Abiathar

Abiathar was a priest in ancient Israel, the son of Ahimelech and a member of the priestly line descended from Eli. During Saul’s persecution of the priests at Nob, Abiathar escaped to David, bringing the ephod with him and serving as one of David’s priests in the wilderness. The biblical accounts describe Abiathar as a key figure who aided David by seeking guidance from the Lord, often through the priestly implement of the ephod.

In David’s reign, Abiathar continued to function as a priest and, alongside Zadok, represented the priestly leadership in religious affairs. He is associated with the collection and use of the ephod for divine inquiries and with the administration of priestly duties during the king’s political and military events. Abiathar’s presence with David is noted during several critical moments, illustrating the intertwining of sacred and royal authority in this period.

With Solomon’s rise to the throne, Abiathar’s position changed. He is described as having supported Adonijah’s attempt to seize the kingship, and as a consequence Solomon dismissed Abiathar from the priesthood and sent him to Anathoth. Zadok was established as the high priest, and Abiathar’s line lost the high-priestly privilege. The events mark a turning point in the royal-priestly arrangement, reinforcing the prominence of the Zadokite priesthood in the subsequent temple era.