God's message to Eli

²⁷ A servant of God came and he spoke to Eli.^[a] This is what he said:

‘The Lord says, “A long time ago, when your ancestors were in Egypt, I showed myself to them. At that time they were slaves of Egypt's king. ²⁸ I chose your ancestor, Aaron, out of all the tribes of Israel. I chose him and his descendants to be my priests. I chose them to offer sacrifices on my altar, to burn incense and to wear the special ephod.^[b] I also gave them authority to eat part of the sacrifices and burnt offerings that the Israelites offered to me. ²⁹ But you and your sons do not respect the sacrifices that I have commanded people to offer in my house. Eli, you give more honour to your sons than you give to me. Your family eat all the best parts of the offerings that the Israelites bring to me. You have all become fat!”