39 and Zadok the priest, and his brothers the priests, before the tabernacle of Yahweh in the high place that was at Gibeon,
*Minor differences ignored. Grouped by changes, with first version listed as example.
This is the first mention that we have of Gibeon as the place at which the tabernacle of the congregation now rested. Previously it had been at Nob 1-Samuel 21:1-6, from where it was removed probably at the time of the slaughter of the priests by Doeg 1-Samuel 22:18-19. It is uncertain whether Gibeon was regarded as a "high place" before the transfer to it of the tabernacle: hut thenceforth, until the completion of Solomon's Temple, it was the "great high place" 1-Kings 3:4 - a second center of the national worship which for above 50 years was divided between Gibeon and Jerusalem.
Zadok the priest - Both Zadok and Abiathar were high priests at this time: the former David established at Gibeah, or Gibeon, where the ark had been all the days of Saul; and the latter he established at Jerusalem, where the ark now was: so there were two high priests, and two distinct services; but there was only one ark. How long the service at Gibeon was continued we cannot tell; the principal functions were no doubt performed at Jerusalem.
And Zadok the priest, and his brethren the priests,.... These he left, having appointed them
to be before the tabernacle of the Lord, in the high place that was at Gibeon; namely, the tabernacle of Moses, which was removed from Nob thither in the days of Saul, and continued there to the times of Solomon, 1-Chronicles 21:28.
And Zadok . . . before the tabernacle . . . at Gibeon--While the above-mentioned officers under the superintendence of Abiathar, were appointed to officiate in Jerusalem, whither the ark had been brought, Zadok and the priests subordinate to him were stationed at Gibeon to perform the sacred service before the ancient tabernacle which still remained there.
Zadok - The chief - priest at Gibeon, where the tabernacle and altar made by Moses still were, where also the ordinary sacrifices were offered, and the stated worship of God was performed, as the extraordinary worship was before the ark upon great occasions, as when God was consulted, which was to be done before the ark and by the high - priest, who was Abiathar.
*More commentary available at chapter level.