A fleshhook is a tool mentioned in the Bible, primarily used in the context of the sacrificial system of ancient Israel. It is a type of fork with multiple prongs, designed for handling meat, particularly in the tabernacle and later in the temple. The fleshhook played a significant role in the rituals and practices associated with offerings and sacrifices, as prescribed in the Mosaic Law.

Biblical References:

The fleshhook is specifically mentioned in the books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and 1 Samuel. In Exodus 27:3 , the instructions for the construction of the altar of burnt offering include the making of utensils: "Make all its utensils of bronze—its pots to remove the ashes, and its shovels, basins, meat forks, and firepans." Here, the "meat forks" refer to fleshhooks, which were used to handle the sacrificial meat.

In Leviticus, the fleshhook is implied in the procedures for the peace offerings. While the term itself is not explicitly used, the handling of the sacrificial portions would have necessitated such tools.

Numbers 4:14 provides further insight into the use of fleshhooks in the tabernacle service: "Then they shall place on it all the vessels used in the service there: the firepans, meat forks, shovels, and sprinkling bowls—all the equipment of the altar. And they are to spread over it a covering of fine leather and put the poles in place."

One of the most vivid descriptions of the fleshhook's use is found in 1 Samuel 2:13-14 , where the corrupt practices of Eli's sons, Hophni and Phinehas, are recounted: "Now it was the custom of the priests with the people that whenever any man offered a sacrifice, the priest’s servant would come with a three-pronged meat fork while the meat was boiling and plunge it into the pan, kettle, cauldron, or pot. Whatever the fork brought up, the priest would take for himself. This is how they treated all the Israelites who came to Shiloh."

Symbolism and Significance:

The fleshhook symbolizes the practical aspects of the sacrificial system, highlighting the physical and tangible nature of worship in ancient Israel. It underscores the importance of order and procedure in the offerings made to God, reflecting the holiness and reverence required in approaching the divine.

The misuse of the fleshhook by Eli's sons serves as a cautionary tale about the corruption and abuse of religious practices. Their actions were a direct violation of the sacrificial laws and demonstrated a lack of respect for God's commands, ultimately leading to their downfall and serving as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In the ancient Near Eastern context, tools like fleshhooks were common in various religious and domestic settings. Their presence in the biblical narrative highlights the continuity and distinctiveness of Israel's worship practices compared to surrounding cultures. The use of bronze for these utensils, as specified in Exodus, reflects the technological capabilities and artistic craftsmanship of the time.

The fleshhook, while a seemingly mundane object, is imbued with spiritual significance through its association with the sacrificial system. It serves as a reminder of the meticulous care required in worship and the importance of adhering to God's instructions in all aspects of life.A many-pronged fork used in the sacrificial services (1 Samuel 2:13, 14; Exodus 27:3; 38:3) by the priest in drawing away the flesh. The fat of the sacrifice, together with the breast and shoulder (Leviticus 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. FLESH-HOOK

flesh'-hook (mazlegh, and plural mizlaghoth):

One of the implements used around the sacrificial altar. According to Divine direction given to Moses (Exodus 27:3; Exodus 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 (1 Chronicles 28:17). But Huram made it, with other altar articles, of "bright brass" (2 Chronicles 4:16).

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 (1 Samuel 2:13, 14). With the other altar utensils, it was in the special charge of the Kohathites (Numbers 4:14). The hooks mentioned in Ezekiel 40:43 were altogether different and for another purpose.

See HOOK.

Leonard W. Doolan

4207. mazleg -- a utensil used in offering sacrifices
... mazleg. 4207a . a utensil used in offering sacrifices. Transliteration: mazleg
Phonetic Spelling: (maz-layg') Short Definition: fleshhook. fleshhook ...
/hebrew/4207.htm - 5kFleshhook (2 Occurrences)
... for another purpose. See HOOK. Leonard W. Doolan. Multi-Version Concordance
Fleshhook (2 Occurrences). 1 Samuel 2:13 And the priest's ...
/f/fleshhook.htm - 9k

Flesh-hook (2 Occurrences)
Flesh-hook. Fleshhook, Flesh-hook. Fleshhooks . Easton's Bible Dictionary ... (ASV
DBY JPS WBS). Fleshhook, Flesh-hook. Fleshhooks . Reference Bible.
/f/flesh-hook.htm - 9k

Hook (10 Occurrences)
... custom with the people was, that, when any man offered sacrifice, the priest's servant
came, while the flesh was in seething, with a fleshhook of three teeth ...
/h/hook.htm - 15k

Seething (5 Occurrences)
... custom with the people was, that, when any man offered sacrifice, the priest's servant
came, while the flesh was in seething, with a fleshhook of three teeth ...
/s/seething.htm - 8k

Thither (119 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 2:14 And he struck it into the pan, or kettle, or caldron, or pot;
all that the fleshhook brought up the priest took for himself. ...
/t/thither.htm - 38k

Flesh (468 Occurrences)

/f/flesh.htm - 69k

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