The BibleGospel Companion

Ahimelech

אֲחִימֶ֫לֶךְ · a.chi.me.lekh · H0288H“my brother is a king; my king's brother” Hitchcock's 18691 mention, all in 1 Samuel

Who he was

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 26:6–12)

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.

Article: STEPBible, Tyndale House Cambridge · CC BY 4.0

Every mention

1 reference, counted from STEPBible, Tyndale House Cambridge · CC BY 4.0 · verse text: World English Bible (public domain)

1 Samuel 1 mention

What the dictionary says

Brother of the king, the son of Ahitub and father of Abiathar (1 Sam. 22:20-23).

Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897)
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Sources