Eli the Priest Sat Upon the Seat

Yalkut Shimoni on Nach 78:1

Curated by Arthur·Told by Maggid·

"And Eli the priest sat" (1 Samuel 1:9). Rabbi Ami said: Even for the kings of the house of David there is no sitting in the Temple court. And for whom was sitting permitted? For the high priest, as it is said, "And Eli the priest sat upon the seat." If so, what of "And King David came and sat before the LORD" (2 Samuel 7:18)? It means that he settled himself in prayer. "And Eli the priest sitting" - this teaches that on that very day they appointed him high priest.

Themes

TemplePriesthood

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