Abiathar, a significant figure in the Old Testament, was a priest during the reigns of King David and King Solomon. He was the son of Ahimelech, the high priest at Nob, and a descendant of Eli, the priest of Shiloh. Abiathar's life and service are chronicled in several books of the Bible, including 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, and 1 Kings.

Escape from Nob:
Abiathar first appears in the biblical narrative during a tragic event involving King Saul. Saul, in his paranoia, ordered the massacre of the priests of Nob because he believed they had conspired with 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, Abiathar joined David, who was then a fugitive from Saul. He brought with him the ephod, a priestly garment used for seeking God's guidance. Abiathar's presence and the ephod were crucial for David, as seen in 1 Samuel 23:9-10: "When David learned that Saul was plotting evil against him, he said to Abiathar the priest, 'Bring the ephod.' And David said, 'O LORD, God of Israel, Your servant has heard that Saul intends to come to Keilah and destroy the city on my account.'"

Abiathar remained loyal to David throughout his reign, serving as one of his chief priests alongside Zadok. He played a key role in various events, including the transportation of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 15:24-29).

Rebellion and Downfall:
Abiathar's loyalty to David, however, did not extend to David's successor, Solomon. During the transition of power, Abiathar supported Adonijah, David's son, who attempted to usurp the throne. This act of rebellion is noted in 1 Kings 1:7: "So Adonijah conferred with Joab son of Zeruiah and with Abiathar the priest, who supported him."

When Solomon was established as king, he did not forget Abiathar's disloyalty. Solomon removed Abiathar from the priesthood, fulfilling a prophecy against the house of Eli. This is recorded in 1 Kings 2:26-27: "Then the king said to Abiathar the priest, '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 priest of the LORD, fulfilling the word the LORD had spoken at Shiloh against the house of Eli."

Legacy:
Abiathar's life is a testament to the complexities of loyalty and the consequences of political alliances. His account is intertwined with the broader narrative of Israel's monarchy and the fulfillment of divine prophecy. Despite his eventual downfall, Abiathar's early service to David and his role in the religious life of Israel remain significant in biblical history.Abi'athar's (1 Occurrence)

2 Samuel 15:36
Behold, they have there with them their two sons, Ahimaaz Zadok's son, and Jonathan Abiathar's son; and by them ye shall send unto me every thing that ye shall hear.'
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Abi'athar's (1 Occurrence)
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