Solomon: Israel’s Wisest King (9): Abiathar’s Deposition (I Kings 2:26-27) by Rev. Angus Stewart
I. The History of Abiathar
II. The Punishment of Abiathar
III. The Fulfilment of Prophecy
Psalm singing: 63:1-8; 1:1-6; 118:1-9; 75:3-10
Scripture reading: I Samuel 2:22-36
Philip Ryken: “Abiathar had backed Adonijah in his failed attempt to seize David’s crown. So he too was an opponent of the kingdom of God—an enemy of the Lord’s anointed who deserved to be condemned for the capital crime of treason. Yet Solomon did not put Abiathar to death. Because he was a ‘man of the cloth’ and because he had offered sacred service to King David, even through suffering and exile, Solomon spared his life. The priest was expelled rather than executed. Solomon removed him from office and sent him back to his home outside Jerusalem. Do not doubt that judgment will fall on every enemy of the kingdom of God who does not repent, as judgment fell on Abiathar. The only way to be safe is to submit to the kingship of Jesus Christ” (King Solomon: The Temptations of Money, Sex, and Power, p. 34).