### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **ʼEbyâthâr**, represented by `{{H54}}`, means "father of abundance (i.e. liberal)". It appears **30 times** across **28 unique verses** in the Bible and refers to Abiathar, a prominent Israelite priest.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, Abiathar `{{H54}}` is the son of Ahimelech `{{H288}}` and the sole survivor of the massacre of the priests at Nob, escaping to join David `{{H1732}}` [[1 Samuel 22:20]]. He brought the ephod `{{H646}}` with him [[1 Samuel 23:6]] and served as David's loyal priest, inquiring of God for him [[1 Samuel 30:7]]. Throughout David's reign, he served alongside Zadok `{{H6659}}` ([[2 Samuel 20:25]], [[1 Kings 4:4]]). When Adonijah `{{H138}}` attempted to seize the throne, Abiathar supported him [[1 Kings 1:7]]. For this, King Solomon `{{H8010}}` removed him from the priesthood, though he spared his life because Abiathar had carried the ark before David and shared in his afflictions [[1 Kings 2:26]]. This act fulfilled the LORD's `{{H3068}}` word concerning the house of Eli [[1 Kings 2:27]], and Zadok was appointed in his place [[1 Kings 2:35]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several key individuals are closely connected to the life and career of Abiathar:
* `{{H1732}}` **Dâvid** (loving; David, the youngest son of Jesse): Abiathar served as a priest for King David after escaping the slaughter ordered by Saul (7586). He remained a loyal companion throughout David's reign and rebellions [[1 Samuel 22:20]].
* `{{H6659}}` **Tsâdôwq** (just; Tsadok): A priest who served alongside Abiathar under David [[2 Samuel 15:35]]. Zadok remained loyal to Solomon and ultimately replaced Abiathar, solidifying his line in the priesthood [[1 Kings 2:35]].
* `{{H288}}` **ʼĂchîymelek** (brother of (the) king; Achimelek): Abiathar's father, the priest who was killed at Nob. Abiathar was the only one of his sons to escape [[1 Samuel 22:20]].
* `{{H8010}}` **Shᵉlômôh** (peaceful; Shelomah, David's successor): As David's successor, Solomon judged Abiathar for supporting Adonijah's claim to the throne, thrusting him out of the priesthood [[1 Kings 2:27]].
* `{{H138}}` **ʼĂdônîyâh** (lord (i.e. worshipper) of Jah; Adonijah): David's son whose attempt to become king was supported by Abiathar and Joab `{{H3097}}`, an act that led to Abiathar's downfall [[1 Kings 1:7]].
### Theological Significance
The narrative of Abiathar `{{H54}}` carries significant weight within the history of Israel's priesthood.
* **A Link to the Past:** As the son of Ahimelech `{{H288}}` and a descendant of Eli, Abiathar represented the priestly line that served from Shiloh. His escape to David ensured the continuity of the priesthood during a time of turmoil [[1 Samuel 22:20]].
* **Loyalty and Service to David:** Abiathar was a steadfast figure in David's inner circle, bearing the ark of the Lord GOD `{{H3069}}` and sharing in all of David's afflictions [[1 Kings 2:26]]. He was a trusted spiritual advisor and intelligence source during Absalom's rebellion [[2 Samuel 15:35]].
* **The Consequence of Misplaced Allegiance:** His fateful decision to side with Adonijah `{{H138}}` against Solomon `{{H8010}}` demonstrates the severe consequences of political disloyalty, resulting in his expulsion from his sacred office [[1 Kings 2:27]].
* **Fulfillment of Prophecy:** The story explicitly connects Abiathar's removal from the priesthood to the fulfillment of a divine word spoken against the house of Eli, showing how individual actions can be woven into God's larger sovereign plan [[1 Kings 2:27]].
### Summary
In summary, Abiathar `{{H54}}` is a pivotal yet tragic figure whose life traces an arc from a sole survivor to a high priest, and finally to an exile. His story is deeply intertwined with the reigns of David `{{H1732}}` and Solomon `{{H8010}}`, illustrating themes of loyalty, political intrigue, and the ultimate fulfillment of divine judgment. He represents the end of one priestly dynasty and the beginning of another, marking a crucial transition in Israel's history.
TRV