Contrasts
by Ruth Olsen
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And the boy Samuel continued to grow in stature and in favour with the Lord and with people (1 Samuel 2:26).
Read 1 Samuel 2:12–26
What a way to be remembered in the Bible: ‘Eli’s sons were wicked men; they had no regard for the Lord’ (verse 12). The following verses provide details of their arrogant, contemptuous behaviour.
It had become accepted practice that a three-pronged fork thrust into a pot of boiling meat would providentially determine a fair priest’s portion of the fellowship offering meat. This practice was already different to the original specific instructions the Lord had given to Moses (see Leviticus 7:31–36, Leviticus 10:14,15 and Deuteronomy 18:1–5).
The priest’s portion was also to be given voluntarily, not taken by force. The fat was to be the first part burned up before the Lord; however, Eli’s sons arrogantly violated those customs and the original requirements. What they were doing wasn’t just sinning against people but against the Lord.
To summarise, ‘they were treating the Lord’s offering with contempt’ (verse 17). Their priority was self, demonstrating they were not suitable for the role of priests who represent the Lord.
Contrast this with the backstory of Hannah and Samuel in 1 Samuel 1–2:11. Hannah’s heart attitude of submission to the Lord carried life and blessing from the Lord to others beyond what she would ever know! The ways of the world can seem so right yet be so wrong.
Eli’s sons ignored their father’s words, probably thinking they knew better than he did; Samuel submitted to his mother’s desires, to Eli, and through them to the Lord. That may not have been easy!
Submission to authority requires humility and trust in God. We are urged to pray for all in authority that we may live peaceful and satisfying lives (1 Timothy 2:1–4). Submission to authority also requires wisdom and courage in knowing when and how to raise questions if something feels wrong.
Holy Spirit, Spirit of Truth, show us where our attitudes are out of alignment with the Father’s word, ways and will. Give us the courage to repent quickly, so that we may honour Jesus in all that we are and do. Amen.
Because of Ruth’s autoimmune disorder that attacked her kidneys, she and her husband, Steen, have been trained this year in using peritoneal dialysis at home at night. Ruth says this was a very steep learning curve! Other underlying health issues are now also being treated, giving a new lease of life that still needs to be paced. Praise God!
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