Ahimelech אֲחִימֶ֫לֶךְ
Son of Abiathar, a priest during David's reign
Who is Ahimelech in the Bible?
Ahimelech was the son of Abiathar and served as a priest during the reign of King David. He is mentioned in 2 Samuel 8:17 and 1 Chronicles 24:3, 24:6, and 24:31 alongside Zadok, another prominent priest of that era, indicating both held significant positions in the priestly hierarchy. As a descendant of Ithamar, one of Aaron's sons, Ahimelech was part of the organized priestly divisions responsible for conducting duties in the tabernacle and later the temple. Though specific details about his individual actions are limited in the biblical record, Ahimelech's role exemplifies the structured priesthood that supported David's reign and maintained Israel's religious functions.
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 son of Ahitub and Ahimelech son of Abiathar were priests; Seraiah was the scribe;"
1 Chronicles 4 verses
- 1 Chronicles 24:3
"With the help of Eleazar’s descendant Zadok and Ithamar’s descendant Ahimelech, David divided them according to the offices of their service."
- 1 Chronicles 24:6
"The scribe, Shemaiah son of Nethanel, a Levite, recorded their names in the presence of the king and of the officers: Zadok the priest, Ahimelech son of Abiathar, and the heads of families of the priests and the Levites—one family being taken from Eleazar, and then one from..."
- 1 Chronicles 24:31
"As their brothers the descendants of Aaron did, they also cast lots in the presence of King David and of Zadok, Ahimelech, and the heads of the families of the priests and Levites—the family heads and their younger brothers alike."
- 1 Chronicles 18:16
"Zadok son of Ahitub and Ahimelech son of Abiathar were priests; Shavsha was the scribe;"
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | אֲחִימֶ֫לֶךְ | Achimelek , the name of an Israelite and of a Hittite |
| Spelled | Hebrew | אֲבִימֶ֫לֶךְ | — |