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.
Original Language Analysis
וַיְהִ֗י
H1961
וַיְהִ֗י
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 11
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
בֶּן
the son
H1121
בֶּן
the son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
4 of 11
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
אֲחִימֶ֛לֶךְ
of Ahimelech
H288
אֲחִימֶ֛לֶךְ
of Ahimelech
Strong's:
H288
Word #:
5 of 11
achimelek, the name of an israelite and of a hittite
אֵפ֖וֹד
with an ephod
H646
אֵפ֖וֹד
with an ephod
Strong's:
H646
Word #:
9 of 11
a girdle; specifically the ephod or highpriest's shoulder-piece; also generally, an image
Historical Context
The high priestly ephod was a garment with a breastpiece containing the Urim and Thummim, sacred lots used for divine consultation. Abiathar's bringing this instrument meant David had legitimate access to God's guidance, unlike Saul who was rejected.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God provide means of guidance when we faithfully follow Him?
- What does Abiathar's preservation of the ephod teach about priorities in crisis?
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Analysis & Commentary
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.
This verse explains how David gained access to divine consultation. The Hebrew notation that Abiathar 'came down with an ephod in his hand' emphasizes the priestly instrument's arrival. The ephod contained the Urim and Thummim—the authorized means of inquiring of God. Abiathar's flight from Nob's massacre (22:20) thus served God's providence: the surviving priest brought divine communication to the legitimate king. While Saul lost access to God's guidance through his apostasy, David gained it through the priest he protected. The ephod 'in his hand' indicates Abiathar's prioritizing of sacred duty—amid flight and danger, he preserved the means of knowing God's will.