1 Samuel 2:35

KJV

And I will raise me up a faithful priest, [that] shall do according to [that] which [is] in mine heart and in my mind: and I will build him a sure house; and he shall walk before mine anointed for ever.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I will raise me up {H6965} a faithful {H539} priest {H3548}, that shall do {H6213} according to that which is in mine heart {H3824} and in my mind {H5315}: and I will build {H1129} him a sure {H539} house {H1004}; and he shall walk {H1980} before {H6440} mine anointed {H4899} for ever {H3117}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I will raise up for myself a faithful cohen who will do what I want and what I intend. I will make his family faithful, and he will serve in the presence of my anointed one forever.

Berean Standard Bible

Then I will raise up for Myself a faithful priest. He will do whatever is in My heart and mind. And I will build for him an enduring house, and he will walk before My anointed one for all time.

American Standard Version

And I will raise me up a faithful priest, that shall do according to that which is in my heart and in my mind: and I will build him a sure house; and he shall walk before mine anointed for ever.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 2:35 is a profound divine prophecy delivered by an unnamed "man of God" to the high priest Eli, announcing the impending judgment upon Eli's corrupt priestly house and the sovereign establishment of a new, faithful priesthood. This declaration underscores God's unwavering commitment to the integrity of His service and His divine will, promising to raise up a priest who will align perfectly with His heart and mind, build an enduring lineage, and perpetually serve before His chosen king.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This prophecy is delivered immediately after a scathing indictment of Eli's sons, Hophni and Phinehas, who grossly abused their priestly office by profaning sacrifices, extorting offerings, and engaging in immorality at the tabernacle entrance (see [1 Samuel 2:12-17](/1_samuel/2-12 "1 Samuel 2:12-17 - The Wickedness of Eli's Sons") and [1 Samuel 2:22](/1_samuel/2-22 "1 Samuel 2:22 - Eli's Sons' Immorality")). God had already sent a "man of God" to Eli with a detailed prophecy of judgment against his house, including the death of his two sons on the same day and the removal of his priestly line (as detailed in [1 Samuel 2:27-34](/1_samuel/2-27 "1 Samuel 2:27-34 - Prophecy Against Eli's House")). Verse 35, therefore, serves as God's sovereign solution and a stark contrast to the existing corruption, demonstrating His faithfulness to His covenant despite human failure. It foreshadows the transition from Eli's lineage to a new, righteous priestly order, paving the way for the rise of Samuel and later, the Zadokite priesthood.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of 1 Samuel is a transitional era in Israel's history, moving from the chaotic period of the Judges to the establishment of the monarchy. The priesthood, centered at Shiloh, was meant to be the spiritual heart of the nation, mediating between God and His people through sacrifices and instruction in the Law. The corruption of Eli's sons was not merely a personal failing but a national crisis, undermining the very foundation of Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh. Priests were expected to represent God's holiness and maintain ritual purity, and their failure to do so brought divine displeasure and societal decay. The concept of a "house" (Hebrew: *bayit*) in this context signifies a dynastic lineage, emphasizing the importance of family and inherited roles in ancient Israelite society, particularly for the priesthood.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within 1 Samuel and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it highlights **God's Sovereignty and Justice**, demonstrating His active involvement in judging unfaithfulness and establishing His righteous purposes, even when human institutions fail. The removal of Eli's line and the promise of a new priest underscore that God's plans are not contingent on human obedience but will be fulfilled through His own initiative. Secondly, the theme of **Faithfulness and Obedience** is central, contrasting the unfaithfulness of Eli's sons with the promised "faithful priest" who will act "according to that which is in mine heart and in my mind." This emphasizes that true service to God requires internal alignment with His will, not mere external ritual. This principle is echoed throughout Scripture, such as in [1 Samuel 15:22](/1_samuel/15-22 "1 Samuel 15:22 - Obedience is Better Than Sacrifice"). Lastly, the verse introduces the theme of **Divine Provision and Covenantal Continuity**, as God promises to "build him a sure house" and ensure a perpetual service before "mine anointed." This speaks to God's enduring covenant promises, even when one line fails, He raises another to maintain His divine order, ultimately pointing to a greater, enduring priesthood and kingship.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Faithful (Hebrew, _ne'eman'_):** This adjective describes the promised priest. It signifies trustworthiness, reliability, and steadfastness. It implies a deep loyalty to God's commands and a consistent adherence to His character and will. In contrast to Eli's sons who were "worthless men" ([1 Samuel 2:12](/1_samuel/2-12 "1 Samuel 2:12 - Eli's Sons were Worthless")), this priest will embody integrity and devotion, serving as a true steward of God's holy things.
* **Heart and in my Mind (Hebrew, _l'vavi u'vnafshi'_):** This phrase expresses the deepest intentions and desires of God. "Heart" (לֵבָב, *levav*) often refers to the seat of intellect, will, and emotion, while "mind" or "soul" (נֶפֶשׁ, *nefesh*) refers to the whole inner being. For the priest to act "according to that which is in mine heart and in my mind" means his actions will be in perfect alignment with God's innermost thoughts, purposes, and character, reflecting a profound intimacy and obedience that transcends mere ritualistic duty.
* **Sure House (Hebrew, _bayit ne'eman'_):** The term "house" (בַּיִת, *bayit*) refers to a dynasty or lineage. "Sure" (נֶאֱמָן, *ne'eman*) here carries the same root as "faithful," implying stability, permanence, and trustworthiness. God promises to establish a priestly line that will be enduring and reliable, unlike Eli's failing house. This signifies a divinely guaranteed succession, ensuring the continuity of faithful service.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I will raise me up a faithful priest,"**: This opening clause emphasizes God's sovereign initiative. He is not merely reacting to Eli's failure but actively intervening to establish His righteous order. The "faithful priest" is God's chosen instrument, set apart by divine appointment to restore integrity to the priesthood.
* **"that shall do according to that which is in mine heart and in my mind:"**: This crucial phrase defines the character and conduct of the faithful priest. His actions will not be self-serving or based on human tradition, but will perfectly reflect God's deepest desires, intentions, and moral standards. This highlights the internal disposition required for true service to God.
* **"and I will build him a sure house;"**: This is a covenantal promise of permanence and stability for the faithful priest's lineage. Unlike the impending destruction of Eli's "house," this new priestly line will be divinely established and secured, ensuring its longevity and reliability in serving God.
* **"and he shall walk before mine anointed for ever."**: This clause connects the faithful priesthood to the monarchy. "Mine anointed" (מְשִׁיחִי, *meshiachi*) refers to God's chosen king. The priest's role is to serve in the presence of and in submission to God's appointed king, indicating a harmonious relationship between the spiritual and political leadership, and foreshadowing the ultimate unity of priest and king in the Messiah. The phrase "for ever" points to the enduring nature of this service.

