1 Kings 2:27

KJV

So Solomon thrust out Abiathar from being priest unto the LORD; that he might fulfil the word of the LORD, which he spake concerning the house of Eli in Shiloh.

KJV (with Strong's)

So Solomon {H8010} thrust out {H1644} Abiathar {H54} from being priest {H3548} unto the LORD {H3068}; that he might fulfil {H4390} the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068}, which he spake {H1696} concerning the house {H1004} of Eli {H5941} in Shiloh {H7887}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So Shlomo forced Evyatar out of his task as cohen to ADONAI, so that what ADONAI had said in Shiloh about the family of 'Eli might be fulfilled.

Berean Standard Bible

So Solomon banished Abiathar from the priesthood of the LORD and thus fulfilled the word that the LORD had spoken at Shiloh against the house of Eli.

American Standard Version

So Solomon thrust out Abiathar from being priest unto Jehovah, that he might fulfil the word of Jehovah, which he spake concerning the house of Eli in Shiloh.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Kings 2:27 records King Solomon's decisive act of removing Abiathar from the high priesthood, an action directly orchestrated by divine providence to fulfill a long-standing prophecy concerning the priestly house of Eli. This pivotal moment not only solidified Solomon's reign by eliminating a potential threat but also marked the definitive end of a priestly lineage that had been under divine judgment for generations due to unfaithfulness and corruption, underscoring God's unwavering commitment to His word and His righteous justice.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the critical early days of Solomon's reign, a period marked by the consolidation of his power. Following David's death, Solomon systematically dealt with those who had opposed his succession or posed a future threat. Abiathar, the high priest, had sided with Adonijah, Solomon's older half-brother, in an attempt to usurp the throne, as detailed in [1 Kings 1:7](/1_kings/1-7 "1 Kings 1:7 - Abiathar's Support for Adonijah"). While Solomon spared Abiathar's life due to his past loyalty to King David and his role in carrying the Ark of the Covenant during David's exile ([1 Samuel 23:6](/1_samuel/23-6 "1 Samuel 23:6 - Abiathar with the Ephod")), he stripped him of his priestly office. This act of removal, along with the subsequent execution of Joab and Shimei, demonstrates Solomon's firm establishment of his rule and his commitment to purging disloyalty, as further elaborated in [1 Kings 2](/1_kings/2 "1 Kings 2 - Solomon Consolidates His Kingdom"). The immediate consequence of Abiathar's dismissal was the appointment of Zadok from the line of Eleazar as the sole high priest, as recorded in [1 Kings 2:35](/1_kings/2-35 "1 Kings 2:35 - Zadok Appointed High Priest"), thereby establishing a new, legitimate priestly line.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The office of the high priest was of immense spiritual and political significance in ancient Israel, serving as the chief mediator between God and the people. The high priest was responsible for leading worship, offering sacrifices, and consulting God through the Urim and Thummim. The house of Eli had held this esteemed position for generations, tracing its lineage back to Aaron through Ithamar. However, their tenure was marred by the wickedness of Eli's sons, Hophni and Phinehas, who grossly dishonored the LORD and the sacred rituals of the tabernacle, as vividly described in [1 Samuel 2:12-17](/1_samuel/2-12 "1 Samuel 2:12-17 - Sins of Eli's Sons"). Eli, despite being a priest, failed to adequately restrain his sons, leading to divine judgment. Shiloh was a crucial religious center before the establishment of Jerusalem, serving as the location of the tabernacle and the Ark of the Covenant during the period of the Judges and early monarchy. The prophecy against Eli's house, delivered by a "man of God" in [1 Samuel 2:27-36](/1_samuel/2-27 "1 Samuel 2:27-36 - Prophecy Against Eli's House") and later confirmed to young Samuel in [1 Samuel 3:11-14](/1_samuel/3-11 "1 Samuel 3:11-14 - God's Word to Samuel Concerning Eli's House"), foretold the demise of their priestly line and the absence of old men in their household, signifying a premature end to their influence and lives. Abiathar's removal marked the final, decisive fulfillment of this ancient word.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several enduring themes within the biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Justice**. God's word, once spoken, will inevitably come to pass, even if it takes generations. The fulfillment of the prophecy against Eli's house demonstrates God's ultimate control over human affairs and His unwavering commitment to righteousness, holding even His anointed leaders accountable for their actions and failures. Secondly, it underscores the **Consequences of Disobedience**. The downfall of Eli's priestly line serves as a stark warning about the severe repercussions of dishonoring God, abusing sacred office, and failing to uphold moral and spiritual integrity. The corruption within the priesthood led to its removal, emphasizing that divine judgment is not arbitrary but a just response to unfaithfulness. Finally, the verse is a prime example of **Prophetic Fulfillment**. It reinforces the reliability and truthfulness of God's revealed word, demonstrating how specific historical events precisely align with long-ago divine declarations, thereby building confidence in the veracity of Scripture and God's faithfulness to His promises and warnings.