1 Samuel 2:36

And it shall come to passe, that euery one that is left in thine house, shal come and crouch to him for a piece of siluer, and a morsel of bread, and shall say, Put me (I pray thee) into one of the Priests offices, that I may eat a piece of bread. 1 Samuel 2:36 (KJV)

The verse concludes the prophetic oracle against the house of Eli, announcing that God will bring judgment on Eli’s family because of the sins of his sons, yet He also promises that a faithful priest will arise. The phrase “every one that is left in thine house” refers to those who survive the coming judgment on Eli’s line. Their posture of “crouch” implies submission and humility as they approach the faithful priest whom God will raise up, seeking help and provision.

The language about seeking a position “in one of the priests’ offices” does not appear elsewhere in the biblical text, but the verse highlights the desperation that would grip the surviving members of Eli’s house. They would be willing to humble themselves and request even a lowly office merely to obtain basic sustenance, represented by a piece of bread. This portrays the severity of the judgment and the dire circumstances that would befall Eli’s descendants.

The passage teaches several spiritual truths. First, divine judgment follows disobedience; Eli’s sons abused their priestly duties, leading to the downfall of their household. Second, the importance of humility before God is underscored, as the survivors are humbled to the point of seeking a modest role for survival. Third, God’s faithfulness ensures that, even amid judgment, He raises up righteous leaders—ultimately fulfilled in Samuel, whom God appointed as prophet, judge, and priestly figure. Believers are called to approach God with a contrite heart, to trust in His promise of faithful leadership, and to live in obedience to His commands.