But one son of Ahimelech son of Ahitub escaped
This phrase introduces a pivotal moment in the narrative of David's rise to kingship. The Hebrew root for "escaped" is "מלט" (malat), which conveys the idea of slipping away or delivering oneself from danger. In the context of the massacre at Nob, where King Saul ordered the death of the priests, this escape signifies divine providence and protection. Historically, this event underscores the tension between Saul and David, highlighting Saul's increasing paranoia and the unjust persecution of the innocent. Abiathar's escape is not merely a physical act but a divinely orchestrated event that preserves the priestly line and ensures the continuation of God's covenantal promises.

and fled to David
The act of fleeing to David is significant both theologically and politically. The Hebrew word for "fled" is "ברח" (barach), which implies seeking refuge or safety. David, though a fugitive himself, becomes a sanctuary for those oppressed by Saul's tyranny. This reflects David's role as a type of Christ, a shepherd-king who provides refuge and leadership. Abiathar's decision to align with David is a testament to David's growing influence and the recognition of his anointed status. It also foreshadows the eventual establishment of David's kingdom, where he will rule with justice and righteousness.

His name was Abiathar
The name "Abiathar" means "father of abundance" or "my father excels," derived from the Hebrew roots "אב" (ab, meaning "father") and "יתר" (yathar, meaning "to excel" or "to be abundant"). Abiathar's presence in David's life is not just incidental; it is providential. As the sole surviving priest from the line of Ahimelech, Abiathar represents the continuity of the priestly ministry and the enduring faithfulness of God to His people. His name itself is prophetic, indicating the abundance of God's grace and provision even in times of trial. Abiathar's later role as high priest during David's reign further emphasizes the restoration and renewal that God brings through His chosen leaders.

(20) Abiathar.--Of those who dwelt at Nob, only one single priest, Abiathar, Ahimelech's son, seems to have escaped this general massacre. It has been suggested that when his father and the whole body of priests went to Gibeah, in accordance with the summons of King Saul, Abiathar remained behind to perform the necessary functions in the sanctuary, and when he heard of the death of his father and his brother priests, he made his escape, and eventually joined David. The exact period of his coming to the exiled band under David is uncertain; in many of the recitals in this Book no note of time is given. It is, therefore, probable that the meeting and interview with David--related in 1Samuel 22:20 and following verses--did not take place immediately after the massacre at Gibeah, nor even directly after the destruction of Nob. From the statement in 1Samuel 22:6 of 1 Samuel 23, it would appear that Abiathar only joined David at Keilah. From that time, however, Abiathar, who became after his father's death high priest, occupies an important place in the story of David's life. Throughout his reign he continued his faithful friend, and seems to have been a worthy holder of his important office. The close of his life, however, was a melancholy one. In the troubles which arose about the succession, in the last days of David's reign, he espoused the side of Adonijah, and was in consequence deposed by the successful Solomon from the high priesthood, and sent into banishment to Anathoth. (See 1Kings 2:26.)

Verses 20-23. - Abiathar escaped. Probably he was left in charge of the sanctuary when Ahimelech and the rest were summoned into the king's presence, and on news being brought of Saul's violence, at once made his escape, Naturally, as representing a family who, though originally Saul's friends, had suffered so much for David, he was kindly received, and a friendship commenced which lasted all David's life; but, taking at last Adonijah's side, he was deprived by Solomon of the high priesthood, and sent into honourable banishment at Anathoth (1 Kings 2:26). On hearing of the terrible tragedy from which Abiathar had escaped, David, with characteristic tenderness of conscience, accuses himself of being the cause of all this bloodshed. Perhaps he felt that when he saw Doeg at Nob he ought at once to have gone away, without implicating Ahimelech in his cause; but he could never have imagined that Saul would have treated innocent men so barbarously, and may have supposed that their sacred character as well as their guiltlessness would have secured them from more than temporary displeasure. David now warmly promises Abiathar safety and friendship, and possibly the inversion of the natural order, he that seeketh my life seeketh thy life (where the my and thy are transposed by the Septuagint in one of its usual improvements of the Hebrew text), is meant to express this entire oneness and close union henceforward of the two friends. As to the question when and where Abiathar joined David, see on 1 Samuel 23:6.

Parallel Commentaries ...

But one
אֶחָ֗ד (’e·ḥāḏ)
Number - masculine singular
Strong's 259: United, one, first

of the sons
בֵּן־ (bên-)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1121: A son

of Ahimelech
לַאֲחִימֶ֙לֶךְ֙ (la·’ă·ḥî·me·leḵ)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 288: Ahimelech -- 'brother of a king', an Israelite name, also a Hittite name

son
בֶּן־ (ben-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of Ahitub
אֲחִט֔וּב (’ă·ḥi·ṭūḇ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 285: Ahitub -- 'my brother is goodness', two Israelites

escaped.
וַיִּמָּלֵ֣ט (way·yim·mā·lêṭ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 4422: To be smooth, to escape, to release, rescue, to bring forth young, emit sparks

His name
וּשְׁמ֖וֹ (ū·šə·mōw)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 8034: A name

was Abiathar,
אֶבְיָתָ֑ר (’eḇ·yā·ṯār)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 54: Abiathar -- 'the great one is father', an Israelite priest

and he fled
וַיִּבְרַ֖ח (way·yiḇ·raḥ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1272: To bolt, to flee suddenly

to
אַחֲרֵ֥י (’a·ḥă·rê)
Preposition
Strong's 310: The hind or following part

David.
דָוִֽד׃ (ḏā·wiḏ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse


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OT History: 1 Samuel 22:20 One of the sons of Ahimelech (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa)