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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Samuel 22:20 But one of the sons of Ahimelech son of Ahitub escaped. His name was Abiathar, and he fled to David.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_samuel/22-20.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/16/09_1Sa_22_20.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Samuel 22:20 - Saul Slays the Priests of Nob" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="But one of the sons of Ahimelech son of Ahitub escaped. His name was Abiathar, and he fled to David." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/1_samuel/22-20.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/1_samuel/22-20.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/1_samuel/">1 Samuel</a> > <a href="/1_samuel/22.htm">Chapter 22</a> > Verse 20</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad20.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_samuel/22-19.htm" title="1 Samuel 22:19">◄</a> 1 Samuel 22:20 <a href="/1_samuel/22-21.htm" title="1 Samuel 22:21">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/22.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/1_samuel/22.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />But one son of Ahimelek son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped and fled to join David.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/1_samuel/22.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Only Abiathar, one of the sons of Ahimelech, escaped and fled to David.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/1_samuel/22.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />But one of the sons of Ahimelech the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped and fled after David.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/22.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />But one of the sons of Ahimelech son of Ahitub escaped. His name was Abiathar, and he fled to David.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_samuel/22.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And one of the sons of Ahimelech the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped, and fled after David.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_samuel/22.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Now one of the sons of Ahimelech the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped and fled after David.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/22.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />But one son of Ahimelech the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped and fled to David.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/22.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />But one son of Ahimelech the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped and fled after David.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/22.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />But one son of Ahimelech the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped and fled after David.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_samuel/22.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />But one son of Ahimelech the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped and fled after David.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_samuel/22.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />But one of the sons of Ahimelech the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped and fled to David.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_samuel/22.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />However, one of the sons of Ahimelech son of Ahitub escaped. His name was Abiathar, and he fled to David.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/22.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />However, one of the sons of Ahimelech son of Ahitub escaped. His name was Abiathar, and he fled to David.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_samuel/22.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And one of the sons of Ahimelech, the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped, and fled after David.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_samuel/22.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Ahimelech's son Abiathar was the only one who escaped. He ran to David <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_samuel/22.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And one of the sons of Ahimelech the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped, and fled after David.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_samuel/22.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />But Ahimelech, Ahitub's son, had one son who escaped. His name was Abiathar. He fled to David.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_samuel/22.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />But Abiathar, one of Ahimelech's sons, escaped, and went and joined David. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_samuel/22.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />One man, Ahimelech's son Abiathar, a grandson of Ahitub, escaped and fled to David. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_samuel/22.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />But one of the sons of Ahimelech son of Ahitub escaped. His name was Abiathar, and he fled to David.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_samuel/22.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />But one of the sons of Ahimelech son of Ahitub escaped and fled to David. His name was Abiathar.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_samuel/22.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />One of the sons of Ahimelech, the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped, and fled after David.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_samuel/22.