Ahimelech
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Ahimelech in the Bible?
Ahimelech was a priest at Nob who provided aid to David during his flight from King Saul, resulting in the massacre of the priests at Nob by Saul's orders.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Ahimelech clarifies the political tensions in 1 Samuel 21-22, illustrating the danger David faced and the tragic cost of his association with the priestly establishment at Nob.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Ahimelech reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Ahimelech in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Ahimelech clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Ahimelech." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/ahimelech/