Definition: Also before they burnt the fat, the priest’s servant came, and said to the man that sacrificed, Give flesh to roast for the priest; for he will not have sodden flesh of thee, but raw.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from 1 Samuel 2:15. It’s a pretty intense and unusual instruction! Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: The priest was about to sacrifice a person, and the priest’s servant came to tell him not to give the person any flesh to roast – not cooked or prepared. Instead, he needed to give them raw, un-cooked flesh. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Also before they burnt the fat…” : This sets the scene. The priest was preparing to sacrifice a person. Burning the fat is a ritualistic part of the offering. It’s a way of making the offering more significant and powerful. “…the priest's servant came…” : A specific individual, likely a servant, was tasked with this instruction. “said to the man that sacrificed…” : He was directly telling the person about what was expected. “Give flesh to roast for the priest; for he will not have sodden flesh of thee, but raw.” : This is the crucial part. The priest didn't want the meat to be cooked or spoiled. He wanted it to be raw – untouched, un-processed, and as close to its natural state as possible. “Sodden flesh” means mushy, ruined flesh. What’s the Significance? This is a very unusual instruction! It suggests a strong sense of reverence and control. The priest was essentially telling the person that they were not valuable enough to be cooked, and their life was precious and sacred. It highlights: Respect for Life: This passage demonstrates a deep respect for human life – it's considered a very important thing. Control & Authority: It implies the priest had significant power over the person’s fate. Overall Meaning: The verse conveys a powerful message of protection and reverence, emphasizing that the person was not to be treated as something easily disposable or vulnerable. Important Note: It's important to remember that this passage comes from a very ancient text and may have had symbolic significance beyond its literal meaning. It’s a reminder of a time when human life held a particularly high value. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss the historical context of this passage? Explore what it might symbolize in broader biblical themes?