Then the king said to Abiathar the priest, "Go back to your fields in Anathoth. Even though you deserve to die, I will not put you to death at this time, since you carried the ark of the Lord GOD before my father David, and you suffered through all that my father suffered." Then the king saidThis phrase introduces a direct command from King Solomon, who is now firmly established on the throne of Israel. The Hebrew root for "said" (אָמַר, 'amar) often implies not just speaking, but a declaration of authority. Solomon's words here are not merely conversational; they are a royal decree, reflecting his sovereign power and the weight of his decisions as the anointed king. to Abiathar the priest
Abiathar was a significant religious figure, having served as a priest during King David's reign. His name in Hebrew (אֶבְיָתָר, 'Evyatar) means "father of abundance" or "my father excels," which is ironic given his fall from grace. Abiathar's role as a priest connects him to the spiritual leadership of Israel, and his actions have both religious and political implications. Historically, Abiathar's support of Adonijah over Solomon was a critical misstep, leading to his removal from the priesthood. Go back to your fields in Anathoth
Anathoth was a Levitical city in the territory of Benjamin, and it was Abiathar's hometown. The directive to return there signifies a demotion from his priestly duties in Jerusalem to a more humble, agrarian life. The Hebrew root for "fields" (שָׂדֶה, sadeh) often denotes open land, suggesting a return to simplicity and perhaps a time of reflection and repentance. Anathoth later becomes notable as the hometown of the prophet Jeremiah, adding layers of historical and prophetic significance. You deserve to die
This phrase underscores the gravity of Abiathar's offense. In the ancient Near Eastern context, treason against the king was a capital offense. The Hebrew concept of "deserving" (חָיָב, chayav) implies a legal and moral obligation, highlighting the justice of Solomon's potential judgment. However, it also sets the stage for an act of mercy, reflecting the tension between justice and grace. but I will not put you to death at this time
Solomon's decision to spare Abiathar's life is an act of clemency. The phrase "at this time" (בַּיּוֹם הַזֶּה, bayom hazeh) suggests a temporary reprieve, indicating that Solomon's mercy is both deliberate and conditional. This decision reflects Solomon's wisdom and political acumen, as he balances justice with mercy to consolidate his rule without unnecessary bloodshed. because you carried the ark of the Lord GOD before my father David
Abiathar's past service is acknowledged here, particularly his role in carrying the Ark of the Covenant, which was central to Israel's worship and symbolized God's presence. The Hebrew word for "carried" (נָשָׂא, nasa) implies a burden borne with honor and responsibility. This acknowledgment of Abiathar's past faithfulness to David serves as a mitigating factor in Solomon's judgment, illustrating the biblical principle of honoring past service and loyalty. and you shared in all his afflictions
Abiathar's loyalty during David's trials is highlighted, emphasizing the Hebrew concept of "sharing" (עָנָה, anah), which implies a deep, empathetic participation in another's suffering. This phrase underscores the value of steadfastness and loyalty, even in times of hardship. It serves as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness to God's anointed, a theme that resonates throughout the biblical narrative. Persons / Places / Events 1. King SolomonThe son of David and Bathsheba, Solomon is the newly anointed king of Israel. He is known for his wisdom and is tasked with establishing his rule and fulfilling his father David's final instructions. 2. Abiathar the PriestA descendant of Eli, Abiathar served as a priest during King David's reign. He supported Adonijah's claim to the throne, which put him at odds with Solomon. 3. AnathothA town in the territory of Benjamin, designated as a Levitical city. It is the place to which Solomon banishes Abiathar. 4. The Ark of the Lord GODThe sacred chest that held the tablets of the Ten Commandments, representing God's presence with His people. Abiathar had the honor of carrying it during David's reign. 