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;
1 SAMUEL 2:13KJVWhat does 1 Samuel 2:13 mean?
1 Samuel 2:13 describes a practice among the priests in Israel, where a servant of the priest would come while a sacrifice was being boiled and use a three-pronged tool to take some of the meat for the priest. This verse explains a custom that had developed regarding how the priests received their portion from sacrifices offered by the people.
The verse is part of a larger story about the priest Eli and his sons at the sanctuary in Shiloh. It sets the scene for the criticism of Eli’s sons, showing how the priests’ household handled offerings. The detail about the "fleshhook of three teeth" highlights a specific, physical method used during the sacrificial process, giving a glimpse into the daily religious practices of ancient Israel.
The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 2:13
- "custom" (מִשְׁפָּט, mishpat): This word usually means "judgment," "law," or "ordinance." Here, it refers to the established procedure or rule the priests followed, suggesting this was not just a random act but a set pattern.
- "fleshhook" (מַזְלֵג, mazleg): This is a specific tool, likely a fork with three prongs, used to retrieve meat from the boiling pot. The mention of "three teeth" (שֵׁן, shen) emphasizes the tool’s design, which would allow for grabbing a substantial portion.
- "seething" (בָּשַׁל, bashal): This word means "boiling" or "cooking." The verse points out that the servant came while the meat was still being prepared, not after it was finished, which hints at impatience or disregard for the proper order of sacrifice.
Why 1 Samuel 2:13 matters
- This verse helps clarify the background for the coming criticism of Eli’s sons, showing that the priestly family’s actions were not just personal failings but part of a broader, problematic custom.
- The description of the "custom" and the specific tool used makes the story more vivid and helps readers understand the practical side of ancient Israelite worship.
- By explaining the priests’ method for taking their share, the verse sets up the contrast with what the law actually required, which becomes important in the following verses.