#### Literary Devices
The verse is rich in **Prophecy**, serving as a direct divine declaration of future events and God's sovereign intervention in history. It employs powerful **Contrast** by juxtaposing the corrupt, soon-to-be-removed house of Eli with the divinely established, faithful, and enduring priesthood. The phrase "sure house" functions as **Symbolism**, representing not just a physical dwelling but a stable and lasting dynasty, reflecting God's faithfulness in maintaining His covenant promises. Furthermore, the entire verse is a prime example of **Foreshadowing**, pointing beyond its immediate historical fulfillment (in Zadok) to the ultimate and eternal fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who embodies both the faithful priest and the anointed king.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 2:35 profoundly reveals God's character as both just and faithful. He will not tolerate corruption in His service, yet He is also committed to upholding His divine order and providing a means for His people to approach Him rightly. This verse underscores the principle that God seeks not merely ritualistic adherence but a deep, internal alignment with His heart and mind in those who serve Him. It speaks to the enduring nature of God's covenant promises, demonstrating His ability to raise up new instruments when existing ones fail, ensuring the continuity of His redemptive plan. The promise of a "sure house" and service before "mine anointed" connects the priestly and royal lines, foreshadowing the ultimate unity of these offices in the Messiah. This passage reminds us that while human institutions may falter, God's purposes will always prevail through His sovereign provision.

* [Malachi 2:1-9](/malachi/2-1 "Malachi 2:1-9 - God's Rebuke of Unfaithful Priests")
* [2 Samuel 7:16](/2_samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:16 - The Davidic Covenant of an Enduring House")
* [Matthew 25:21](/matthew/25-21 "Matthew 25:21 - The Good and Faithful Servant")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This ancient prophecy holds profound contemporary relevance for believers today. It challenges us to examine the integrity and faithfulness of our own service to God, whether in formal ministry or daily life. God seeks those whose "heart and mind" are aligned with His, not merely those who perform religious duties. Are we truly seeking His will, or are we driven by self-interest, external pressures, or a desire for recognition? The judgment on Eli's house serves as a sober warning that unfaithfulness, especially in spiritual leadership, has serious consequences, yet God's promise to raise up a "faithful priest" offers immense hope. It assures us that God is always at work to restore and establish righteousness, and He will provide the necessary leadership for His church. We are called to be a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")), and this verse reminds us of the high standard of faithfulness and obedience required in that calling, trusting that God will build His "sure house" through those who truly honor Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's response to Eli's sons challenge my own approach to spiritual service or leadership, whether in the church or in my daily life?**
* **In what specific areas of my life am I seeking to align my "heart and mind" with God's, and where might I be resisting His will?**
* **How does the promise of a "sure house" encourage me regarding God's faithfulness in His ongoing work in the world and in my own spiritual journey?**

