Fleshhook(meathook)
“Forks, fleshhooks”
Summary
A many-pronged fork used in the sacrificial services to draw away flesh from the altar or from the boiling pot.
☩Description and Use
The fleshhook was a many-pronged fork used in the sacrificial services (1 Samuel 2:13-14; Exodus 27:3, 38:3). Priests used this implement to draw away flesh from the altar or to retrieve pieces from the boiling pot. The fat of the sacrifice, together with the breast and shoulder, were presented by the worshipper to the priest (Leviticus 7:29-34). The fat was burned on the altar, while the breast and shoulder became the priestly portion.
☩Materials
Fleshhooks were made of different materials depending on their use. Those for the tabernacle's bronze altar were made of bronze (Exodus 27:3, 38:3). David prepared gold fleshhooks for the temple service (1 Chronicles 28:17). Solomon's temple had bronze fleshhooks among its vessels (2 Chronicles 4:16). The different metals reflected the sanctity and location of their use.
☩Abuse by Eli's Sons
Hophni and Phinehas, sons of Eli, wickedly abused the fleshhook. Not content with the lawful priestly portions, they sent a servant to seize with the fleshhook whatever portions they desired from the pot before the fat was burned (1 Samuel 2:13-16). If the worshipper protested, they took the meat by force. This corruption of the sacrificial system brought severe judgment upon their house.
