1 Kingdoms (1 Samuel) 2:28Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Whether they are esteemed, they will gain nothing in the life to come, but instead will face a harsher judgment; and whether they are disparaged, they will not be harmed in the eternal life, but rather will attain greater vindication. It is for your benefit that I say this. When those in authority are venerated by those beneath them, it ultimately works against them, as illustrated when God spoke to Elijah, saying, "I have chosen thee out of thy father's house"; conversely, when they are scorned, as was the situation with Samuel, God declares, "They have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me" (1 Samuel 8:7). Thus, ridicule serves as an advantage to them, while honor becomes a burden. I express this not for their sake, but for yours. He who respects the priest also honors God, and one who regularly disdains the priest will eventually come to disrespect God Himself.

At this moment, who can honestly examine the situation and not recognize its fulfillment? There was truly no tabernacle, temple, altar, sacrifice, or priest as mandated by God’s law, which required the priest to be of Aaron’s lineage. This is illustrated by the prophet's words, “Therefore thus saith the Lord, the God of Israel: ‘I said then: Thy house and thy father's house shall walk before My face forever.’ But now saith the Lord, ‘Let it not be so; for I will glorify them that glorify Me, and they that glorify Me not shall be put to shame.’” When referring to his father’s house, it is evident that he is not speaking of his immediate father but rather of Aaron, the first priest, from whom all subsequent priests are descended.