1 Samuel 2:28
“Didn’t I choose him out of all the tribes of Israel to be my priest, to go up to my altar, to burn incense, to wear an ephod before me? Didn’t I give to the house of your father all the offerings of the children of Israel made by fire?”
What does 1 Samuel 2:28 mean?
God is reminding Eli the priest that his family received an incredible honor: they were chosen, above everyone else in Israel, to serve directly in God's presence. The burning of incense and wearing of the priestly garment (the ephod) were sacred duties that connected the people to God, and Eli's descendants got to do this work. Along with this privilege came a share of the sacrifices the people brought, which meant provision for his household. But here's the painful part: God is saying this to Eli in a moment of disappointment. Eli's sons have been abusing their priestly position, taking more than they should and treating God's service with contempt. So these words carry both a reminder of blessing and a quiet accusation, as if God is saying, "After all I gave your family, how could you squander it?" It's a portrait of what happens when we take God's gifts for granted or use our calling for selfish gain instead of service.