Ahimelech

About Ahimelech Written by AI

Ahimelech the Hittite is briefly mentioned as one of the warriors who accompanied David when he infiltrated Saul's camp. During this time, Saul was pursuing David, seeking to kill him out of jealousy and fear for his own kingship. David, along with Ahimelech and Abishai, snuck into Saul's camp while Saul and his men were sleeping. Abishai suggested killing Saul, but David refused, choosing to spare Saul's life as he was the Lord's anointed. Instead, David took Saul's spear and water jug, which were near Saul's head, and left the camp undetected. (1 Samuel 26:6 to 12) Ahimelech's presence alongside David demonstrates his loyalty and support for the future king, even in the face of danger. As a Hittite, Ahimelech's allegiance to David also shows that David's followers came from various backgrounds, not just Israelites.

Drafted by an AI model for STEPBible's TIPNR (Tyndale House Cambridge, CC BY 4.0). Check it against the verses below.

Easton's Bible Dictionary, 1897

This entry is on the name Ahimelech, and may cover more than one person or place by that name.

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.

M. G. Easton, Illustrated Bible Dictionary, third edition (1897), public domain, from CrossWire. Shown as written; its Scripture quotes are from older translations.