Ahimelech אֲחִימֶ֫לֶךְ
Son of Abiathar, a priest during David's reign
Biography
Ahimelech, the son of Abiathar, was a priest who served during the reign of King David. He is mentioned alongside Zadok, another prominent priest, suggesting that they held important positions in the priestly hierarchy. (2Sa.8.17; 1Ch.18.16)
In the context of organizing the priestly divisions, Ahimelech is listed among the descendants of Ithamar, one of Aaron's sons. The priests were divided into groups to carry out their duties in the tabernacle and later in the temple. (1Ch.24.3,6).
Ahimelech's father, Abiathar, had a significant role in David's life, supporting him during his flight from Saul and later serving as a priest and advisor to David. (1Sa.22.20-23; 2Sa.15.24-29)
Although not much is recorded about Ahimelech's specific actions, his position as a priest during David's reign indicates that he played a role in the religious life of Israel and in serving the king.
Family
In Scripture
2 biblical books2 Samuel 1 verse
- 2 Samuel 8:17
"Zadok the son of Ahitub and Ahimelech the son of Abiathar were priests, Seraiah was scribe,"
1 Chronicles 4 verses
- 1 Chronicles 24:3
"David with Zadok of the sons of Eleazar and Ahimelech of the sons of Ithamar, divided them according to their ordering in their service."
- 1 Chronicles 24:6
"Shemaiah the son of Nethanel the scribe, who was of the Levites, wrote them in the presence of the king, the princes, Zadok the priest, Ahimelech the son of Abiathar, and the heads of the fathers’ households of the priests and of the Levites; one fathers’ house being taken for..."
- 1 Chronicles 24:31
"These likewise cast lots even as their brothers the sons of Aaron in the presence of David the king, Zadok, Ahimelech, and the heads of the fathers’ households of the priests and of the Levites; the fathers’ households of the chief even as those of his younger brother."
- 1 Chronicles 18:16
"Zadok the son of Ahitub, and Abimelech the son of Abiathar, were priests; Shavsha was scribe;"
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script | Strong's |
|---|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | אֲחִימֶ֫לֶךְ | H0288I |
| Spelled | Hebrew | אֲבִימֶ֫לֶךְ | H0040J |