²⁰ However, one of the sons of Ahimelech son of Ahitub escaped. His name was Abiathar,^(A) and he fled to David.^{(B) 21} Abiathar told David that Saul had killed the priests of the Lord. ²² Then David said to Abiathar, “I knew that Doeg the Edomite^(C) was there that day and that he was sure to report to Saul. I myself am responsible for^[a] the lives of everyone in your father’s family. ²³ Stay with me. Don’t be afraid, for the one who wants to take my life wants to take your life.^(D) You will be safe with me.”

⁷ He conspired^[a] with Joab son of Zeruiah^(A) and with the priest Abiathar.^(B) They supported^(C) Adonijah,

Abiathar’s Banishment

²⁶ The king said to the priest Abiathar,^(A) “Go to your fields in Anathoth.^(B) Even though you deserve to die, I will not put you to death today, since you carried the ark of the Lord God in the presence of my father David^(C) and you suffered through all that my father suffered.”^{(D) 27} So Solomon banished Abiathar from being the Lord’s priest, and it fulfilled the Lord’s prophecy he had spoken at Shiloh against Eli’s family.^(E)

³⁵ Then the king appointed Benaiah son of Jehoiada in Joab’s place over the army,^(A) and he appointed the priest Zadok in Abiathar’s place.

³⁴ After Ahithophel came Jehoiada son of Benaiah,^(A) then Abiathar.^(B) Joab was the commander of the king’s army.^(C)