1 Samuel 22:20

KJV

¶ And one of the sons of Ahimelech the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped, and fled after David.

KJV (with Strong's)

And one {H259} of the sons {H1121} of Ahimelech {H288} the son {H1121} of Ahitub {H285}, named {H8034} Abiathar {H54}, escaped {H4422}, and fled {H1272} after {H310} David {H1732}.

Complete Jewish Bible

One of the sons of Achimelekh the son of Achituv, named Avyatar, escaped and fled to join David.

Berean Standard Bible

But one of the sons of Ahimelech son of Ahitub escaped. His name was Abiathar, and he fled to David.

American Standard Version

And one of the sons of Ahimelech, the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped, and fled after David.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 22:20 chronicles the miraculous escape of Abiathar, the sole surviving son of the high priest Ahimelech, from King Saul's brutal massacre of the priests of Nob. This pivotal event not only ensures the continuation of the legitimate priestly line but also symbolically transfers the conduit of divine counsel and authority from Saul's rejected reign to David's emerging, God-anointed kingdom, providing David with an indispensable spiritual resource for his future leadership and underscoring God's unwavering faithfulness amidst human depravity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a stark and pivotal conclusion to one of the most horrifying episodes in King Saul's reign: the massacre of the priests of Nob. Immediately preceding this, David, in his desperate flight from Saul, had sought refuge and provisions from Ahimelech, the high priest, at Nob, receiving the consecrated bread and Goliath's sword, as detailed in [1 Samuel 21](/1_samuel/21 "1 Samuel 21 - David at Nob"). Doeg the Edomite, Saul's chief herdsman, witnessed this interaction and, in an act of malicious betrayal, reported it to Saul, igniting the king's paranoia and fury (see [1 Samuel 22:9-10](/1_samuel/22-9-10 "1 Samuel 22:9-10 - Doeg's Treacherous Report")). Enraged by what he perceived as a conspiracy, Saul ordered the execution of Ahimelech and all the priests of Nob. When his own guards refused this sacrilegious command, Doeg mercilessly carried out the slaughter, killing eighty-five priests and their families, as recounted in [1 Samuel 22:18-19](/1_samuel/22-18-19 "1 Samuel 22:18-19 - The Massacre of the Priests of Nob"). Abiathar's escape is therefore the lone glimmer of hope amidst this horrific darkness, setting the stage for David's continued reliance on divine guidance through the ephod, which Abiathar brings with him (cf. [1 Samuel 23:6](/1_samuel/23-6 "1 Samuel 23:6 - Abiathar Brings the Ephod to David")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The massacre at Nob was an act of profound sacrilege within ancient Israelite society, directly violating the sanctity of God's anointed servants. The high priest and the priests were divinely appointed mediators, responsible for offering sacrifices, maintaining the tabernacle, and, crucially, seeking divine counsel through the ephod (a priestly garment containing the Urim and Thummim). Saul's command to kill them demonstrated not only his escalating paranoia and tyrannical rule but also his utter disregard for Mosaic law and the sacred institutions God had established. This act solidified his rejection by God, as he was directly attacking the very representatives God had chosen. The escape of Abiathar, the sole survivor, was thus not merely a fortunate accident but a divinely orchestrated event to ensure the continuity of the legitimate priestly line and the availability of the ephod, a critical instrument for discerning God's will, for David, God's chosen king. In a culture where divine guidance was paramount for legitimate leadership, Abiathar's presence with David would legitimize his actions and demonstrate God's continued favor.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within 1 Samuel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Preservation**, showcasing God's unwavering commitment to His redemptive plan despite human wickedness. Even in the face of Saul's murderous rampage, God ensures the survival of a remnant, preserving the legitimate priestly line through Abiathar. Secondly, it underscores the **Transfer of Authority and Loyalty**. Abiathar's flight to David symbolizes a profound shift in divine favor and legitimate spiritual authority from Saul, who had been rejected by God, to David, God's anointed successor. Abiathar's subsequent role as David's trusted priest, providing access to divine counsel, solidifies David's claim to the throne and his reliance on God, contrasting sharply with Saul's increasing spiritual decline and independence from God's will, as evidenced by his disregard for the priests and his later attempts to consult mediums (cf. [1 Samuel 28:7-8](/1_samuel/28-7-8 "1 Samuel 28:7-8 - Saul Consults a Medium at Endor")). This event also reinforces the theme of **God's Sovereignty** over human evil, demonstrating that no act of human rebellion or violence can ultimately thwart His ultimate purposes.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Abiathar (Hebrew, _'Ebyâthâr'_):** From H54, meaning "father of abundance (i.e. liberal)." This etymology is profoundly significant in light of the verse, as Abiathar, though a lone survivor, becomes a source of spiritual "abundance" for David, bringing the means of divine counsel (the ephod) and ensuring the continuity of the priestly line. His name thus foreshadows his crucial role in providing spiritual sustenance and legitimacy to David's nascent kingdom.
* **escaped (Hebrew, _mâlaṭ'_):** From H4422, meaning "to be smooth, i.e. (by implication) to escape (as if by slipperiness); causatively, to release or rescue." This verb denotes a narrow, providential deliverance from danger or destruction, emphasizing a miraculous or highly fortunate evasion of a perilous situation. In this context, it highlights the divine hand in his survival, distinguishing him as the one whom God chose to preserve out of the entire priestly community, a direct act of rescue.
* **fled (Hebrew, _bârach'_):** From H1272, meaning "to bolt, i.e. figuratively, to flee suddenly." This verb signifies a rapid, urgent movement away from danger, seeking refuge. Abiathar's "flight" is not aimless but directed "after David," indicating a deliberate choice of allegiance and a recognition of David as the legitimate leader, even in his fugitive state. This act solidifies the transfer of spiritual loyalty and resources from Saul's house to David's.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And one of the sons of Ahimelech the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar":** This clause meticulously identifies Abiathar by his lineage, establishing his direct connection to the high priestly family. Ahimelech was the high priest, and Ahitub was his father, linking Abiathar directly to the line of Eli and, ultimately, to Aaron through Ithamar. This precise identification underscores the immense significance of his survival; it is not just any priest but a direct heir to the high priestly office, whose preservation is crucial for the continuation of legitimate divine service.
* **"escaped":** This single word carries immense theological weight, conveying the miraculous and divinely orchestrated nature of Abiathar's survival from the wholesale slaughter. It highlights God's specific intervention, as he was the only one out of eighty-five priests to escape the sword of Doeg, signifying God's particular purpose for his life and future ministry. His escape is a testament to God's power to preserve His chosen remnant even in the face of overwhelming evil.
* **"and fled after David":** This final phrase is crucial, indicating Abiathar's decisive action and choice of allegiance. His flight "after David" signifies not only seeking refuge but also a profound transfer of spiritual authority and loyalty. By joining David, Abiathar brings with him the legitimate priestly office and, crucially, the ephod, which would enable David to inquire of the Lord and receive divine guidance—a spiritual resource Saul had increasingly forfeited and disregarded.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices. **Foreshadowing** is evident in Abiathar's survival, which hints at God's continued plan for David and the preservation of His covenant purposes despite human depravity. His escape also creates a stark **contrast** between the murderous, God-rejected King Saul and the divinely favored, though currently fugitive, David, who would now be served by the legitimate priestly line. The very act of Abiathar's escape and his subsequent attachment to David functions as powerful **symbolism**, representing the transfer of divine favor and legitimacy from Saul's house to David's. Furthermore, there's a subtle **irony** in Saul's attempt to utterly destroy any support for David by annihilating the priestly family, only for God to preserve the one individual who would become David's key spiritual advisor, thereby strengthening David's position and ensuring the continuity of divine counsel for the true king.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The survival of Abiathar in 1 Samuel 22:20 is a profound testament to God's sovereignty and His unwavering commitment to His covenant purposes. Even in the darkest moments of human sin and violence, God is able to preserve a remnant and ensure the continuity of His redemptive plan. This event demonstrates that divine purposes are not contingent on human perfection or the absence of evil, but rather on God's faithfulness to His own promises. Abiathar's escape ensures that the legitimate means of seeking divine counsel remains available for God's chosen king, David, underscoring the importance of divine guidance in leadership and the continuity of God's relationship with His people through appointed mediators. This echoes God's consistent pattern of preserving a faithful remnant throughout biblical history.

