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Book of 1 Samuel - Chapter 1 - Verse 3

1:3
And this man went up out of his city yearly to worship and to sacrifice unto the LORD of hosts in Shiloh. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, the priests of the LORD, were there.

Meaning

In this verse, we see a man who makes a yearly journey from his city to worship and sacrifice to the LORD of hosts in Shiloh. This pilgrimage highlights the importance of worship and sacrifice in the lives of the Israelites during this time. It demonstrates the man's commitment to honoring and revering the LORD through his actions. Additionally, the mention of the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, being priests of the LORD at Shiloh, adds a layer of complexity to the narrative. These priests were known for their corrupt behavior and disrespect for the offerings brought to the LORD, which ultimately led to their downfall. The juxtaposition of the devout worshipper with the corrupt priests serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of spiritual complacency and the consequences of forsaking true worship. Overall, this verse serves as a reminder of the importance of sincere and righteous worship in the eyes of the LORD.

Theological Overview

Within this verse from the book of 1 Samuel, we see the character described as a man who made an annual pilgrimage to Shiloh to worship and offer sacrifices to the Lord of hosts. This act demonstrates the man's commitment to his faith and dedication to the Lord. Shiloh was a central religious site during this time, housing the tabernacle where the Ark of the Covenant resided. The mention of the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, who served as priests at Shiloh, foreshadows the corruption and downfall of the priesthood that would later occur. The theological interpretation of this verse highlights the importance of regular worship and sacrifice as expressions of devotion to God. It also serves as a reminder of the consequences of spiritual leadership gone astray, as seen in the actions of Eli's sons. Through word studies, we can delve deeper into the meanings of key terms such as 'worship,' 'sacrifice,' 'Lord of hosts,' and 'Shiloh,' gaining a richer understanding of the significance of these elements within the verse.

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