READ: 1 Sam. 2:27-36
Then I will raise up for Myself a faithful priest who shall do according to what is in My heart and in My mind. I will build him a sure house, and he shall walk before My anointed forever. – 1 Sam. 2:35
Fortunately, it does not end with judgment and destruction. The LORD desires to bring about reformation. He wants a living covenant, pure worship with pure proclamation of the Word, sacrificial service, and disciplinary action. He desires a true church that holds onto His truth and serves and honors Him sincerely.
Therefore, God, instead of unfaithful church officials, will appoint faithful church officials. A wonderful promise of reformation follows in verse 35: “I will raise up for Myself a faithful priest; he shall do according to what is in My heart and in My mind.” God does this for Himself, for His glory, gathering His own just as Christ gathers His church “for Himself.”
The new priest must be trustworthy in the eyes of God, acting according to God’s heart and led by His Spirit. He must not pursue his own fame, honor, or advantage. Instead, he will be pleasing to God by focusing on His Word. This requires self-denial, sacrifice, patience, wisdom, perseverance, and decisiveness. Such a priest will be blessed by God.
God renews the promise of a lasting house, adding to it: this priest will walk before the eyes of My anointed all his days. This is a new element compared to the earlier promise to Aaron and his house. How is this fulfilled?
It concerns another priest from the descendants of Aaron. The descendants of Eli will be exterminated in Nob; Abiathar, the only survivor, is later banished to Anathoth for treason. In his place, the LORD appoints Zadok as a priest after His heart. Zadok faithfully aligns himself with Solomon, the LORD-anointed king. He acts according to the Spirit of God and makes a faithful choice. Thus, Zadok honors his God, once again emphasizing: “Those who honor Me I will honor” (vs.30).
How do you recognize a faithful office-bearer?
Singing: Ps. 132:9,10