G-d is always faithful. We often associate His faithfulness with comfort, provision, and blessing. But Scripture also reveals another facet of His faithfulness: He is faithful to judge.

Because G-d is holy, righteous, and good, He must move against what is evil. In biblical terms, evil is anything that stands in opposition to the will of G-d. In 1 Samuel 2, we see a sobering example of this truth in the life of Eli and his sons.

Eli’s House: Leadership Corrupted

Eli and especially his sons, Hophni and Phinehas, were not devoted to the will of G-d. They were priests by position, but not by heart. They abused their office, lived corrupt lives, and led G-d’s people into transgression.

Instead of being faithful servants, they became disastrous leaders. Their sin was not private; it affected the entire nation. And because G-d is faithful, He could not ignore it.

In 1 Samuel 2:31–36, G-d announces through His prophet that He is going to move decisively against Eli’s family. This judgment is not random or cruel; it is measured, purposeful, and perfectly just.

“Behold, the Days Are Coming”: Judgment with a Purpose

The passage begins with a striking phrase:

“Behold, the days are coming…”

Many times in Scripture this expression introduces something positive. Here, however, it introduces judgment—but even that judgment is ultimately good, because it restores order.

G-d declares that He will “cut off” the arm of Eli’s house—symbolic language for ending their strength, influence, and continuation as spiritual leaders in Israel. Like a tree chopped down to its stump, their priestly line will be brought to an end.

G-d makes it clear:

• There will no longer be an elder or spiritual leader from Eli’s house among the people.
• The men of his family will not reach old age.
• Those who remain will suffer and become a source of grief and sorrow, not blessing.

This is a picture of how seriously G-d treats unrepentant sin in spiritual leadership.

G-d in Their Midst—As an Enemy

The prophecy goes further. Eli is told that he will see an “enemy” in the dwelling place of G-d—the tabernacle, the place where G-d’s presence was to dwell among His people.

The implication is both shocking and clear:
G-d Himself will stand against this corrupt priestly family in the very place where they were supposed to serve Him.

Even though G-d will still do good for Israel as a nation, this particular family will experience His opposition instead of His favor. They will be cut off, reduced to desperation, begging for a piece of bread and a small position among other priestly families. This is the severe outcome of unchecked sin and spiritual hypocrisy.

A Sign from G-d: Judgment and Replacement

In verse 34, G-d gives Eli a sign:
Both of his sons will die on the same day.

This is not a coincidence; it is a divine sign (ot)—a miracle that only G-d can perform. Their deaths confirm that G-d’s word is true and His judgment is active.

But G-d’s judgment is not merely about destruction; it is also about replacing what is corrupt with what is faithful.

A Faithful Priest After G-d’s Own Heart

G-d promises to raise up “a faithful priest” who will do according to what is in G-d’s heart and in His soul. This priest will:

• Reflect G-d’s character.
• Be committed to G-d’s purposes, plans, and will.
• Serve as a true servant, not a self-serving leader.

G-d says He will build for this priest a “faithful house,” which can refer both to the temple (the house of the L-rd) and to a family line marked by faithfulness. This new line of leadership will stand before G-d’s anointed and walk in consistency “all the days.”

Many scholars see this fulfilled in Samuel, a man about whom Scripture records nothing negative. Samuel’s life and ministry stand in stark contrast to Eli’s sons: humble, obedient, and aligned with the will of G-d.

What This Means for Us Today

This passage teaches a powerful principle:

G-d’s judgment is a catalyst to restore His order and advance His will.

When people persist in rebellion—refusing to repent, ignoring G-d’s mercy and grace—G-d will eventually move in judgment. That judgment may be painful, but it is always:

• Just
• Purposeful
• Connected to His greater plan

We cannot oppose G-d and win. Those who resist His will end in shame, emptiness, and lack. Those who humble themselves, submit, and enter into covenant with Him experience:

• Supernatural joy
• Deep contentment
• True satisfaction that the world can never give

The real choice is simple:

• Live like Eli’s sons—clinging to your own will, leading yourself and others astray.
• Or live like Samuel—making yourself available to G-d, walking in His will, and becoming a vessel of His purposes.

G-d is faithful to judge, but He is also faithful to raise up new, faithful leaders who align with His heart.

Shalom from Israel.

Visit LoveIsrael.org for more Bible teachings, articles, and video messages from Dr. Baruch Korman

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