* [1 Kings 2:26-27](/1_kings/2-26-27 "1 Kings 2:26-27 - Abiathar's Dismissal")
* [Romans 11:5](/romans/11-5 "Romans 11:5 - God Preserves a Remnant")
* [Psalm 27:1](/psalms/27-1 "Psalm 27:1 - The Lord is My Light and My Salvation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Abiathar's story in 1 Samuel 22:20 offers profound encouragement and challenges for believers today. It reminds us that even when human evil seems to triumph, and circumstances appear utterly bleak, God is actively at work, preserving His purposes and His people. His faithfulness is not negated by the depravity or violence of others; indeed, His power is often most evident in such dire situations. We are called to trust in God's sovereign hand, even when we cannot see the full scope of His plan or understand the immediate reasons for suffering. Furthermore, Abiathar's immediate flight to David, God's anointed, highlights the importance of aligning ourselves with God's chosen path and seeking godly counsel. In times of crisis or uncertainty, where do we turn for guidance? Do we seek the wisdom that comes from God through His Word and His appointed servants, or do we rely solely on our own understanding or worldly advice? This verse also encourages resilience; just as Abiathar, the sole survivor, became a vital resource for David, God can use individuals who have endured immense hardship to fulfill significant roles in His kingdom, demonstrating His ability to bring good out of devastation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Abiathar's survival challenge your understanding of God's sovereignty in the face of human evil and suffering?**
* **In what ways do you seek and value godly counsel in your own life, particularly during times of difficulty or decision-making?**
* **Can you identify instances in your life where God preserved a "remnant" or opened an unexpected door, even when circumstances seemed hopeless?**
* **What does Abiathar's immediate allegiance to David, the anointed king, teach us about loyalty and discerning God's chosen path, even when it is difficult?**

### FAQ

**Why was Abiathar the only priest to escape the massacre at Nob?**

Answer: Abiathar's escape was not merely a stroke of luck but a profound act of divine providence. While the text does not explicitly state *how* he escaped, his survival ensured the continuation of the legitimate high priestly line, which was crucial for maintaining the spiritual connection between God and His people. More immediately, it ensured that the ephod, the instrument through which God's will was discerned, would remain accessible to David, God's chosen king. This singular preservation underscores God's faithfulness to His covenant and His commitment to His redemptive plan, even amidst human wickedness and violence. God's purposes cannot be thwarted by human evil.

