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.

And it came to pass, when Abiathar {H54} the son {H1121} of Ahimelech {H288} fled {H1272} to David {H1732} to Keilah {H7084}, that he came down {H3381} with an ephod {H646} in his hand {H3027}.

When Avyatar the son of Achimelekh fled to David in Ke'ilah, he had brought a ritual vest with him.

(Now Abiathar son of Ahimelech had brought the ephod with him when he fled to David at Keilah.)

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.

Commentary

1 Samuel 23:6 marks a pivotal moment in David's life as a fugitive, highlighting his continued reliance on divine guidance amidst intense persecution from King Saul. This verse introduces Abiathar, a key figure who would serve David as priest for many years, bringing with him the essential means of inquiring of the Lord.

Context

This verse immediately follows a period of intense conflict and tragedy. King Saul, consumed by jealousy and paranoia, had ordered the massacre of the priests of Nob, including Abiathar's father, Ahimelech, for supposedly aiding David. Abiathar was the sole survivor of this horrific event, having fled to David in Keilah. David was at this time hiding in Keilah, a fortified city, contemplating whether to protect its inhabitants from the Philistines. Abiathar's flight to David was an act of faith and loyalty, aligning himself with the anointed but persecuted future king of Israel.

Key Themes

  • Divine Guidance: The arrival of Abiathar with the ephod signifies David's commitment to seeking God's direct counsel. Unlike Saul, who had lost favor with God and received no answers (1 Samuel 28:6), David consistently sought the Lord's will through the priestly office. This reliance would prove crucial in his strategic decisions, such as whether to stay in Keilah or pursue the Philistines (1 Samuel 23:2 and 1 Samuel 23:4).
  • God's Preservation of Priesthood: Despite Saul's brutal act of destroying the priestly line at Nob, God ensured the continuation of the legitimate priesthood through Abiathar. This demonstrates God's faithfulness to His covenant and His people, always providing a way for them to draw near and receive direction.
  • Loyalty and Refuge: Abiathar's flight to David established a deep bond of loyalty. David, in turn, offered protection to Abiathar, acknowledging his own responsibility in the Nob tragedy (1 Samuel 22:22). This relationship underscores themes of faithfulness and refuge found in God and in righteous community.

Linguistic Insights

The central object in this verse is the "ephod." In this context, it refers to a special priestly garment, likely the high priest's ephod, which contained the Urim and Thummim. These were objects used by the high priest to discern God's will, often in a "yes" or "no" fashion, or to gain specific direction. Abiathar's possession of the ephod meant that he carried the legitimate means of seeking divine oracles, making him an invaluable asset to David, who was constantly in need of God's strategic guidance.

Practical Application

1 Samuel 23:6 reminds us of the profound importance of seeking God's guidance, especially during times of uncertainty, fear, or decision-making. Like David, we face challenges where human wisdom alone is insufficient. God provides means for us to know His will today, primarily through His Word, the Holy Spirit, and wise counsel from godly individuals. This verse also speaks to God's providence and faithfulness; even when circumstances seem dire, God preserves His purposes and provides the resources needed for His people to continue walking in His ways.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Samuel 22:20

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

  • Exodus 28:30

    And thou shalt put in the breastplate of judgment the Urim and the Thummim; and they shall be upon Aaron's heart, when he goeth in before the LORD: and Aaron shall bear the judgment of the children of Israel upon his heart before the LORD continually.

  • Exodus 28:31

    ¶ And thou shalt make the robe of the ephod all [of] blue.

  • 1 Samuel 14:3

    And Ahiah, the son of Ahitub, Ichabod's brother, the son of Phinehas, the son of Eli, the LORD'S priest in Shiloh, wearing an ephod. And the people knew not that Jonathan was gone.

  • 1 Samuel 14:36

    ¶ And Saul said, Let us go down after the Philistines by night, and spoil them until the morning light, and let us not leave a man of them. And they said, Do whatsoever seemeth good unto thee. Then said the priest, Let us draw near hither unto God.

  • 1 Samuel 14:37

    And Saul asked counsel of God, Shall I go down after the Philistines? wilt thou deliver them into the hand of Israel? But he answered him not that day.

  • 1 Samuel 14:18

    And Saul said unto Ahiah, Bring hither the ark of God. For the ark of God was at that time with the children of Israel.
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