In Rescue and In Judgment

So Solomon banished Abiathar from being the YHWH's priest, and it fulfilled the YHWH's prophecy He had spoken at Shiloh against Eli's family. - 1 Kings 2:27

As King David lay dying, his son Adonijah (by Haggith; originally fourth in line to the throne, but then second behind Chileab) tried to secure the kingship through a coup. Joab (commanding general of Israel's army) and Abiathar (priest of Israel) joined Adonijah's rebellion. Bathsheba was able to foil their attempts, however, by having David formally name Solomon as king. Ultimately, Joab was executed and Abiathar was banished for their complicity.

Decades, even centuries earlier Eli's wicked sons had sinned against God. Abiathar's demise had already been promised (as a descendant of Eli) proving once again that God's Word does not fail. His judgment is always certain and always sure. Though to us it may seem like He is not in control or that He has forgotten His promises, be assured that He is and that He has not.

We are saved by His grace, but His judgment is no less sovereign. God reigns in rescue and in judgment.

It is with men as with wheat; the light heads are erect even in the presence of Omnipotence, but the full heads bow in reverence before Him. - Richard Joseph Cooke