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In the biblical narrative, priests held a significant role as mediators between God and the people of Israel. They were entrusted with the sacred duties of offering sacrifices, teaching the Law, and maintaining the holiness of the sanctuary. However, the Bible also records instances where priests succumbed to selfishness, prioritizing their own desires over their divine responsibilities.

One of the most notable examples of selfishness among priests is found in the account of Eli's sons, Hophni and Phinehas. These priests, who served at the tabernacle in Shiloh, are described as "wicked men" who "had no regard for the LORD" (1 Samuel 2:12). They exploited their priestly position for personal gain, taking the best portions of the sacrifices for themselves and engaging in immoral behavior with the women who served at the entrance to the tent of meeting (1 Samuel 2:13-17, 22). Their actions not only dishonored God but also led to the corruption of the priesthood and the eventual downfall of Eli's house.

The prophet Malachi also addresses the issue of selfishness among priests in his rebuke of the priesthood during the post-exilic period. Malachi condemns the priests for offering blemished sacrifices, thereby showing contempt for God's altar (Malachi 1:6-8). He accuses them of failing to honor God's name and of leading the people astray through their corrupt practices (Malachi 2:7-9). The priests' selfishness in seeking their own comfort and convenience over the proper worship of God is highlighted as a significant failing.

In the New Testament, Jesus confronts the religious leaders of His time, including the priests, for their hypocrisy and self-serving attitudes. InMatthew 23, Jesus pronounces a series of woes upon the scribes and Pharisees, who were closely associated with the priestly class. He criticizes them for their outward displays of piety while neglecting justice, mercy, and faithfulness (Matthew 23:23). Their selfishness is evident in their desire for honor and recognition, as they love "the place of honor at banquets and the chief seats in the synagogues" (Matthew 23:6).

The Bible's portrayal of selfishness among priests serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of prioritizing personal gain over spiritual responsibilities. It underscores the importance of integrity, humility, and devotion to God in the lives of those who serve in positions of spiritual leadership.Isaiah 56:11
Yes, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Selfishness and Prayer. A Contrast.
... victims on the altar of the idol, while the blood of the falsepriests dyed the... Do
right, though it may mean tears, for the smiles ofselfishness are sores in...

The Temple Cleansed Again
... a heartless service. Thepriests and rulers had hardened their hearts through
selfishness and avarice. The very symbols pointing...

Impure Zeal
... The Baalpriests would thrill with gratified pride when these two came to worship...
No doubt many elements ofselfishness and many stains mingled with Jehu's zeal...

From Megiddo to Carchemish, 608-605.
... And these tempers were embittered by the cruelselfishness of the new... and stoutly
denouncing the great religious orders"thepriests, natural believers in the...

Woes on the Pharisees
... that are entering to go in." By perverting the Scriptures, thepriests and lawyers...
Their lives are stained byselfishness and avarice, yet they throw over it...

Not with Outward Show
... Because of theirselfishness and earthliness, even the disciples of Jesus could... did
we allow earthly considerations and the opposition ofpriests and rabbis to...

"He must Increase"
... himself as the Messiah, and raised a revolt against Rome,priests and people... He dwelt
in an atmosphere uncontaminated withselfishness and ambition, and far...

Blemished Offerings
... or hesitation on God's altar, and not one of these trickypriests durst have... when
the might of Christ's sacrifice has melted down all hisselfishness, and has...

A Liberal Church
... presented before the Lord at the sanctuary and were then devoted to the use of the
priests.... On the other hand, the spirit ofselfishness is the spirit of Satan...

Caiaphas
... It is not popes andpriests and inquisitors only that are examples of the tendency...
We have all of us to fight against the developedselfishness which takes the...

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