The clarity and continuity of Scripture history are in view, today, as response is made to a question regarding actions taken against a High Priest by one of the anointed kings. Also, there is no BATTLE AXE presented. A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Samuel” (Level 1 with 86 points, a member since October 3, 2011) posted the following:
why was Abiathar the priest put to death by Solomon?
1 kings 4:4
Additional Details
sorry, i meant deposed. i regret the error.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified. (Isaiah 61: 1-3, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: A House of gods? (08/31/2012); Heaven For Muhammad? (09/01/2012); Some To Rule? (03/31/2012); Exorcism In The Bible (03/24/2012); Melchizedek? (12/22/2010); Free to Eat? (12/23/2010)
In the plan of GOD for the nations, Israel was to demonstrate to all mankind a proper covenant relationship through law, reverence, and worship. Such sacred process as divine atonement for sin; the fulfillment of proclamation, promise, and prophecy; the operation of mercy in godly judgment; and the revelation of grace were depicted through a system of governance, and continual sacrificial worship. The consecrated priesthood established under Moses was not charged with maintenance of civil law and routine social process. The Aaronic priest were to perform the sacred duties of the Tabernacle. After the time of Moses, when civic leaders served that were divinely appointed, the judges were understood as agents of GOD who were to function primarily as “deliverers”; however, the judges were not anointed as the priests.
Saul was anointed to be king by the prophet Samuel (who had previously anointed David). In carrying out the office of king, Saul immediately responded as a defender of the nation, and one who leads in war (see 1st Samuel 11). Saul was to wait for the arrival of Samuel before leading the people in offerings and sacrifice. However, Samuel was delayed; and Saul presumed (i.e., unlawfully exercised authority; took it upon himself) to make policy contrary to the word of GOD (see 1st Samuel 15).
The priesthood came under condemnation when Eli, through neglect and weakness, encouraged the irreverence and presumption of his two sons. Saul went into battle no longer having the support and the counsel of GOD. When the ark of GOD was brought down to the battlefield (as if an idol) to inspire the army, the ark of God was taken; and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were slain as were Saul and his sons (see 1st Samuel 4: 11).
David was granted godly counsel through “seers”, and the provisions from the Tabernacle of Urim and Thummim in the regalia of the High Priest were not immediately available to him. Returning the ark to Jerusalem, and the building of a permanent house of GOD, were priority to David. Once the Tabernacle was restored and in operation, David instituted courses (schedules) for the service of the priest and Levites. Additionally, he established a music ministry that also provided the liturgy through his own poems and psalms. The service of David embraced the anointing of king, priest, prophet and judge. The dynasty (“house”) granted to David saw an inheritance that was not only civil authority, it also included sacred duty.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, the curse proclaimed against all the men who would come forth from Eli is seen having further fulfillment through Solomon, the son of David. The treachery of Abiathar, Joab and others (1st Kings 2: 27) is not easily seen as politics, a move to grab power over the Tabernacle, and an act to usurp the throne of GOD. Yet, Solomon’s judgment against the conspiracy correctly responds to prophecy, and maintains the sovereignty of GOD.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
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