### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **ʼĂchîymelek**, represented by `{{H288}}`, means "brother of (the) king." It appears 17 times in 16 verses and is the name given to at least two individuals in the Old Testament: an Israelite priest and a Hittite warrior. The name is formed from the words **ʼâch** `{{H251}}`, meaning brother, and **melek** `{{H4428}}`, meaning king.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The most prominent figure named Ahimelech is the priest at Nob during the reign of King Saul [[1 Samuel 21:1]]. His story is a pivotal moment in David's flight from the king. When David arrived alone at Nob, Ahimelech was afraid [[1 Samuel 21:1]]. David, on a supposed secret mission from Saul, requested provisions and a weapon, claiming the king's business required haste ([[1 Samuel 21:2]], [[1 Samuel 21:8]]). This interaction was witnessed by Doeg the Edomite `{{H1673}}`, who reported it to Saul ([[1 Samuel 22:9]], [[Psalms 52:1]]). Enraged, Saul summoned Ahimelech, who defended David as the king's most faithful servant and son-in-law [[1 Samuel 22:14]]. Despite his plea, Saul ordered the death of Ahimelech and his entire family of priests [[1 Samuel 22:16]]. A different Ahimelech, a Hittite `{{H2850}}`, is mentioned as one of the warriors David spoke with before going to Saul's camp [[1 Samuel 26:6]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several figures and locations are central to understanding the narrative of Ahimelech the priest:
* **`{{H54}}` ʼEbyâthâr** (Abiathar): The son of Ahimelech who escaped the massacre at Nob. He fled to David, bringing an ephod with him, and became his priest ([[1 Samuel 22:20]], [[1 Samuel 23:6]]). He is later listed as the father of an Ahimelech who also served as a priest ([[2 Samuel 8:17]], [[1 Chronicles 24:6]]).
* **`{{H1673}}` Dôʼêg** (Doeg): The Edomite servant of Saul who witnessed David's meeting with Ahimelech and reported it to the king, leading to the slaughter of the priests [[1 Samuel 22:9]]. The title of Psalm 52 directly refers to this event [[Psalms 52:1]].
* **`{{H5011}}` Nôb** (Nob): The city of the priests where Ahimelech ministered and was ultimately killed along with his household ([[1 Samuel 21:1]], [[1 Samuel 22:11]]).
* **`{{H7586}}` Shâʼûwl** (Saul): The king of Israel whose jealousy and rage led him to command the execution of Ahimelech and the priests of Nob [[1 Samuel 22:16]].
### Theological Significance
The story of Ahimelech carries significant weight in the narrative of Israel's monarchy.
* **Aiding God's Anointed:** Ahimelech's decision to provide David with provisions and a weapon, while done under a pretense, was an act that aided God's chosen future king. He recognized David's honor and faithfulness within Saul's own house [[1 Samuel 22:14]].
* **A Symbol of Saul's Decline:** The massacre at Nob, ordered by Saul and carried out by Doeg the Edomite `{{H130}}`, stands as a brutal testament to Saul's paranoia and his rejection of godly counsel. He ordered the death of the LORD's priests, a horrific act that signaled his final fall from divine favor [[1 Samuel 22:16]].
* **The Priestly Lineage:** While Ahimelech was killed, the priestly line was preserved through his son Abiathar, who escaped to David [[1 Samuel 22:20]]. This event ensured that David, the incoming king, had a legitimate priest and the ephod `{{H646}}`, a key instrument of divine guidance, with him [[1 Samuel 30:7]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H288}}` **ʼĂchîymelek** is primarily remembered as the priest of Nob whose fate was tragically intertwined with the conflict between Saul and David. His story is one of faithfulness and fear, culminating in a massacre that starkly illustrates King Saul's corruption. Through the survival of his son Abiathar, the priesthood was preserved for David's future reign, demonstrating a line of continuity and divine providence even amidst political turmoil and violence.
TRV