1 Samuel 30:7
And David said to Abiathar the priest, Ahimelech's son, I pray thee, bring me hither the ephod. And Abiathar brought thither the ephod to David.
Original Language Analysis
הַכֹּהֵן֙
the priest
H3548
הַכֹּהֵן֙
the priest
Strong's:
H3548
Word #:
5 of 17
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
בֶּן
son
H1121
בֶּן
son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
6 of 17
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
אֲחִימֶ֔לֶךְ
Ahimelech's
H288
אֲחִימֶ֔לֶךְ
Ahimelech's
Strong's:
H288
Word #:
7 of 17
achimelek, the name of an israelite and of a hittite
וַיַּגֵּ֧שׁ
I pray thee bring me hither
H5066
וַיַּגֵּ֧שׁ
I pray thee bring me hither
Strong's:
H5066
Word #:
8 of 17
to be or come (causatively, bring) near (for any purpose); euphemistically, to lie with a woman; as an enemy, to attack; religious to worship; causati
נָּ֥א
H4994
נָּ֥א
Strong's:
H4994
Word #:
9 of 17
'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction
הָֽאֵפ֖וֹד
the ephod
H646
הָֽאֵפ֖וֹד
the ephod
Strong's:
H646
Word #:
11 of 17
a girdle; specifically the ephod or highpriest's shoulder-piece; also generally, an image
וַיַּגֵּ֧שׁ
I pray thee bring me hither
H5066
וַיַּגֵּ֧שׁ
I pray thee bring me hither
Strong's:
H5066
Word #:
12 of 17
to be or come (causatively, bring) near (for any purpose); euphemistically, to lie with a woman; as an enemy, to attack; religious to worship; causati
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
14 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Historical Context
The ephod was the priestly garment containing pockets for the Urim and Thummim, sacred lots for divine guidance. Abiathar's presence with David meant legitimate priestly inquiry was available, unlike Saul who had killed the priests and lost this access.
Questions for Reflection
- What is your instinctive response to crisis: action, fear, or seeking God's guidance?
- How does having access to legitimate spiritual resources shape decision-making under pressure?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
David's immediate request for the ephod demonstrates his spiritual instinct under pressure. Rather than reacting in anger, fear, or self-defense, he seeks divine guidance. The ephod, which Abiathar had brought when fleeing Saul's massacre at Nob (23:6-9), contained the Urim and Thummim for divine consultation. David's first response to crisis is inquiry of the LORD, contrasting sharply with Saul's forbidden consultation in chapter 28. Two leaders facing crisis turn to opposite sources.