Ahimelech, a significant figure in the Old Testament, was a priest during the time of King Saul. He was the son of Ahitub and served at the tabernacle in Nob, a city of priests. Ahimelech's actions are notably recorded in the context of his interactions with David, the future king of Israel, during a period of intense conflict and pursuit by King Saul.

Provision of Shewbread

Ahimelech's encounter with David is detailed in 1 Samuel 21. David, fleeing from Saul, arrives at Nob and seeks assistance from Ahimelech. The priest, initially fearful due to David's unexpected and solitary arrival, inquires about his presence. David, concealing the true nature of his flight, claims to be on a secret mission from the king. In need of sustenance, David requests bread. Ahimelech responds that there is no ordinary bread available, only the consecrated shewbread, which was customarily reserved for the priests. However, he permits David and his men to eat the shewbread, provided they have kept themselves from women. This act of compassion and necessity is recorded in 1 Samuel 21:6 : "So the priest gave him the consecrated bread, for there was no bread there but the Bread of the Presence that had been removed from before the LORD to be replaced by hot bread on the day it was taken away."

The Sword of Goliath

In addition to providing sustenance, Ahimelech also aids David by giving him the sword of Goliath, the Philistine giant whom David had previously defeated. The sword was kept wrapped in a cloth behind the ephod in the tabernacle. When David inquires if there is a weapon available, Ahimelech offers him the sword, saying in 1 Samuel 21:9 : "The priest replied, 'The sword of Goliath the Philistine, whom you killed in the Valley of Elah, is here; it is wrapped in a cloth behind the ephod. If you want it, take it, for there is no other but this one.' And David said, 'There is none like it; give it to me.'"

Consequences and Legacy

Ahimelech's assistance to David, though well-intentioned, ultimately leads to tragic consequences. Doeg the Edomite, an official of Saul who was present at Nob, reports Ahimelech's actions to Saul. This results in Saul ordering the death of Ahimelech and the priests of Nob, accusing them of conspiracy with David. Despite Ahimelech's protestations of innocence and loyalty to Saul, he and his family are executed, as recorded in 1 Samuel 22:16-19.

Ahimelech's legacy is marked by his role in aiding David during a critical moment, demonstrating the tension between religious duty and political loyalty. His actions, though leading to his own demise, are seen as a testament to his integrity and compassion. Ahimelech's account is a poignant reminder of the complexities faced by those who serve God amidst the challenges of human authority and conflict.1 Samuel 21:1
Then came David to Nob to Ahimelech the priest: and Ahimelech was afraid at the meeting of David, and said to him, Why are you alone, and no man with you?
Nave's Topical Index

Mark 2:26
How he went into the house of God in the days of Abiathar the high priest, and did eat the show bread, which is not lawful to eat but for the priests, and gave also to them which were with him?
Nave's Topical Index

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... It gives a mistaken reading, "Issachar with Barak;" Issachar ... the lance, and a large
and heavy sword of bronze ... in the duel between David and Goliath (1 Samuel 17 ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Who was Abimelech in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What was the bread of the Presence (Exodus 25:30)? | GotQuestions.org

How many psalms did David write? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus