Reading for February 15th

Read 1 Samuel 2.11-26
In 2.11-26: the wicked sons of Eli.
Samuel's faithful service contrasts with the evil deeds of Eli's sons and hints that he will replace Eli.
In verses 12-17: Priests make their living by receiving a portion of the sacrifice.
The custom in Shiloh (vv. 13-14), which is different from that prescribed elsewhere (Lev 7.28--36; Deut 18.3), was for the priest to get whatever the fork brought up while the meat was boiling.
By demanding the fat portion, which properly belonged to God, and taking it first, before the sacrifice was made, Eli's sons were sinning directly against the Lord (v. 25) by treating him with contempt    (vv. 12, 17).
Moreover they threatened violence against worshipers who tried to do right (v. 16).
In verse 18: The linen ephod was kind of apron worn by priests.
In verse 22: The tent of meeting is another name for the tabernacle, a movable shrine.
Apparently the temple of the Lord at Shiloh (1.3) was actually a tent shrine.
In verse 25: It was the will of the Lord to kill them: This explanation of the obstinacy of Eli's sons is like God's hardening of Pharaoh's heart in Ex 4-12.
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