Topical Encyclopedia Abiathar, son of Ahimelech, was a significant figure in the religious and political landscape of ancient Israel during the reign of King David. He is often remembered for his role as a high priest and his association with King David during a tumultuous period in Israel's history.Background and Early Life Abiathar was the son of Ahimelech, the high priest at Nob. His early life was marked by tragedy when King Saul ordered the massacre of the priests at Nob, suspecting them of aiding David. Abiathar was the sole survivor of this massacre, as recorded in 1 Samuel 22:20: "But one son of Ahimelech son of Ahitub escaped and fled to David. His name was Abiathar." Service to David After escaping the massacre, Abiathar fled to David, who was then a fugitive from Saul. Abiathar brought with him the ephod, a priestly garment used for divination, which became a crucial tool for David in seeking God's guidance. 1 Samuel 23:6 notes, "Now Abiathar son of Ahimelech had brought the ephod with him when he fled to David at Keilah." Abiathar's loyalty to David was unwavering, and he served as a priest during David's reign. He was instrumental in providing spiritual counsel and support to David, especially during times of crisis. His presence is noted during significant events, such as the rebellion of Absalom, where he remained loyal to David (2 Samuel 15:24-29). Role as High Priest Abiathar served as a high priest alongside Zadok during David's reign. This dual priesthood is mentioned in 2 Samuel 8:17: "Zadok son of Ahitub and Ahimelech son of Abiathar were priests." The partnership between Abiathar and Zadok was significant, as it represented a unification of priestly duties and support for David's kingship. Conflict and Downfall Abiathar's fortunes changed during the transition of power from David to Solomon. Initially, Abiathar supported Adonijah, David's son, in his bid for the throne. However, Solomon, who was chosen by David to succeed him, saw this as a betrayal. As a result, Solomon removed Abiathar from the priesthood, fulfilling a prophecy against the house of Eli, to which Abiathar belonged. 1 Kings 2:27 states, "So Solomon banished Abiathar from being priest to the LORD, fulfilling the word the LORD had spoken at Shiloh about the house of Eli." Legacy Abiathar's life and service are a testament to the complexities of loyalty, leadership, and divine providence in the history of Israel. His account is interwoven with the narrative of David's rise and the establishment of Solomon's reign, highlighting the intricate relationship between the monarchy and the priesthood in ancient Israel. Nave's Topical Index 2 Samuel 15:35And have you not there with you Zadok and Abiathar the priests? therefore it shall be, that what thing soever you shall hear out of the king's house, you shall tell it to Zadok and Abiathar the priests. Nave's Topical Index 2 Samuel 20:25 1 Kings 4:4 1 Chronicles 15:11 Resources Who was Zadok in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Adonijah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Who was Absalom in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Abiathar: Escapes to David from the Vengeance of Saul, Who Slew the Priests in the City of Nob Abiathar: High Priest--Called Ahimelech Abiathar: High Priest--Called Ahimelech: And Abimelech Abiathar: High Priest--Called Ahimelech: Associate High Priest With Zadok in the Reign of David Abiathar: High Priest--Called Ahimelech: But Called Ahimelech and Father of Abiathar Abiathar: High Priest--Called Ahimelech: Consults the Ephod for David Abiathar: High Priest--Called Ahimelech: Loyal to David when Absalom Rebelled Abiathar: High Priest--Called Ahimelech: Son of Ahimelech Abiathar: High Priest--Called Ahimelech: Supports Adonijah's Pretensions to the Throne Abiathar: High Priest--Called Ahimelech: Thrust out of office by Solomon Related Terms |