Abiathar was an important priest and high priest in the Bible who served during the time of King David. Here is an overview of Abiathar’s life and role in the Bible:
Abiathar’s Family Background
Abiathar was the son of Ahimelech, who was the priest at Nob during the reign of King Saul (1 Samuel 22:20). Ahimelech belonged to the priestly line of Eli, who was the high priest during the time of the prophet Samuel (1 Samuel 14:3). Eli had two sons, Phinehas and Hophni, who were wicked priests. God judged Eli’s family by allowing both of his sons to die on the same day (1 Samuel 2:12-36). The priestly line then passed from Eli to his descendant Ahimelech.
Abiathar Escapes from Saul
When David was on the run from King Saul, he came to the tabernacle at Nob to get food. Ahimelech helped David by giving him consecrated bread from the tabernacle. When Saul found out, he was angry and commanded his men to kill Ahimelech and all of his family for helping David. However, Abiathar managed to escape and fled to David (1 Samuel 22:11-23).
This incident fulfilled part of God’s prophecy of judgment against Eli’s family, but Abiathar was spared so that the priestly line would continue. From that point on, Abiathar joined with David and shared in his hardships as he was fleeing from Saul.
Abiathar Serves as Priest for David
After Saul’s death, David was anointed king over the tribe of Judah at Hebron. During this 7-year period, Abiathar acted as priest alongside Zadok, another priest who was somehow related to the line of Eleazar, the son of Aaron (2 Samuel 8:17; 1 Chronicles 24:3). Later, when David became king over all Israel and conquered Jerusalem, he brought the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem and appointed Zadok and Abiathar as priests (2 Samuel 15:24).
Abiathar and Zadok both served as high priests throughout most of David’s reign in Jerusalem. They worked together to bring back the tabernacle worship that had fallen into disuse under Saul’s kingship (1 Chronicles 16:39-40). However, Abiathar is mentioned first, indicating his higher position over Zadok during this time.
Abiathar’s Support for Adonijah
Towards the end of David’s life, his son Adonijah attempted to seize the throne before David officially appointed Solomon as his successor. Adonijah held a feast and ceremony to make himself king, and Abiathar supported him in this attempt. However, Zadok, Nathan the prophet, and others did not join Adonijah (1 Kings 1:7-10).
When David heard about this, he immediately appointed Solomon as king. Abiathar’s choice to follow Adonijah almost cost him his life, but Solomon spared him because he had borne the ark of God (1 Kings 2:26). However, he removed Abiathar from the office of high priest.
The Fulfillment of God’s Judgment
Solomon’s dismissal of Abiathar from the high priesthood fulfilled the prophecy that God would judge Eli’s household. God had told Eli that his descendants would live to an old age but would not continue to hold the high priesthood (1 Samuel 2:31-35). Although the judgment took several generations to fully unfold, Abiathar was removed just as God had promised.
Zadok replaced Abiathar as high priest. The high priestly line then continued through Zadok’s descendants rather than Eli and Abiathar’s line (1 Kings 2:35). Thus, Abiathar was the last high priest of the line of Eli.
Abiathar’s Legacy
Although Abiathar made some poor decisions later in life that cost him the high priesthood, he still played a significant role in David’s reign. Here are some key things he accomplished:
- Escaped Saul’s massacre to preserve the priestly line
- Assisted David during his wilderness wanderings and exile from Saul
- Helped establish tabernacle worship in Jerusalem
- Served faithfully as high priest for most of David’s reign
- Was a part of fulfilling God’s word regarding the priesthood
Overall, Abiathar faithfully served both David and the Lord for most of his life. His legacy reminds us that every person has strengths and weaknesses. Despite his mistakes, God still used Abiathar’s priestly ministry to advance His kingdom.
Abiathar in the Gospels
In the Gospels, Jesus refers to an incident with Abiathar that is not described in the Old Testament. In Mark 2:23-28, Jesus tells how David entered the house of God in the days of Abiathar the high priest and ate the consecrated bread.
However, 1 Samuel 21 states this incident occurred when Ahimelech, Abiathar’s father, was priest. Various explanations have been offered for this apparent discrepancy:
- Ahimelech was priest, but his son Abiathar was there and later became well known as high priest.
- Abiathar was considered the more prominent high priest.
- Abiathar may have become high priest before the incident occurred.
- “In the days of Abiathar” refers to that general time period.
While the explanation is debated, Jesus’ main point was that meeting human needs took priority over strict adherence to ceremonial laws. The reference to Abiathar shows Jesus’ knowledge of Israel’s history and the Scripture accounts.
Lessons from Abiathar’s Life
Abiathar’s life offers several valuable lessons:
- God protects his people. God spared Abiathar from Saul’s massacre to preserve the priesthood.
- Choose friends wisely. Abiathar’s allegiance to Adonijah cost him his position.
- Stay humble. Abiathar lost the privilege of being high priest because of pride and self-promotion.
- God keeps His promises. The judgment on Eli’s house came to pass just as God had declared.
- Obey God over men. Abiathar should have obeyed David rather than following Adonijah.
As we study the lives of biblical figures like Abiathar, we can learn important spiritual principles and how to avoid repeating mistakes. Abiathar’s life encourages us to faithfully follow God despite the ups and downs of life.
Abiathar’s Character
Although details about Abiathar’s character are limited, some key traits emerge:
- Devout. He served as a priest from youth and was devoted to tabernacle worship.
- Loyal. He stood by David in exile and hardship.
- Spiritual. He sought to serve God as high priest and restore true worship.
- Self-promoting. His allegiance to Adonijah showed a desire for power and position.
- Compromising. Joining Adonijah’s rebellion revealed flawed judgment.
Overall, Abiathar was a devoted worshipper of God for much of his life. However, he struggled with some of the same sins and weaknesses that can afflict leaders. His story is a warning about giving in to compromise or the allure of status and power.
Why Abiathar is Significant
There are several important reasons why Abiathar is a significant biblical figure:
- He helped preserve the priestly line from annihilation by Saul.
- He provided spiritual guidance to David as high priest for most of his reign.
- He was part of the chain of high priests fulfilling God’s Word.
- His life offers lessons on leadership, humility, and walking with God.
- Jesus highlighted his role as high priest to teach deeper spiritual truths.
Although he faded from prominence by the end of his life, God still used Abiathar in crucial ways. His legacy reminds us of the importance of faithfulness in obscure seasons of life.
Summary of Abiathar’s Role and Significance
In summary, here are the key facts to know about Abiathar:
- He escaped when Saul killed the priests at Nob and joined David’s side.
- He served as high priest alongside Zadok during David’s reign.
- He wrongly helped Adonijah try to become king instead of Solomon.
- As a result, Solomon removed him as high priest, fulfilling God’s word of judgement.
- His life offers lessons on leadership, pride, loyalty, and obedience to God.
- Jesus highlighted his role as high priest in the gospel accounts.
- Though flawed, he helped preserve the priesthood and worship of God.
Studying Abiathar reminds us of the ups and downs common to leaders. His life encourages staying humble, loyal to God’s calling, and seeking Him above all else.