1 Samuel 14:3
And Ahiah, the son of Ahitub, I-chabod'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.
Original Language Analysis
בֶּן
the son
H1121
בֶּן
the son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
2 of 20
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
אֲחִ֡י
brother
H251
אֲחִ֡י
brother
Strong's:
H251
Word #:
4 of 20
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
בֶּן
the son
H1121
בֶּן
the son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
6 of 20
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
בֶּן
the son
H1121
בֶּן
the son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
8 of 20
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
כֹּהֵ֧ן׀
priest
H3548
כֹּהֵ֧ן׀
priest
Strong's:
H3548
Word #:
10 of 20
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
יְהוָ֛ה
the LORD'S
H3068
יְהוָ֛ה
the LORD'S
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
11 of 20
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
נֹשֵׂ֣א
wearing
H5375
נֹשֵׂ֣א
wearing
Strong's:
H5375
Word #:
13 of 20
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
אֵפ֑וֹד
an ephod
H646
אֵפ֑וֹד
an ephod
Strong's:
H646
Word #:
14 of 20
a girdle; specifically the ephod or highpriest's shoulder-piece; also generally, an image
וְהָעָם֙
And the people
H5971
וְהָעָם֙
And the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
15 of 20
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
16 of 20
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יָדַ֔ע
knew
H3045
יָדַ֔ע
knew
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
17 of 20
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
כִּ֥י
H3588
כִּ֥י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
18 of 20
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
Cross References
1 Samuel 22:20And one of the sons of Ahimelech the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped, and fled after David.1 Samuel 2:28And did I choose him out of all the tribes of Israel to be my priest, to offer upon mine altar, to burn incense, to wear an ephod before me? and did I give unto the house of thy father all the offerings made by fire of the children of Israel?1 Samuel 4:21And she named the child I-chabod, saying, The glory is departed from Israel: because the ark of God was taken, and because of her father in law and her husband.
Historical Context
Ahijah's connection to Eli's house is significant given God's judgment on that family (1 Samuel 2:27-36). The ephod contained the Urim and Thummim, used for obtaining divine guidance through yes/no questions. Saul's relationship with this priestly line would prove increasingly problematic.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God sometimes use individuals acting alone to deliver the larger community?
- What does Jonathan's secrecy suggest about his assessment of his father's spiritual state?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And Ahiah, the son of Ahitub, I-chabod'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.
The genealogy of Ahijah connects back to Eli's doomed house - he is 'I-chabod's brother, the son of Phinehas, the son of Eli.' The ephod he wears represents legitimate priestly access to divine guidance through Urim and Thummim. Yet Saul's consultation of this priest will prove problematic (verses 18-19). The notation that 'the people knew not that Jonathan was gone' emphasizes the secret, individual nature of Jonathan's faith venture. Corporate Israel was unaware of the deliverance being initiated.