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And one of the sons of Ahimelech the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped, and fled after David.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_samuel/22.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />One of the sons of Ahimelech the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped and fled after David. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_samuel/22.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And one son of Ahimelech, son of Ahitub, escapes, and his name [is] Abiathar, and he flees after David,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_samuel/22.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And there escapeth one son of Ahimelech, son of Ahitub, and his name is Abiathar, and he fleeth after David,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_samuel/22.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And one son to Ahimelech, son of Ahitub, and his name Abiathar, will escape and flee after David.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_samuel/22.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />But one of the sons of Achimelech the son of Achitob, whose name was Abiathar, escaped, and fled to David, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/22.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />But one of the sons of Ahimelech, the son of Ahitub, whose name was Abiathar, escaping, fled to David.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_samuel/22.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />One son of Ahimelech, son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped and fled to David.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/22.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />But one of the sons of Ahimelech son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped and fled after David.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_samuel/22.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />But one of the sons of Ahimeleck, the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped and fled after David.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/22.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And one son of Akhimelek, son of Akhitub, escaped, and his name was Abiathar, and he fled by himself after David<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/1_samuel/22.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And one of the sons of Ahimelech the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped, and fled after David.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/1_samuel/22.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And one son of Abimelech son of Achitob escapes, and his name <i>was</i> Abiathar, and he fled after David.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_samuel/22-20.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H8oQfYUMRZg?start=6686" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/22.htm">Saul Slays the Priests of Nob</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">19</span>He also put to the sword Nob, the city of the priests, with its men and women, children and infants, oxen, donkeys, and sheep. <span class="reftext">20</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/259.htm" title="259: ’e·ḥāḏ (Number-ms) -- One. A numeral from 'achad; properly, united, i.e. One; or first.">But one</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: bên- (N-ms) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">of the sons</a> <a href="/hebrew/288.htm" title="288: la·’ă·ḥî·me·leḵ (Prep-l:: N-proper-ms) -- From 'ach and melek; brother of king; Achimelek, the name of an Israelite and of a Hittite.">of Ahimelech</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: ben- (N-msc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">son</a> <a href="/hebrew/285.htm" title="285: ’ă·ḥi·ṭūḇ (N-proper-ms) -- My brother is goodness, two Isr. From 'ach and tuwb; brother of goodness; Achitub, the name of several priests.">of Ahitub</a> <a href="/hebrew/4422.htm" title="4422: way·yim·mā·lêṭ (Conj-w:: V-Nifal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; properly, to be smooth, i.e. to escape; causatively, to release or rescue; specifically, to bring forth young, emit sparks.">escaped.</a> <a href="/hebrew/8034.htm" title="8034: ū·šə·mōw (Conj-w:: N-msc:: 3ms) -- A primitive word; an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character.">His name</a> <a href="/hebrew/54.htm" title="54: ’eḇ·yā·ṯār (N-proper-ms) -- The great one is father, an Isr. priest. Contracted from 'ab and yathar; father of abundance; Ebjathar, an Israelite.">was Abiathar,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1272.htm" title="1272: way·yiḇ·raḥ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To go through, flee. A primitive root; to bolt, i.e. Figuratively, to flee suddenly.">and he fled</a> <a href="/hebrew/310.htm" title="310: ’a·ḥă·rê (Prep) -- The hind or following part. From 'achar; properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after.">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/1732.htm" title="1732: ḏā·wiḏ (N-proper-ms) -- Perhaps beloved one, a son of Jesse. Rarely; Daviyd; from the same as dowd; loving; David, the youngest son of Jesse.">David.</a> </span><span class="reftext">21</span>And Abiathar told David that Saul had killed the priests of the LORD.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/2-26.htm">1 Kings 2:26-27</a></span><br />Then the king said to Abiathar the priest, “Go back to your fields in Anathoth. Even though you deserve to die, I will not put you to death at this time, since you carried the ark of the Lord GOD before my father David, and you suffered through all that my father suffered.” / So Solomon banished Abiathar from the priesthood of the LORD and thus fulfilled the word that the LORD had spoken at Shiloh against the house of Eli.