Zadok

Zadok was a prominent priest during the reigns of King David and King Solomon. He is first mentioned in the Bible during the time of David's reign, where he served as a priest alongside Abiathar. Zadok was a descendant of Aaron through Eleazar, making him part of the Levitical priesthood. His loyalty to David was evident during Absalom's rebellion, where he, along with Abiathar, carried the Ark of the Covenant back to Jerusalem at David's request (2 Samuel 15:24-29).

Zadok's faithfulness to David continued into the transition of power to Solomon. When Adonijah, another of David's sons, attempted to usurp the throne, Zadok remained loyal to David's choice of Solomon as king. He played a crucial role in anointing Solomon as king, as recorded in 1 Kings 1:39 : "Zadok the priest took the horn of oil from the tabernacle and anointed Solomon. Then they blew the trumpet, and all the people shouted, 'Long live King Solomon!'"

Under Solomon's reign, Zadok was appointed as the sole high priest, a position he held with distinction. His descendants continued to serve in the priesthood, and the "sons of Zadok" are mentioned in later biblical texts as a faithful priestly line (Ezekiel 44:15).

Abiathar

Abiathar was the son of Ahimelech, the priest of Nob, and he narrowly escaped the massacre of the priests by Saul, as recorded in 1 Samuel 22:20-23 . Fleeing to David, Abiathar became a loyal supporter and served as a priest during David's reign. He shared priestly duties with Zadok and was involved in significant events, such as carrying the Ark of the Covenant during Absalom's rebellion (2 Samuel 15:24-29).

Despite his long service, Abiathar's loyalty wavered during the succession crisis following David's reign. He supported Adonijah's claim to the throne, contrary to David's wishes for Solomon to succeed him. This decision ultimately led to his downfall. After Solomon's ascension, Abiathar was removed from the priesthood, fulfilling the prophecy against the house of Eli (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 you shared in all my father’s hardships.' So Solomon banished Abiathar from being the LORD’s priest, thereby fulfilling the word the LORD had spoken at Shiloh against the house of Eli."

Abiathar's removal marked a significant shift in the priesthood, consolidating the position under Zadok and his descendants. Despite his fall from grace, Abiathar's earlier contributions to David's reign are noted in the biblical narrative, highlighting the complexities of loyalty and divine providence in the history of Israel's priesthood.