Ahimelech


Ahimelech the Priest

A priest at Nob during the time of King Saul, and a priest in King David's court. (1 Samuel 21:1, 2 Samuel 8:17)

Ahimelech provides for David while he flees

He is the priest at Nob. David came alone and unarmed. Ahimelech met him trembling, asking him why he's alone. David responded that the king charged him with a secret matter and requested five loaves of bread. The priest had no bread on hand, except for the holy bread, so he gave him that. David also asked for a spear or sword, because he was unarmed and in a hurry. He gave him Goliath's sword. Then David fled that day. (1 Samuel 21:1-10)

Saul finds out and has him executed

Doeg the Edomite was there also, and he reported this activity to Saul, who summoned Ahimelech and all his father's house. Saul asked why he conspired against him, but he replied that he inquired of God for David all the time and knew nothing of the rebellion. Saul ordered the slaughter of the priests because they knowingly aided the rebellion. No one but Doeg would obey, and he struck down 85 priests, and he killed the men, women, children, and livestock of Nob. (1 Samuel 22)

A priest in King David and King Solomon's courts. (2 Samuel 8:17, 1 Kings 4:4)

Ahimelech the Hittite

David asks Ahimelech to scout out Saul's army

David saw Saul and his army were camped nearby on the hill of Hachilah when he was hiding in the wilderness of Ziph. David asked Ahimelech the Hittite and Joab's brother Abishai the son of Zeruiah to go into the camp of Saul, and Abishai agreed to go with him. (1 Samuel 26:6)