Abiathar was the son of Ahimelech, the priest at Nob where David stopped while fleeing from Saul. The name Abiathar means the father of excellence. He was the sole survivor of the massacre Saul carried out at Nob that destroyed his father and siblings. He escaped to David and was promised protection by him. When David became the king, he was made high priest alongside Zadok. Abiathar was faithful to David during Absalom’s rebellion and was one of those who had accompanied the king in his life as a fugitive. No reason was given as to why he supported Adonijah in the latter’s attempt at seizing the throne. For that, he had incurred the suspicion of Solomon.
Instead
of killing him, 1 Kings 2:26-27 reveal that Solomon spared him in consideration
of his past service to his father David. He was banished to Anathoth till his
death there. Verse 27 was careful to reveal
that this was in fulfillment of the word of the Lord prophesized concerning the
house of the family of Eli, the high priest, given in 1 Samuel
2:27-33.
Here
was a case of associating with the wrong man. Abiathar would have saved himself
untold sorrow had he stayed focused on the ministry and not involved himself
with politics. Unfortunately, he was sucked into the power struggle of
Adonijah. Two things to remember in life. Firstly, be mindful that a wrong move
can lead to many troubles. A
miscalculated step can lead one to needless misery. Secondly, these two verses
teach us to be careful who we support and run with in life. We inherit our
reputation from who we mix with. We either share their glory or suffer their
banes. There is a need to acknowledge that our reputation is an important asset
in life, for a good name is better than the best perfume. So stir clear of
troublesome people, for when we run into a skunk, we will stink like a skunk.
“Don’t trouble troubles, till trouble troubles you.”
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