Bible Dictionary
Flesh-hook
A many-pronged fork used by priests to remove portions of sacrificial meat from the altar. It was one of the utensils associated with Israel’s sacrificial service.
Definition
A flesh-hook was a many-pronged fork used around the sacrificial altar to remove portions of meat. In Samuel’s time it had three hook-shaped tines and took out the priests’ share of the offering.
Biblical Usage
The flesh-hook belonged to the sacrificial service. Hophni and Phinehas abused it by sending a servant to seize additional meat beyond the portions assigned to the priests.
Historical Background
The Mosaic instructions specified bronze altar utensils; later Temple furnishings included corresponding articles made of bright brass or gold.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
A many-pronged fork used in the sacrificial services (1 Sam. 2:13, 14; Ex. 27:3; 38:3) by the priest in drawing away the flesh. The fat of the sacrifice, together with the breast and shoulder (Lev. 7:29-34), were presented by the worshipper to the priest. The fat was burned on the alter (3:3-5), and the breast and shoulder became the portion of the priests. But Hophni and Phinehas, not content with this, sent a servant to seize with a flesh-hook a further portion.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>flesh'-hook (mazlegh, and plural mizlaghoth):</p><p>One of the implements used around the sacrificial altar. According to Divine direction given to Moses (Ex 27:3; 38:3), it was to be made of brass, but later David felt impelled by "the Spirit" or "in his spirit" to determine that for use in the magnificent Temple of Solomon it should be made of gold (1Ch 28:17). But Huram made it, with other altar articles, of "bright brass" (2Ch 4:16).</p><p>In Samuel's time, it was made with three hook-shaped tines, and was used in taking out the priests' share of the meat offering (1Sa 2:13,14). With the other altar utensils, it was in the special charge of the Kohathites (Nu 4:14). The hooks mentioned in Eze 40:43 were altogether different and for another purpose.</p><p>See HOOK.</p><p>Leonard W. Doolan</p>