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **thrust out (Hebrew, _gārash'_):** The verb גָּרַשׁ (_gārash_) means "to drive out, cast out, expel, divorce." Its use here signifies a forceful, decisive, and permanent removal. It is not a gentle retirement or a voluntary resignation, but an authoritative expulsion from office, emphasizing the finality of Abiathar's dismissal and, by extension, the definitive end of Eli's priestly line holding the high office. This choice of word underscores the severity of the judgment and Solomon's absolute authority in executing it.
* **fulfil (Hebrew, _qūm'_):** The verb קוּם (_qūm_) means "to rise, stand up, establish, confirm, fulfill." In this context, it carries the sense of bringing to pass or establishing the word of the LORD. It indicates that Solomon's action was not merely a political maneuver but an instrument in the hand of God to bring His long-standing prophetic word to its intended conclusion. It highlights the divine orchestration behind human events, affirming that God's purposes will stand.
* **house of Eli (Hebrew, _bêṯ ‘Ēlî'_):** This phrase refers to the entire lineage or dynasty of Eli, encompassing his descendants who held priestly office. The judgment was not just against Eli or his immediate sons but against the future generations of his family, indicating a comprehensive and lasting consequence for their unfaithfulness. The prophecy foretold that there would be "no old man" in their house, signifying a premature end to their lives and their inability to hold positions of honor and longevity within the priesthood.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So Solomon thrust out Abiathar from being priest unto the LORD":** This clause describes the direct action taken by King Solomon. The phrase "unto the LORD" emphasizes that Abiathar's office was a sacred one, dedicated to God, and therefore his removal was not merely a political demotion but a spiritual disqualification from serving in God's presence. Solomon, acting with royal authority, definitively ended Abiathar's tenure, thereby removing the last prominent figure of Eli's priestly line from the high office.
* **"that he might fulfil the word of the LORD":** This crucial phrase reveals the divine purpose behind Solomon's action. It explicitly states that Solomon's seemingly political decision was, in fact, an instrument of God's sovereign will. It underscores the theological truth that human actions, even those driven by political expediency or personal ambition, can be providentially used by God to accomplish His pre-ordained plans and prophecies.
* **"which he spake concerning the house of Eli in Shiloh":** This final clause identifies the specific prophecy being fulfilled. It points back to the divine declarations made generations earlier, primarily through a "man of God" and the prophet Samuel, against the priestly line of Eli due to the corruption of his sons, Hophni and Phinehas, and Eli's failure to restrain them. The mention of "Shiloh" is significant, as it was the location of the tabernacle and the primary seat of Eli's priesthood, grounding the ancient prophecy in a specific historical and geographical context.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several significant literary devices. **Narrative Fulfillment** is paramount, as the text explicitly states that Solomon's action was to "fulfil the word of the LORD." This device draws a direct line between ancient prophecy and contemporary historical event, reinforcing the reliability of God's word. There is also an element of **Irony** in Abiathar's downfall; despite his past loyalty to David, his political misstep in supporting Adonijah ultimately led to the very judgment pronounced against his ancestors. The phrase "thrust out" (גָּרַשׁ) serves as a powerful **Metaphor** for a decisive and complete expulsion, not just from office but from the divine favor associated with that office. Furthermore, the persistent theme of **Divine Sovereignty** undergirds the entire narrative, demonstrating that even in the midst of human political maneuvering, God's overarching plan and justice are being meticulously worked out.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The removal of Abiathar from the priesthood in 1 Kings 2:27 serves as a profound theological statement on God's unwavering faithfulness to His word, whether in promise or in judgment. It underscores the principle that divine justice, though sometimes delayed, is never ultimately denied. The long-standing prophecy against Eli's house, spanning several generations, demonstrates God's patience but also His absolute commitment to holiness and accountability, especially for those in positions of spiritual leadership. This event highlights the serious consequences of unfaithfulness and corruption within the sacred office, affirming that God will not tolerate the profaning of His name or His worship. It also illustrates how God uses human agents, sometimes even those acting out of their own political motivations, to accomplish His divine purposes, seamlessly weaving human history into His overarching plan of redemption and justice.

