The Hebrew word translated as forever
can refer to a definite period of time with no immediate end in view (Deuteronomy 23:3; 1 Samuel 1:22; 2 Samuel 12:10; Isaiah 32:14; Jeremiah 17:4), and does not necessarily convey the concept of eternity.1 Even so, it will still be a son of Aaron that serves as high priest, just not one from Eli’s lineage. The Lord is not revoking a promise formerly made to the house of Aaron. Rather, Eli’s descendants will be excluded from full participation in the privileges and responsibilities of the priestly office which was given to Aaron and his descendants.2 This rejection of Eli’s house and the establishment of a new priestly dynasty introduces a pattern that will be repeated with Saul and David.3
30 Therefore the LORD, the God of Israel, declares: ‘I promised that your house and the house of your father should go in and out before me forever,’ but now the LORD declares: ‘Far be it from me, for those who honor me I will honor, and those who despise me shall be lightly esteemed.