### FAQ
**Who is the "faithful priest" primarily referring to in the immediate historical context of the Old Testament?**

Answer: While the prophecy has ultimate fulfillment in Christ, its immediate historical fulfillment points to Zadok. Zadok, who was not of Eli's lineage, was appointed high priest by King Solomon, replacing Abiathar (a descendant of Eli) who had been removed from the priesthood due to his disloyalty to Solomon ([1 Kings 2:26-27](/1_kings/2-26 "1 Kings 2:26-27 - Abiathar's Removal")). The Bible explicitly states that Solomon "put Zadok the priest in the place of Abiathar" ([1 Kings 2:35](/1_kings/2-35 "1 Kings 2:35 - Zadok Appointed High Priest")), thereby establishing a new, faithful priestly line that served before the Davidic kings for centuries.

**What does "walk before mine anointed for ever" mean in this context?**

Answer: To "walk before" someone signifies serving in their presence, being accountable to them, and acting in their honor and under their authority. "Mine anointed" (Hebrew: *mashiach*) refers to God's chosen king. In the immediate context, this meant the faithful priest would serve the Davidic kings. The phrase "for ever" indicates the enduring nature of this service and the stability of the new priestly line in relation to the monarchy. Theologically, it foreshadows the eternal service of the ultimate faithful priest, Jesus Christ, before the eternal King, Himself.

**How does this prophecy relate to the broader narrative of 1 Samuel?**

Answer: This prophecy is a pivotal point in 1 Samuel, setting the stage for major narrative developments. It justifies the divine judgment on Eli's house, which is subsequently fulfilled with the death of his sons and the capture of the Ark ([1 Samuel 4:11](/1_samuel/4-11 "1 Samuel 4:11 - Death of Eli's Sons and Capture of the Ark")). It also implicitly validates the rise of Samuel, who, though a Levite and a prophet, functions in a priestly capacity and becomes God's primary instrument for leadership during this transition, ultimately anointing Israel's first kings ([1 Samuel 7:9](/1_samuel/7-9 "1 Samuel 7:9 - Samuel Offers a Sacrifice") and [1 Samuel 10:1](/1_samuel/10-1 "1 Samuel 10:1 - Samuel Anoints Saul")). The prophecy thus underscores God's sovereign control over Israel's leadership, ensuring the continuity of His purposes despite human failure and preparing the way for the establishment of the monarchy.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Samuel 2:35 found a historical fulfillment in Zadok, its ultimate and complete realization is found in Jesus Christ. He is the preeminent "faithful priest" who perfectly embodies the will of God, acting entirely "according to that which is in mine heart and in my mind." Unlike the Levitical priests, whose service was temporary and imperfect, Jesus offered Himself as the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice, establishing an eternal priesthood "after the order of Melchizedek" ([Hebrews 7:17](/hebrews/7-17 "Hebrews 7:17 - Jesus, a Priest Like Melchizedek")). God has indeed built Him a "sure house"—His eternal kingdom and the church—which will never be shaken ([Hebrews 12:28](/hebrews/12-28 "Hebrews 12:28 - A Kingdom That Cannot Be Shaken")). Furthermore, Jesus is not only our great High Priest ([Hebrews 4:14](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest")) but also "mine anointed"—the true Messiah, the King of Kings, who reigns eternally at the right hand of God ([Acts 2:36](/acts/2-36 "Acts 2:36 - Jesus is Lord and Christ")). The promise that the faithful priest "shall walk before mine anointed for ever" finds its glorious fulfillment in Christ, who perfectly unites the offices of Priest and King, and whose eternal service ensures our perpetual access to God and His everlasting kingdom ([Revelation 1:5-6](/revelation/1-5 "Revelation 1:5-6 - Jesus, the Faithful Witness and Firstborn")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Samuel 7:27

For thou, O LORD of hosts, God of Israel, hast revealed to thy servant, saying, I will build thee an house: therefore hath thy servant found in his heart to pray this prayer unto thee.

2 Samuel 7:11

And as since the time that I commanded judges [to be] over my people Israel, and have caused thee to rest from all thine enemies. Also the LORD telleth thee that he will make thee an house.

1 Kings 11:38

And it shall be, if thou wilt hearken unto all that I command thee, and wilt walk in my ways, and do [that is] right in my sight, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as David my servant did; that I will be with thee, and build thee a sure house, as I built for David, and will give Israel unto thee.

1 Samuel 25:28

I pray thee, forgive the trespass of thine handmaid: for the LORD will certainly make my lord a sure house; because my lord fighteth the battles of the LORD, and evil hath not been found in thee [all] thy days.

Psalms 18:50

Great deliverance giveth he to his king; and sheweth mercy to his anointed, to David, and to his seed for evermore.

Hebrews 7:26

For such an high priest became us, [who is] holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;

Hebrews 7:28

For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, [maketh] the Son, who is consecrated for evermore.