* [1 Samuel 2:30](/1_samuel/2-30 "1 Samuel 2:30 - God Honors Those Who Honor Him")
* [1 Samuel 3:11-14](/1_samuel/3-11 "1 Samuel 3:11-14 - God's Judgment on Eli's House")
* [Lamentations 2:6](/lamentations/2-6 "Lamentations 2:6 - God's Rejection of the Priesthood")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of Abiathar's removal is far more than a historical footnote; it is a powerful reminder of God's character and His dealings with humanity. It compels us to reflect on the seriousness with which God views faithfulness, particularly among those entrusted with spiritual authority. While we live under the new covenant of grace, the principles of accountability and the certainty of God's word remain foundational. This passage challenges us to examine our own lives for areas of compromise or unfaithfulness, recognizing that God's justice ultimately prevails. It also encourages us to trust in God's perfect timing and His sovereign control over all circumstances, knowing that He is always working to fulfill His purposes, even through seemingly complex or difficult situations. For those in leadership, it is a stark call to integrity, humility, and unwavering devotion to the LORD, understanding that spiritual authority is a sacred trust, not a personal entitlement.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this passage affirm your trust in God's faithfulness to His word, both in promises and warnings?**
* **What lessons can be drawn from the downfall of Eli's house regarding the consequences of unfaithfulness in spiritual leadership today?**
* **In what ways might God be using seemingly ordinary or even challenging circumstances in your life to fulfill His greater purposes?**
* **How does understanding God's justice in this historical context shape your understanding of His character?**

### FAQ

**Why was Abiathar removed from the priesthood by Solomon?**

Answer: Abiathar was removed by King Solomon primarily because he sided with Adonijah, Solomon's older half-brother, in an attempt to usurp the throne at the end of King David's life, as detailed in [1 Kings 1:7](/1_kings/1-7 "1 Kings 1:7 - Abiathar's Support for Adonijah"). This act of disloyalty to Solomon's rightful claim to the throne was a significant political and spiritual offense. However, the verse explicitly states that Solomon's action was also to fulfill a much older divine prophecy against the priestly house of Eli, to which Abiathar belonged. So, while Abiathar's immediate offense provided the occasion, the deeper reason was the culmination of God's long-standing judgment on Eli's lineage due to their past unfaithfulness and corruption.

**What was the prophecy concerning the house of Eli?**

Answer: The prophecy concerning the house of Eli was a divine judgment delivered primarily through a "man of God" and later confirmed to young Samuel. It foretold that Eli's priestly line would be cut off, and there would be "no old man" in their house, meaning they would not live to old age or hold positions of honor and longevity. This judgment was a direct consequence of the wickedness of Eli's sons, Hophni and Phinehas, who defiled the sacred offerings and committed immorality at the tabernacle, and Eli's failure to restrain them, as recorded in [1 Samuel 2:27-36](/1_samuel/2-27 "1 Samuel 2:27-36 - Prophecy Against Eli's House") and [1 Samuel 3:11-14](/1_samuel/3-11 "1 Samuel 3:11-14 - God's Word to Samuel Concerning Eli's House"). Abiathar's removal marked the definitive fulfillment of this prophecy, ending their high priestly tenure.

