Bible Figure
Ahimelech
Biblical character; priest at Nob (1 Samuel)
Ahimelech was the priest at Nob who assisted the fugitive David and was later killed with other priests on Saul's command.
Biography
David came to Ahimelech at Nob while fleeing Saul and misleadingly claimed to be on royal business. Ahimelech gave him consecrated bread and the sword of Goliath. Doeg the Edomite witnessed the encounter and later reported it to Saul. Saul accused the priests of conspiracy; Ahimelech defended David's established loyalty and denied knowledge of any plot. Saul ordered the priests killed. His own guards refused, but Doeg carried out the massacre. Ahimelech's son Abiathar escaped and joined David.
Biblical Significance
Ahimelech's death demonstrates the destructive extent of Saul's paranoia and provides the background for Abiathar's long association with David.