Father of excellence, or plenty.

A son of the high priest Ahijah or Ahimelech, he escapes Saul (1 Sam. 22: 20); abides with David (1 Sam. 23: 6, 9; 1 Sam. 30: 7); brings the ark back to Jerusalem (2 Sam. 15: 24-36; 2 Sam. 17: 15; 2 Sam. 19: 11); takes part in Adonijah’s rebellion (1 Kgs. 1: 7); is thrust out from the priesthood (1 Kgs. 2: 27, 35; Mark 2: 26). Ahimelech and Abiathar are probably interchanged in 2 Sam. 8: 17; 1 Chr. 18: 16; 1 Chr. 24: 3, 31.

See also 2 Sam. 20: 25.