**What was the immediate significance of Abiathar joining David?**

Answer: Abiathar's decision to flee to David held immense significance on multiple levels. Firstly, it provided David with a direct link to the legitimate priestly office, thereby legitimizing David's claim as God's anointed king and demonstrating that God's favor had decisively shifted from Saul. Secondly, Abiathar brought with him the ephod (as confirmed in [1 Samuel 23:6](/1_samuel/23-6 "1 Samuel 23:6 - Abiathar Brings the Ephod to David")), which was essential for inquiring of the Lord and receiving divine guidance. This resource proved invaluable for David throughout his reign, as he consistently sought God's direction before military campaigns and major decisions (e.g., [1 Samuel 30:8](/1_samuel/30-8 "1 Samuel 30:8 - David Inquires of the Lord")). His presence symbolized the transfer of spiritual authority and divine counsel from Saul's rejected kingdom to David's emerging one.

**Did Abiathar remain loyal to David throughout his life?**

Answer: For the vast majority of David's reign, Abiathar served faithfully as one of his two chief priests, alongside Zadok. He was a trusted advisor and remained loyal during Absalom's rebellion (see [2 Samuel 15:24-29](/2_samuel/15-24-29 "2 Samuel 15:24-29 - Abiathar and Zadok with the Ark")). However, in David's old age, Abiathar made a critical error in judgment by supporting Adonijah's attempt to usurp the throne, rather than Solomon, whom David had designated as his successor (cf. [1 Kings 1:7](/1_kings/1-7 "1 Kings 1:7 - Adonijah's Rebellion")). As a result, Solomon later dismissed Abiathar from the priesthood, fulfilling a prophecy against the house of Eli (as recorded in [1 Kings 2:26-27](/1_kings/2-26-27 "1 Kings 2:26-27 - Abiathar's Dismissal")), thus ending the direct line of high priesthood from Ithamar and establishing Zadok's line (from Eleazar) as the sole high priestly house.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Abiathar's escape and his subsequent service to David profoundly foreshadows the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as Abiathar, a priest, miraculously survived a massacre to serve God's anointed king in exile, so too does Christ emerge as the ultimate High Priest, having triumphed over death and the forces of evil to serve as King of kings. Abiathar brought the ephod, the means of divine counsel, to David, enabling him to inquire of the Lord. In a far greater and more perfect sense, Jesus Christ is the ultimate revelation of God, the very Word made flesh, who provides perfect and complete access to the Father (as declared in [John 1:18](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - No One Has Seen God")). He is not merely a mediator through an instrument but the direct embodiment of divine wisdom and truth, the one through whom we can "draw near with confidence to the throne of grace" (see [Hebrews 4:14-16](/hebrews/4-14-16 "Hebrews 4:14-16 - Jesus Our Great High Priest")). Abiathar's survival ensured the continuity of the priestly line for Israel; Christ's resurrection ensures the eternal continuity of His perfect priesthood, establishing a new covenant where believers have direct access to God through Him (as taught in [Hebrews 7:24-25](/hebrews/7-24-25 "Hebrews 7:24-25 - Jesus' Unchanging Priesthood")). He is the true Shepherd-King, gathering His sheep and leading them by His divine counsel, just as David was led by Abiathar, but with infinitely greater authority, perfection, and eternal efficacy (cf. [John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Samuel 23:6

And it came to pass, when Abiathar the son of Ahimelech fled to David to Keilah, [that] he came down [with] an ephod in his hand.

1 Samuel 30:7

¶ 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.

1 Kings 2:26

¶ And unto Abiathar the priest said the king, Get thee to Anathoth, unto thine own fields; for thou [art] worthy of death: but I will not at this time put thee to death, because thou barest the ark of the Lord GOD before David my father, and because thou hast been afflicted in all wherein my father was afflicted.

1 Kings 2:27

So Solomon thrust out Abiathar from being priest unto the LORD; that he might fulfil the word of the LORD, which he spake concerning the house of Eli in Shiloh.

1 Samuel 2:33

And the man of thine, [whom] I shall not cut off from mine altar, [shall be] to consume thine eyes, and to grieve thine heart: and all the increase of thine house shall die in the flower of their age.

1 Samuel 23:9

And David knew that Saul secretly practised mischief against him; and he said to Abiathar the priest, Bring hither the ephod.

Job 1:19

And, behold, there came a great wind from the wilderness, and smote the four corners of the house, and it fell upon the young men, and they are dead; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.