God’s promise to raise a faithful priest underscores His sovereignty and His plan to provide righteous leadership who genuinely reflects His heart.
“But I will raise up for Myself a faithful priest who will do according to what is in My heart and in My soul; and I will build him an enduring house, and he will walk before My anointed always.” (v.35) This verse comes in the midst of God’s judgment on Eli and his household for the wickedness of Eli’s sons (1 Samuel 2:12-17). Historically, Eli was serving as a priest at the tabernacle in Shiloh, an ancient city located in the hill country of Ephraim, about 20 miles north of Jerusalem. This was around the 11th century BC, when the Israelites were guided by priests and judges before they had kings (Judges 2:16). By declaring He would raise up a “faithful priest,” the LORD promises a lasting solution to the corruption found in Eli’s lineage, indicating His desire for a priestly figure who would stay true to His commands.
“I will build him an enduring house.” (v.35) suggests that God will establish and preserve the line of this faithful priest. In Israel’s history, many believe this points to Zadok, a priest who supported King David and whose lineage continued serving faithfully in the priesthood during Solomon’s reign and beyond (1 Kings 2:35). Later Christian interpretation sees an even deeper fulfillment through Jesus Christ, the ultimate High Priest who mediates on our behalf with perfect righteousness (Hebrews 9:11). Where Eli’s family succumbed to corruption and greed, this faithful priest’s house would be built upon true devotion to God’s mind and heart.
“…he will walk before My anointed always.” (v.35) highlights an eternal aspect to the promise, implying that the faithful priest’s duties and blessings would outlast any earthly collapse. In the Old Testament period, the “anointed” often referred to kings chosen by God (1 Samuel 16:13). With the future unveiling of Jesus as the Messiah (a term meaning “Anointed One”), this verse can also be read to demonstrate the lasting partnership between the true priesthood and God’s ultimate King. True worship and obedience remain at the heart of this prophecy—God desires priests (or spiritual leaders) wholly devoted to His will.
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1 Samuel 2:35 meaning
“But I will raise up for Myself a faithful priest who will do according to what is in My heart and in My soul; and I will build him an enduring house, and he will walk before My anointed always.” (v.35) This verse comes in the midst of God’s judgment on Eli and his household for the wickedness of Eli’s sons (1 Samuel 2:12-17). Historically, Eli was serving as a priest at the tabernacle in Shiloh, an ancient city located in the hill country of Ephraim, about 20 miles north of Jerusalem. This was around the 11th century BC, when the Israelites were guided by priests and judges before they had kings (Judges 2:16). By declaring He would raise up a “faithful priest,” the LORD promises a lasting solution to the corruption found in Eli’s lineage, indicating His desire for a priestly figure who would stay true to His commands.
“I will build him an enduring house.” (v.35) suggests that God will establish and preserve the line of this faithful priest. In Israel’s history, many believe this points to Zadok, a priest who supported King David and whose lineage continued serving faithfully in the priesthood during Solomon’s reign and beyond (1 Kings 2:35). Later Christian interpretation sees an even deeper fulfillment through Jesus Christ, the ultimate High Priest who mediates on our behalf with perfect righteousness (Hebrews 9:11). Where Eli’s family succumbed to corruption and greed, this faithful priest’s house would be built upon true devotion to God’s mind and heart.
“…he will walk before My anointed always.” (v.35) highlights an eternal aspect to the promise, implying that the faithful priest’s duties and blessings would outlast any earthly collapse. In the Old Testament period, the “anointed” often referred to kings chosen by God (1 Samuel 16:13). With the future unveiling of Jesus as the Messiah (a term meaning “Anointed One”), this verse can also be read to demonstrate the lasting partnership between the true priesthood and God’s ultimate King. True worship and obedience remain at the heart of this prophecy—God desires priests (or spiritual leaders) wholly devoted to His will.