Abiathar's curse Week 7, 2013

His family had been cursed and he was running for his life. Abiathar’s great grandfather Phinehas and his brother had committed abominations before God whilst serving as priests: they were even sleeping with the women who worked at the entrance to the Tent of the LORD's presence 1Sam 2:22 (GNB). They also despised God’s offerings and treated it with contempt, forcing themselves prematurely repeatedly on the choice portion of the sacrifices. Ultimately God would have it no more and cursed their line. Behold, the days are coming when … in distress you will look with envious eye on all the prosperity that shall be bestowed on Israel, and there shall not be an old man in your house forever. The only one of you whom I shall not cut off from my altar shall be spared to weep his eyes out to grieve his heart, and all the descendants of your house shall die by the sword of men 1Sam2: 31-33(ESV) . Forever! In fulfilment of this curse the 3rd generation priest Ahimelech was murdered by Saul’s henchman, Doeg the Edomite 1Sam2:18-19. He wickedly wiped out the entire priestly village and Abiathar of the 4th generation now fled to David (who is the type of Jesus Christ the King). He said to Abiathar “Stay with me; do not be afraid, for he who seeks my life seeks your life. With me you shall be in safekeeping.”1Sam 22:23(ESV). Would to God that all fleeing from curses and mortal enemies run to Jesus Christ. In Him shall you find safety! Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us--for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree"-- so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come… Gal 3:13-14(ESV) For a long time nothing more is heard about the curse. Abiathar came to David and for as long as he remained with him, doing that which is good nothing came upon him. He served as priest and advanced in age. The curse to die by the sword and never reach old age was broken by staying close to David who is a type of Christ the king! But much later in life Adonijah invited him to rebel against David’s wish to make Solomon king, and Abiathar consented! 1Kg1:24-27. By this iniquity the curse activated: So Solomon expelled Abiathar from being priest to the LORD, thus fulfilling the word of the LORD that he had spoken concerning the house of Eli in Shiloh 1Kg 2:27(ESV). In so far you remain close to Jesus and never turn against Him you need never fear the power of curses, he ends that cycle. Abiathar’s son served as priest both in David’s and Solomon’s reign 1Chron8:16.