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and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the host; and Zadok and Abiathar were priests;

Verse Takeaways

1

The Puzzle of the Deposed Priest

Commentators are intrigued by the inclusion of Abiathar as a priest, since he was deposed by Solomon earlier. Scholars explain this in a few ways: the priesthood was considered a lifelong title even if one was disgraced, Solomon may have later pardoned him, or this list might be a summary of all officials who served at any point during Solomon's long reign.

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Book Overview

1 Kings

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4

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes

On 1 Kings 4:4

18th Century

Theologian

It is curious to find Abiathar in this list of princes, after what has been said of his disgrace (1 Kings 2:27, 35). Some have supposed…

Charles Ellicott

Charles Ellicott

On 1 Kings 4:4

19th Century

Bishop

Zadok and Abiathar ... the priests. —Abiathar, though disgraced and practically deposed, was still regarded theor…

John Gill

John Gill

On 1 Kings 4:4

17th Century

Pastor

And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada [was] over the host
General of the army in the room of Joab, ([Reference 1 Kings 2:3…

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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry

On 1 Kings 4:1–19

17th Century

Minister

In the choice of the chief officials of Solomon's court, his wisdom undoubtedly appeared. Several of them were the same individuals who had served …