MPV Commentary

The Sin of Eli's Sons.

Eli's sons were morally corrupt and reckless in their behavior. Despite being involved in sacred duties, they had abandoned any sense of reverence for God and lived scandalous lives. They had thrown off the restraints of religion and engaged in open profligacy, a common pattern among the children of prominent ministers.

The priests' custom with the people was that when someone presented a peace offering on the altar, the priest would first take the Lord's portion, which was then followed by the division of the remaining parts between the priest and the offerer. However, Eli's sons were not content with their allotted share, which included the breast and shoulder (Exodus 29:27; Leviticus 7:31-32). Instead, they would seize part of the offerer's portion before the ritual of waving or heaving had taken place (Leviticus 7:29). Furthermore, they would take their preferred portions with a fork while they were still raw. This behavior was deeply disturbing to pious people, who saw it as an outrageous encroachment on the altar's dues and the offerer's rightful share.

In reality, the priests had become haughty and uninviting, so people began sending them meat offerings as a courtesy. Over time, this practice became established as a right, which in turn fueled the rapacious behavior of Eli's sons.