ahimelech Summary and Overview

brother of the king, the son of Ahitub and father of Abiathar (1 Sam. 22:20-23). He descended from Eli in the line of Ithamar. In 1 Chr. 18:16 he is called Abimelech, and is probably the same as Ahiah (1 Sam. 14:3, 18). He was the twelfth high priest, and officiated at Nob, where he was visited by David (to whom and his companions he gave five loaves of the showbread) when he fled from Saul (1 Sam. 21:1-9). He was summoned into Saul's presence, and accused, on the information of Doeg the Edomite, of disloyalty because of his kindness to David; whereupon the king commanded that he, with the other priests who stood beside him (86 in all), should be put to death. This sentence was carried into execution by Doeg in the most cruel manner (1 Sam. 22:9-23). Possibly Abiathar had a son also called Ahimelech, or the two names, as some think, may have been accidentally transposed in 2 Sam. 8:17; 1 Chr. 18:16, marg.; 24:3, 6, 31.

(brother of the king). 1. Son of Ahitub, #1Sa 22:11,12| and high priest of Nob in the days of Saul. He gave David the shew bread to eat, and the sword of Goliath; and for so doing was put to death, with his whole house, by Saul's order. Abiathar alone escaped. [ABIATHAR] (B.C. 1085-1060.) 2. A Hittite. #1Sa 26:6|

AHIM'ELECH (brother or friend of the king). 1. The son of Ahitub, and his successor in the priesthood at Nob. 1 Sam 21:1. He gave David some of the shew-bread and the sword of Goliath when he fled from Saul. For this offence he and all the priests at Nob were slain at the instigation of Doeg the Edomite. 1 Sam 22:11. See Abiathar. 1. A Hittite who was one of David's friends during his flight from Saul. 1 Sam 26:6.

1. (See ABIATHAR, (See AHIJAH.) 2. The Hittite who, with Abishai, was asked by David: "Who will go down with me to Saul to the camp?" He lost a precious opportunity of serving the king (Isaiah 6:8); Abishai alone volunteered (1 Samuel 26:6).