Offered, i.e. presented it to the Lord, to be offered by the priest. While the flesh was in seething; for as the Lord’ s part of the peace-offerings was burnt upon the altar, so the priest’ s and offerer’ s parts were to be sodden.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 2:13
1 Samuel 2:13 And the priests’ custom with the people [was, that], when any man offered sacrifice, the priest’ s servant came, while the flesh was in seething, with a fleshhook of three teeth in his hand; Ver. 13. And the priest’ s custom with the people was.] It was their custom, but not their right. Plus valet malum inolitum quam bonum insolitum. Here these priests are accused of sundry foul crimes, as ignorance, theft, sacrilege, luxury, adultery, obstinacy. A wicked priest is the worst creature upon earth. Who are devils, but they which were once angels of light?
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 2:13
(13) The priest’s custom.—That is to say, the custom or practice introduced under these robber-priests, who were not content with the modest share of the offerings assigned to them by the Law of Moses. (See Leviticus 7:31; Leviticus 7:35; Deuteronomy 18:3.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 2:13
Verse 13. When any man offered sacrifice] That is, when a peace-offering was brought, the right shoulder and the breast belonged to the priest, the fat was burnt upon the altar, and the blood was poured at the bottom of the altar; the rest of the flesh belonged to the offerer. Under pretence of taking only their own part, they took the best of all they chose, and as much as they chose.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 2:13
13. the priests’ custom] The law directed the worshipper to present to the priest the fat of the victim along with the breast and shoulder (Leviticus 7:29-34). The fat was to be burned on the altar to Jehovah (Leviticus 3:3-5): the breast and shoulder, after being ‘waved’ and ‘heaved,’ a ceremony of dedication to Jehovah, became the priest’s portion. Hophni and Phinehas were guilty of a double sin. (a) They robbed the people: not content with the share assigned them, they sent a servant to interrupt the preparation of the sacrificial meal, and seize a further portion. (b) They insulted Jehovah by demanding their share before the parts consecrated to Him had been duly burned upon the altar (1 Samuel 2:15). priests’] Misprinted priest’s in most editions of the Bible. seething] i.e. boiling.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 2:13
The Law of Moses defined exactly what was to be the priest’s portion of every peace offering Leviticus 7:31-35, as it also gave express directions about the burning of the fat Leviticus 7:23-25, Leviticus 7:31.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 2:13
13. The priest’s custom with the people — The sacrilegious custom here described had been profanely introduced in the time of the Judges, and was a sad departure from the law, which gave only certain