**Does this event imply that God uses human actions, even sinful ones, to achieve His purposes?**

Answer: This event highlights God's sovereign ability to use human actions, motivations, and even political machinations to accomplish His divine will. While Abiathar's disloyalty was a human failure, and Solomon's consolidation of power was a human act, the text explicitly states that these actions served to "fulfil the word of the LORD." This demonstrates God's overarching control over history. It doesn't condone human sin but reveals that God is so powerful and wise that He can integrate all events, even those stemming from human choices, into His perfect plan, ensuring that His prophecies and purposes ultimately stand. This is a recurring theme in scripture, seen in events like the selling of Joseph into slavery ([Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "Genesis 50:20 - God Meant It For Good")) or the crucifixion of Christ ([Acts 2:23](/acts/2-23 "Acts 2:23 - God's Predetermined Plan")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The removal of Abiathar, the last high priest from the line of Eli, and the subsequent establishment of Zadok from the line of Eleazar, points forward to a more perfect and enduring priesthood. The failures of the Old Covenant priesthood, marked by corruption, unfaithfulness, and the eventual termination of their lineage, underscore the inherent limitations of a system dependent on fallible human beings. This historical event, driven by divine judgment, foreshadows the necessity of a new, unblemished High Priest. Jesus Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of this need, serving as our great High Priest, not according to the order of Aaron or Eli, but "according to the order of Melchizedek" ([Hebrews 5:6](/hebrews/5-6 "Hebrews 5:6 - Christ, a Priest Forever After the Order of Melchizedek")). Unlike Abiathar or any earthly priest, Christ's priesthood is eternal, unchangeable, and perfect, as He offered Himself as the spotless sacrifice once for all ([Hebrews 7:24-27](/hebrews/7-24 "Hebrews 7:24-27 - Christ's Superior Priesthood")). His removal of the old, flawed priestly order, culminating in the tearing of the temple veil at His crucifixion ([Matthew 27:51](/matthew/27-51 "Matthew 27:51 - The Temple Veil Torn")), opened a new and living way for all believers to draw near to God through Him ([Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Access to God Through Christ")). Thus, 1 Kings 2:27, while a story of judgment and transition, ultimately points to the superior, faithful, and eternal High Priesthood of Jesus Christ, who perfectly fulfills all of God's word and mediates a new and better covenant ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - Christ, the Mediator of a Better Covenant")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Samuel 2:27

¶ And there came a man of God unto Eli, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Did I plainly appear unto the house of thy father, when they were in Egypt in Pharaoh's house?

1 Samuel 2:36

And it shall come to pass, [that] every one that is left in thine house shall come [and] crouch to him for a piece of silver and a morsel of bread, and shall say, Put me, I pray thee, into one of the priests' offices, that I may eat a piece of bread.

1 Samuel 3:12

In that day I will perform against Eli all [things] which I have spoken concerning his house: when I begin, I will also make an end.

1 Samuel 3:14

And therefore I have sworn unto the house of Eli, that the iniquity of Eli's house shall not be purged with sacrifice nor offering for ever.

Jeremiah 7:12

But go ye now unto my place which [was] in Shiloh, where I set my name at the first, and see what I did to it for the wickedness of my people Israel.

Jeremiah 7:14

Therefore will I do unto [this] house, which is called by my name, wherein ye trust, and unto the place which I gave to you and to your fathers, as I have done to Shiloh.

Joshua 18:1

¶ And the whole congregation of the children of Israel assembled together at Shiloh, and set up the tabernacle of the congregation there. And the land was subdued before them.