Abiathar, a-bl'-a-thär (Heb.)–the great one is father; father of abundance.

Fourth high priest in descent from Eli. He was high priest during David's reign and at the beginning of Solomon's reign (I Kings 2:26).

Meta. A ruling religious belief that abundant good comes from recognition of God as Father (the great one is father, father of abundance) and of David (love) as king (the directive or guiding quality of the will). Though excellent, the intellectual thought represented by Abiathar has in the end to take a lowly position, and his place is taken by Zadok, the true high priest, who represents a spiritual quality. Zadok was a descendant of Aaron, through Aaron's eldest son, Eleazar.