ABIATHAR. 1. High priest. Called Ahimelech in 2 Sam. 8:17; 1 Chr. 24:3,6,31, and Abimelech, 1 Chr. 18:16. Son of Ahimelech, 1 Sam. 22:20. Escapes to David from the vengeance of Saul, who killed the priests in the city of Nob, 1 Sam. 22:20-23, with vs. 6-19. Consults the ephod for David, 1 Sam. 22:10; 23:9; 30:7. Associate high priest with Zadok in the reign of David, 2 Sam. 15:35; 20:25; 1 Kin. 4:4; 1 Chr. 15:11, but called Ahimelech and father of Abiathar, 2 Sam. 8:17; 1 Chr. 18:16. Loyal to David when Absalom rebelled; leaves Jerusalem with the ark of the covenant, but is directed by David to return with the ark, 2 Sam. 15:24-29. Aids David by sending his son from Jerusalem to David with secret information concerning the counsel of Ahithophel, 2 Sam. 15:35,36; 17:15-22; 1 Kin. 2:26. Supports Adonijah's pretensions to the throne, 1 Kin. 1:7. Thrust out of office by Solomon, 1 Kin. 2:26,27, with 1 Sam. 2:31-35. 2. See Ahimelech.