Sunday 2021.02.14
Reading from 1 Samuel Chapter 22 WNT
Abiathar son of Ahimelech son of Ahitub
When king Saul ordered the slaughter of Ahimelech and all the priests who were with him, including a massacre on the priestly city of Nob, one of Ahimelech's sons escaped and managed to flee to David. Abiathar was virtually the only surviving priest at that time. In a way, Abiathar was carrying on the office of his late father Ahimelech, and the high priesthood of Ahimelech became the high priesthood of Abiathar.
The death of Ahimelech, and the continuation of his office by his son Abiathar, may be the reason why in the gospel account in Mark chapter2, the Lord Iesou referred to the account of David being given the shew bread by the priest Ahimelech in as happening during the "High Priesthood of Abiathar" instead of Ahimelech.
Mark 2:25 - 26 WNT
"Have you never read," Jesus replied, "what David did when the necessity arose and he and his men were hungry:
how he entered the house of God in the High-priesthood of Abiathar, and ate the Presented Loaves--which none but the priests are allowed to eat--and gave some to his men also?"
1 Samuel 22:20 - 23 WNT
And one of the sons of Ahimelech the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped, and fled after David.
And Abiathar informed David that Saul had slain Jehovah`s priests.
And David said to Abiathar, I knew it that day, when Doeg the Edomite was there, that he would certainly tell Saul: I am accountable for all the lives of thy father`s house.
Abide with me, fear not; for he that seeks my life seeks thy life; for with me thou art in safe keeping.