5. David's AfflictionsRefers to the various trials and tribulations King David faced, including his flight from Saul and the rebellion of his son Absalom. Abiathar was loyal to David during these times. Teaching Points The Consequences of DisloyaltyAbiathar's support of Adonijah over Solomon demonstrates the importance of aligning with God's chosen leadership. Disloyalty can lead to severe consequences, even for those with a history of faithful service. Mercy and JusticeSolomon's decision to spare Abiathar's life, despite his betrayal, illustrates the balance between justice and mercy. As believers, we are called to exercise discernment in dealing with others, reflecting God's character. The Importance of LegacyAbiathar's past service to David and his role in carrying the Ark are remembered, showing that our actions have lasting impacts. We should strive to leave a legacy of faithfulness and service to God. Fulfillment of ProphecyThe removal of Abiathar fulfills the prophecy against Eli's house, reminding us that God's word is true and will come to pass. We can trust in God's promises and His sovereign plan. The Role of a PriestAbiathar's life points to the significance of the priestly role, which is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ. As believers, we are called to be a royal priesthood, representing God to the world. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Abiathar's account illustrate the consequences of choosing sides in matters of leadership and authority? Reflect on a time when you had to make a similar choice. 2. In what ways does Solomon's treatment of Abiathar demonstrate a balance between justice and mercy? How can you apply this balance in your own relationships? 3. Consider the legacy you are building through your actions and service. What steps can you take to ensure it aligns with God's purposes? 4. How does the fulfillment of prophecy in Abiathar's life encourage you to trust in God's promises? Identify a promise from Scripture that you are holding onto. 5. Reflect on the role of a priest as seen in Abiathar's life and in the New Testament. How can you fulfill your calling as part of the "royal priesthood" in your daily life? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Samuel 22-23Provides background on Abiathar's escape from the massacre of the priests at Nob and his subsequent loyalty to David. 1 Kings 1Details the events leading up to Solomon's ascension to the throne and Abiathar's support of Adonijah. 1 Samuel 2:27-36Contains the prophecy against the house of Eli, which is fulfilled in part by Abiathar's removal from the priesthood. 2 Samuel 15-17Describes Abiathar's role during Absalom's rebellion, highlighting his loyalty to David. Hebrews 4:14-16Connects to the role of a priest and the ultimate high priest, Jesus Christ, who intercedes for believers. People Abiathar, Abishag, Abner, Absalom, Achish, Adonijah, Amasa, Anathoth, Barzillai, Bathsheba, Benaiah, David, Eli, Gera, Haggith, Jehoiada, Jether, Joab, Maacah, Maachah, Ner, Shimei, Solomon, Zadok, ZeruiahPlaces Anathoth, Bahurim, Gath, Hebron, Jerusalem, Jordan River, Kidron, Mahanaim, ShilohTopics Abiathar, Abi'athar, Adonai, Afflicted, Affliction, Anathoth, An'athoth, Ark, Barest, Bear, Bore, Borne, Carried, David, Death, Depart, Deserve, Deserving, Die, Estate, Father's, Field, Fields, Hardships, Hast, Priest, Reward, Shared, Sovereign, Troubles, Wast, Wherein, WorthyDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 2:26 5569 suffering, hardship Library The Horns of the Altar
WE MUST tell you the story. Solomon was to be the king after David, but his elder brother, Adonijah, was preferred by Joab, the captain of the host, and by Abiathar, the priest; and, therefore, they got together, and tried to steal a march upon dying David, and set up Adonijah. They utterly failed in this; and when Solomn came to the throne Adonijah was afraid for his life, and fled to the horns of the altar at the tabernacle for shelter. Solomn permitted him to find sanctuary there, and forgave …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 31: 1885"He Ascended into Heaven:" Believe. "He Sitteth at the Right Hand of the Father...
11. "He ascended into heaven:" believe. "He sitteth at the right hand of the Father:" believe. By sitting, understand dwelling: as [in Latin] we say of any person, "In that country he dwelt (sedit) three years." The Scripture also has that expression, that such an one dwelt (sedisse) in a city for such a time. [1791] Not meaning that he sat and never rose up? On this account the dwellings of men are called seats (sedes). [1792] Where people are seated (in this sense), are they always sitting? Is …
St. Augustine—On the Creeds Whether Curiosity Can be About Intellective Knowledge?
Objection 1: It would seem that curiosity cannot be about intellective knowledge. Because, according to the Philosopher (Ethic. ii, 6), there can be no mean and extremes in things which are essentially good. Now intellective knowledge is essentially good: because man's perfection would seem to consist in his intellect being reduced from potentiality to act, and this is done by the knowledge of truth. For Dionysius says (Div. Nom. iv) that "the good of the human soul is to be in accordance with reason," …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether the Angels have Bodies Naturally United to Them?