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/2-33.htm">1 Samuel 2:33-36</a></span><br />And every one of you that I do not cut off from My altar, I will cause your eyes to fail and your heart to grieve. All your descendants will die by the sword of men. / And this sign shall come to you concerning your two sons Hophni and Phinehas: They will both die on the same day. / Then I will raise up for Myself a faithful priest. He will do whatever is in My heart and mind. And I will build for him an enduring house, and he will walk before My anointed one for all time. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/14-3.htm">1 Samuel 14:3</a></span><br />including Ahijah, who was wearing an ephod. He was the son of Ichabod’s brother Ahitub son of Phinehas, the son of Eli the priest of the LORD in Shiloh. But the troops did not know that Jonathan had left.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/23-6.htm">1 Samuel 23:6</a></span><br />(Now Abiathar son of Ahimelech had brought the ephod with him when he fled to David at Keilah.)<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/23-9.htm">1 Samuel 23:9</a></span><br />When David learned that Saul was plotting evil against him, he said to Abiathar the priest, “Bring the ephod.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/30-7.htm">1 Samuel 30:7</a></span><br />Then David said to Abiathar the priest, the son of Ahimelech, “Bring me the ephod.” So Abiathar brought it to him,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/8-17.htm">2 Samuel 8:17</a></span><br />Zadok son of Ahitub and Ahimelech son of Abiathar were priests; Seraiah was the scribe;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/20-25.htm">2 Samuel 20:25</a></span><br />Sheva was the scribe; Zadok and Abiathar were priests;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/15-11.htm">1 Chronicles 15:11</a></span><br />David summoned the priests Zadok and Abiathar and the Levites Uriel, Asaiah, Joel, Shemaiah, Eliel, and Amminadab.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/24-3.htm">1 Chronicles 24:3</a></span><br />With the help of Eleazar’s descendant Zadok and Ithamar’s descendant Ahimelech, David divided them according to the offices of their service.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/24-6.htm">1 Chronicles 24:6</a></span><br />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 Ithamar.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/24-31.htm">1 Chronicles 24:31</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/2-26.htm">Mark 2:26</a></span><br />During the high priesthood of Abiathar, he entered the house of God and ate the consecrated bread, which was lawful only for the priests. And he gave some to his companions as well.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/12-3.htm">Matthew 12:3-4</a></span><br />Jesus replied, “Have you not read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? / He entered the house of God, and he and his companions ate the consecrated bread, which was not lawful for them to eat, but only for the priests.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/6-3.htm">Luke 6:3-4</a></span><br />Jesus replied, “Have you not read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? / He entered the house of God, took the consecrated bread and gave it to his companions, and ate what is lawful only for the priests to eat.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And one of the sons of Ahimelech the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped, and fled after David.</p><p class="hdg">one</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/23-6.htm">1 Samuel 23:6</a></b></br> And it came to pass, when Abiathar the son of Ahimelech fled to David to Keilah, <i>that</i> he came down <i>with</i> an ephod in his hand.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/30-7.htm">1 Samuel 30:7</a></b></br> And David said to Abiathar the priest, Ahimelech's son, I pray thee, bring me hither the ephod. And Abiathar brought thither the ephod to David.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/20-25.htm">2 Samuel 20:25</a></b></br> And Sheva <i>was</i> scribe: and Zadok and Abiathar <i>were</i> the priests:</p><p class="hdg">escaped</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/2-33.htm">1 Samuel 2:33</a></b></br> And the man of thine, <i>whom</i> I shall not cut off from mine altar, <i>shall be</i> to consume thine eyes, and to grieve thine heart: and all the increase of thine house shall die in the flower of their age.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/4-12.htm">1 Samuel 4:12</a></b></br> And there ran a man of Benjamin out of the army, and came to Shiloh the same day with his clothes rent, and with earth upon his head.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/1-15.htm">Job 1:15-17,19</a></b></br> And the Sabeans fell <i>upon them</i>, and took them away; yea, they have slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/mark/2-26.htm">Abiathar</a> <a href="/mark/2-26.htm">Abi'athar</a> <a href="/1_samuel/22-16.htm">Ahimelech</a> <a href="/1_samuel/22-16.htm">Ahim'elech</a> <a href="/1_samuel/22-12.htm">Ahitub</a> <a href="/1_samuel/22-12.htm">Ahi'tub</a> <a href="/1_samuel/22-17.htm">David</a> <a href="/1_samuel/22-1.htm">Escaped</a> <a href="/1_samuel/19-12.htm">Escapeth</a> <a href="/1_samuel/13-4.htm">Join</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_samuel/22-21.htm">Abiathar</a> <a href="/1_samuel/22-21.htm">Abi'athar</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-6.htm">Ahimelech</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-6.htm">Ahim'elech</a> <a href="/2_samuel/8-17.htm">Ahitub</a> <a href="/2_samuel/8-17.htm">Ahi'tub</a> <a href="/1_samuel/22-21.htm">David</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-13.htm">Escaped</a> <a href="/1_kings/19-17.htm">Escapeth</a> <a href="/2_samuel/13-24.htm">Join</a><div class="vheading2">1 Samuel 22</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/22-1.htm">Companies resort unto David at Adullam</a></span><br><span class="reftext">3. