שמואל א, פרק ב׳, פסוק ט״ו

The behavior of Eli's sons reveals a deep corruption of the sacred sacrificial process, driven by impatience and a lack of respect. Their offense went far beyond merely taking unearned portions of meat; they actively disrupted the holy order of the service. According to the proper procedure for a peace offering, after the animal is prepared, the blood must be applied and the fat burned on the altar. Only then is anyone permitted to eat the meat [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. However, these priests demanded their share before the fat was offered. This was a profound wrong, as they prioritized their own meals over God's portion. They left the fat sitting out in the sun while they ate, completely ignoring the principle that their right to enjoy the sacrifice only applied after the altar received its due [רד״ק, מלבי״ם].

In addition to rushing the timing, the priests altered how they took the meat. Rather than waiting for the portions to cook and taking their share from the pot with a designated fork, the priest's servant would demand raw meat [מצודת ציון]. Their goal was to take the meat away to roast it instead of boiling it [מצודת דוד, מלבי״ם].

Commentators offer different perspectives on how the servant would approach the person bringing the offering. Some explain that the servant would attempt to persuade the worshipper by framing this demand as a benefit. He would argue that by handing over the raw meat directly, the person could give a smaller piece than what the fork might randomly pull from the pot. Furthermore, it would save the worshipper the effort of cooking and seasoning that portion, with the assurance that the priest would not ask for cooked meat later [מלבי״ם].

Conversely, others note that this promise was frequently broken. After securing the raw meat for roasting, the servant would often return to take from the cooked meat as well. If the worshipper protested and requested that the proper order be followed, waiting for the priest to apply the blood and burn the fat, the servant would dismiss the complaint. He would assert his authority as the one performing the work on the altar and demand the meat immediately [רד״ק].