Objection 1: It would seem that angels have bodies naturally united to them. For Origen says (Peri Archon i): "It is God's attribute alone---that is, it belongs to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, as a property of nature, that He is understood to exist without any material substance and without any companionship of corporeal addition." Bernard likewise says (Hom. vi. super Cant.): "Let us assign incorporeity to God alone even as we do immortality, whose nature alone, neither for its own sake …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether the Natural Law Can be Changed?
Objection 1: It would seem that the natural law can be changed. Because on Ecclus. 17:9, "He gave them instructions, and the law of life," the gloss says: "He wished the law of the letter to be written, in order to correct the law of nature." But that which is corrected is changed. Therefore the natural law can be changed. Objection 2: Further, the slaying of the innocent, adultery, and theft are against the natural law. But we find these things changed by God: as when God commanded Abraham to slay …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica The Whole Heart
LET me give the principal passages in which the words "the whole heart," "all the heart," are used. A careful study of them will show how wholehearted love and service is what God has always asked, because He can, in the very nature of things, ask nothing less. The prayerful and believing acceptance of the words will waken the assurance that such wholehearted love and service is exactly the blessing the New Covenant was meant to make possible. That assurance will prepare us for turning to the Omnipotence …
Andrew Murray—The Two Covenants "The King Kissed Barzillai. " 2 Sam. xix. 39
And no wonder, for David could appreciate a real man when he saw him, and so does David's Lord. I.--LOYALTY IS PRECIOUS TO THE KING OF KINGS. In the days when the son of Jesse had but few friends, it was a precious thing to be treated in the style Barzillai and his neighbours entertained him (see 2 Sam. xvii. 27-29). They were rich farmers, and had land which brought forth with abundance, so were able to act with princely hospitality to the fugitive monarch. But plenty may live with avarice, and …
Thomas Champness—Broken Bread What Manner of Man Ought not to Come to Rule.
Wherefore let every one measure himself wisely, lest he venture to assume a place of rule, while in himself vice still reigns unto condemnation; lest one whom his own guilt depraves desire to become an intercessor for the faults of others. For on this account it is said to Moses by the supernal voice, Speak unto Aaron; Whosoever he be of thy seed throughout their generations that hath a blemish, he shall not offer loaves of bread to the Lord his God (Lev. xxi. 17). And it is also immediately subjoined; …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great Authorship of the Pentateuch.
The term Pentateuch is composed of the two Greek words, pente, five, and teuchos, which in later Alexandrine usage signified book. It denotes, therefore, the collection of five books; or, the five books of the law considered as a whole. 1. In our inquiries respecting the authorship of the Pentateuch, we begin with the undisputed fact that it existed in its present form in the days of Christ and his apostles, and had so existed from the time of Ezra. When the translators of the Greek version, …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible Barzillai
BY REV. GEORGE MILLIGAN, M.A., D.D. "There is nothing," says Socrates to Cephalus in the Republic, "I like better than conversing with aged men. For I regard them as travellers who have gone a journey which I too may have to go, and of whom it is right to learn the character of the way, whether it is rugged or difficult, or smooth and easy" (p. 328 E.). It is to such an aged traveller that we are introduced in the person of Barzillai the Gileadite. And though he is one of the lesser-known characters …
George Milligan—Men of the Bible; Some Lesser-Known Fifth Sunday after Trinity Exhortation to the Fruits of Faith.
Text: 1 Peter 3, 8-15. 8 Finally, be ye all like-minded, compassionate, loving as brethren, tender-hearted, humble-minded: 9 not rendering evil for evil, or reviling for reviling; but contrariwise blessing; for hereunto were ye called, that ye should inherit a blessing. 10 For, He that would love life, And see good days, Let him refrain his tongue from evil, And his lips that they speak no guile: 11 And let him turn away from evil, and do good; Let him seek peace, and pursue it. 12 For the eyes of …
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. III Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.), …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 1 Kings 2:26 NIV1 Kings 2:26 NLT1 Kings 2:26 ESV1 Kings 2:26 NASB1 Kings 2:26 KJV
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