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/22-3.htm">At Mizpeh he commends his parents unto the king of Moab</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/22-5.htm">Admonished by Gad, he comes to Hareth,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/22-6.htm">Saul going to pursue him, complains of his servants' unfaithfulness</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/22-9.htm">Doeg accuses Ahimelech</a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/22-11.htm">Saul commands to kill the priests</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/22-17.htm">The footmen refusing, Doeg executes it</a></span><br><span class="reftext">20. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/22-20.htm">Abiathar escaping, brings David the news</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/22.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_samuel/22.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>But one of the sons of Ahimelech son of Ahitub escaped.</b><br>This phrase highlights the survival of Abiathar, the sole escapee from the massacre at Nob, where King Saul ordered the killing of the priests. Ahimelech, the father of Abiathar, was the high priest, and his lineage traces back to Eli, the priest at Shiloh. This escape is significant as it preserves the priestly line, which plays a crucial role in Israel's religious leadership. The event underscores the tension between Saul and David, as Saul's actions against the priests were partly due to his paranoia about David. The survival of Abiathar is a pivotal moment, ensuring the continuation of the priestly ministry during David's rise to power.<p><b>His name was Abiathar,</b><br>Abiathar's name means "father of abundance" or "my father excels," which may reflect his future role and importance in David's reign. As the only surviving priest from the house of Ahimelech, Abiathar becomes a key religious figure, serving as high priest alongside Zadok during David's kingship. His presence in David's court symbolizes the divine approval and support for David's rule, contrasting with Saul's rejection by God. Abiathar's life and service are intertwined with the narrative of David, providing spiritual guidance and support during critical moments in David's life.<p><b>and he fled to David.</b><br>Abiathar's flight to David signifies a shift in allegiance from Saul to David, aligning the priestly authority with the anointed future king of Israel. This move is not only a practical decision for survival but also a theological statement, as David is seen as God's chosen leader. Abiathar's presence with David provides legitimacy and divine endorsement to David's claim to the throne. This alliance foreshadows the establishment of Jerusalem as the religious and political center of Israel under David's rule. Abiathar's role in David's court also prefigures the priestly support for Jesus Christ, the ultimate anointed King, who fulfills the Davidic covenant.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/a/abiathar.htm">Abiathar</a></b><br>The son of Ahimelech, a priest who served at Nob. Abiathar is the sole survivor of a massacre ordered by King Saul, and he escapes to join David, becoming a significant figure in David's life and reign.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/a/ahimelech.htm">Ahimelech</a></b><br>The father of Abiathar and a priest at Nob. He is executed by Saul for assisting David, highlighting the tension between Saul and David.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>The future king of Israel, who is at this time fleeing from Saul. David becomes a protector and ally to Abiathar, symbolizing God's provision and protection.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/n/nob.htm">Nob</a></b><br>A city of priests where Ahimelech served. It becomes a site of tragedy when Saul orders the killing of its inhabitants, demonstrating the extent of Saul's paranoia and disobedience to God.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/s/saul.htm">Saul</a></b><br>The first king of Israel, whose jealousy and fear of David lead him to commit grievous acts, including the massacre at Nob.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_and_protection.htm">God's Sovereignty and Protection</a></b><br>Despite the tragic events, Abiathar's escape to David shows God's hand in preserving a remnant for His purposes. Believers can trust in God's sovereignty even in dire circumstances.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_disobedience.htm">The Consequences of Disobedience</a></b><br>Saul's actions are a direct result of his disobedience to God. This serves as a warning to remain faithful and obedient to God's commands.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_the_priesthood.htm">The Role of the Priesthood</a></b><br>Abiathar's role as a priest with David highlights the importance of spiritual leadership and guidance. It reminds believers of the need for godly leaders who seek God's will.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_refuge_and_community.htm">The Importance of Refuge and Community</a></b><br>Abiathar finds refuge with David, illustrating the importance of seeking and providing support within the community of faith during times of trial.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_samuel_22.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 22</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_was_abiathar_in_the_bible.htm">Who was Abiathar in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_did_saul_target_abiathar_and_ahimelech.htm">Why did Abiathar and Ahimelech face King Saul's wrath?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_god_grant_free_will.htm">Why did Abiathar and Ahimelech face King Saul's wrath?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_it_mean_to_be_pharisaical.htm">Who was Abiathar in the Bible?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_samuel/22.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(20) <span class= "bld">Abiathar.