1 Kings 2:27

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

Commentary on 1 Kings 2:27

1 Kings 2:27 records a pivotal moment in the early reign of King Solomon: the removal of Abiathar from the high priesthood. This action was not merely a political maneuver but a direct fulfillment of God's long-standing prophecy concerning the priestly house of Eli.

Context

Abiathar was a descendant of Eli, who had been high priest in Shiloh during the time of Samuel. Abiathar had been a loyal supporter of King David, even fleeing with him during Absalom's rebellion. However, at the end of David's life, Abiathar made a critical error by siding with Adonijah, Solomon's older half-brother, in his attempt to usurp the throne (1 Kings 1:7). While Solomon spared Abiathar's life due to his past service to David and his carrying of the Ark of the Covenant, he stripped him of his priestly office.

The deeper significance lies in the phrase, "that he might fulfil the word of the LORD, which he spake concerning the house of Eli in Shiloh." This refers to prophecies made generations earlier, primarily through a man of God (1 Samuel 2:27-36) and through young Samuel (1 Samuel 3:11-14). These prophecies condemned Eli's house because his sons, Hophni and Phinehas, grossly dishonored the LORD and the priesthood, and Eli failed to restrain them. God declared that the priesthood would be taken from their line, and no old man would be in their house. Abiathar's removal marked the definitive end of Eli's direct priestly lineage holding the high office, paving the way for Zadok from the line of Eleazar to become high priest (1 Kings 2:35).

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty and Justice: This verse powerfully demonstrates God's ultimate control over history and His unwavering commitment to His word. Even generations later, God's prophetic declarations are fulfilled precisely. It underscores that God is just and will hold His people, especially leaders, accountable for their actions and failures.
  • Consequences of Disobedience: The downfall of Eli's house serves as a stark reminder of the serious consequences that arise from dishonoring God and failing to uphold righteousness, particularly for those in positions of spiritual authority.
  • Prophetic Fulfillment: 1 Kings 2:27 is a clear example of biblical prophecy being fulfilled in historical events. It reinforces the reliability and truthfulness of God's revealed word.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "thrust out" translates the Hebrew verb garash (גָּרַשׁ), which means to drive out, cast out, or expel. It conveys a strong, decisive, and forceful removal, indicating that Abiathar's dismissal was not a gentle retirement but a definitive expulsion from his sacred office, emphasizing the finality of God's judgment against his priestly line.

Practical Application

This passage reminds believers today that God is true to His word, whether in promise or warning. It encourages us to take sin seriously, especially among those in spiritual leadership, and to recognize that God's justice will prevail. While we live under the new covenant of grace through Christ, the principles of accountability and the certainty of God's word remain foundational. It also highlights that God uses human actions, even political ones, to accomplish His divine purposes and fulfill His long-range plans.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Samuel 2:27

    ΒΆ 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

    ΒΆ 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.
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