Topical Encyclopedia
Abiathar, son of Ahimelech, was a significant figure in the history of Israel, serving as a high priest during the reigns of King David and, initially, King Solomon. His life and service are chronicled in various books of the Old Testament, providing insight into his role and the religious and political dynamics of the time.
Family and Early LifeAbiathar was a descendant of Eli, the priest of Shiloh, through his father Ahimelech. His lineage is noted in
1 Samuel 22:20, where he is identified as the son of Ahimelech, who was the son of Ahitub. Abiathar's early life was marked by tragedy when King Saul ordered the massacre of the priests at Nob, where his father served. Abiathar was the sole survivor of this massacre, as recorded in
1 Samuel 22:20-23: "But one son of Ahimelech son of Ahitub escaped and fled to David. His name was Abiathar, and he brought with him an ephod."
Service to DavidAfter escaping the massacre, Abiathar fled to David, who was then a fugitive from Saul. Abiathar's arrival marked the beginning of a long and loyal service to David. He became a key religious figure and advisor during David's rise to power. Abiathar's possession of the ephod, a priestly garment used for divination, was crucial for David, as it allowed him to inquire of the Lord during his military campaigns and personal decisions (
1 Samuel 23:9-12).
Abiathar remained with David throughout his reign, serving alongside another priest, Zadok. Together, they carried the Ark of the Covenant back to Jerusalem after Absalom's rebellion (
2 Samuel 15:24-29). Abiathar's loyalty to David was unwavering, and he played a significant role in the religious life of the kingdom.
Role in the Succession of SolomonAbiathar's fortunes changed during the transition of power from David to Solomon. Initially, Abiathar supported Adonijah, David's son, who attempted to claim the throne before Solomon was officially appointed king. This political misstep is recorded in
1 Kings 1:7, where Abiathar is mentioned as one of Adonijah's supporters: "Adonijah conferred with Joab son of Zeruiah and with Abiathar the priest, and they supported him."
However, Solomon was ultimately anointed king, and Abiathar's support for Adonijah led to his downfall. Solomon, recognizing Abiathar's past loyalty to David but also his recent betrayal, spared his life but removed him from the priesthood. This act fulfilled the prophecy against the house of Eli, as noted in
1 Kings 2:26-27: "To Abiathar the priest, the king said, 'Go back to your fields in Anathoth. You deserve to die, but I will not put you to death at this time, because you carried the ark of the Lord GOD before my father David and shared in all my father’s hardships.' So Solomon banished Abiathar from being the LORD’s priest, thus fulfilling the word the LORD had spoken at Shiloh against the house of Eli."
LegacyAbiathar's life and service are a testament to the complex interplay of loyalty, politics, and divine prophecy in the history of Israel. His account is interwoven with the narratives of David and Solomon, highlighting the challenges faced by those in religious and political authority. Despite his eventual fall from grace, Abiathar's early loyalty and service to David remain a significant part of his legacy.
