ACHIMELEK. — Son of Achitob, high priest in the sanctuary of Nob (1 Sam. 21–22). Achimelek is commonly identified with Ahiah (v.). In reality the two names ‘Aḥīmēlek (probably “brother of the king”) and ‘Aḥīyāḥ (probably “brother of Jahweh”) are equivalent, since “king” is an attribute of the deity. David, unarmed and fleeing Saul’s wrath, stopped at Nob and sought refuge with Achimelek. He assured him it was a secret mission and asked for food and weapons. In the absence of other provisions, Achimelek gave him the bread of the Presence, the sword of Goliath, and consulted the ephod on his behalf. Saul, enraged, had Achimelek and the priests of Nob put to death; only Achimelek’ACHIACHAR (v.) escaped the massacre.
Jesus recalls this episode to inculcate the spirit of charity (Mk. 2:26). There the high priest is called Abiathar rather than his father Achimelek. Some have suggested this was a gloss or a scribe’s error; better to say that Abiathar is named because he was more widely known and celebrated (cf. M.-J. Lagrange, Saint Marc, 5th ed., Paris 1929, p. 53). Francesco Spadafora