</span>--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 <a href="/1_samuel/22-20.htm" title="And one of the sons of Ahimelech the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped, and fled after David.">1Samuel 22:20</a> 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 <a href="/1_samuel/22-6.htm" title="When Saul heard that David was discovered, and the men that were with him, (now Saul stayed in Gibeah under a tree in Ramah, having his spear in his hand, and all his servants were standing about him;)">1Samuel 22:6</a> 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 <a href="/1_kings/2-26.htm" title="And to Abiathar the priest said the king, Get you to Anathoth, to your own fields; for you are worthy of death: but I will not at this time put you to death, because you bore the ark of the LORD God before David my father, and because you have been afflicted in all wherein my father was afflicted.">1Kings 2:26</a>.)<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_samuel/22.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 20-23.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Abiathar escaped.</span> 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 (<a href="/1_kings/2-26.htm">1 Kings 2:26</a>). 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, <span class="cmt_word">he that seeketh my life seeketh thy life</span> (where the <span class="accented">my</span> and <span class="accented">thy</span> 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. <p> <p> <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/22-20.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">But one</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶחָ֗ד</span> <span class="translit">(’e·ḥāḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Number - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_259.htm">Strong's 259: </a> </span><span class="str2">United, one, first</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the sons</span><br /><span class="heb">בֵּן־</span> <span class="translit">(bên-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> </span><span class="str2">A son</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Ahimelech</span><br /><span class="heb">לַאֲחִימֶ֙לֶךְ֙</span> <span class="translit">(la·’ă·ḥî·me·leḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_288.htm">Strong's 288: </a> </span><span class="str2">Ahimelech -- 'brother of a king', an Israelite name, also a Hittite name</span><br /><br /><span class="word">son</span><br /><span class="heb">בֶּן־</span> <span class="translit">(ben-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> </span><span class="str2">A son</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Ahitub</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲחִט֔וּב</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·ḥi·ṭūḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_285.htm">Strong's 285: </a> </span><span class="str2">Ahitub -- 'my brother is goodness', two Israelites</span><br /><br /><span class="word">escaped.</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּמָּלֵ֣ט</span> <span class="translit">(way·yim·mā·lêṭ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4422.htm">Strong's 4422: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be smooth, to escape, to release, rescue, to bring forth young, emit sparks</span><br /><br /><span class="word">His name</span><br /><span class="heb">וּשְׁמ֖וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(ū·šə·mōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8034.htm">Strong's 8034: </a> </span><span class="str2">A name</span><br /><br /><span class="word">was Abiathar,</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶבְיָתָ֑ר</span> <span class="translit">(’eḇ·yā·ṯār)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_54.htm">Strong's 54: </a> </span><span class="str2">Abiathar -- 'the great one is father', an Israelite priest</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and he fled</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּבְרַ֖ח</span> <span class="translit">(way·yiḇ·raḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1272.htm">Strong's 1272: </a> </span><span class="str2">To bolt, to flee suddenly</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to</span><br /><span class="heb">אַחֲרֵ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(’a·ḥă·rê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_310.htm">Strong's 310: </a> </span><span class="str2">The hind or following part</span><br /><br /><span class="word">David.</span><br /><span class="heb">דָוִֽד׃</span> <span class="translit">(ḏā·wiḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1732.htm">Strong's 1732: </a> </span><span class="str2">David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/22-20.htm">1 Samuel 22:20 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_samuel/22-20.htm">1 Samuel 22:20 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_samuel/22-20.htm">1 Samuel 22:20 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/22-20.htm">1 Samuel 22:20 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_samuel/22-20.htm">1 Samuel 22:20 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/22-20.htm">1 Samuel 22:20 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/22-20.htm">1 Samuel 22:20 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/22-20.htm">1 Samuel 22:20 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/22-20.htm">1 Samuel 22:20 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_samuel/22-20.htm">1 Samuel 22:20 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_samuel/22-20.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 22:20 One of the sons of Ahimelech (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/22-19.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 22:19"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 22:19" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/22-21.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 22:21"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 22:21" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>