Abiathar

Father of excellence, or plenty. A son of the high priest Ahijah or Ahimelech, he escapes Saul (1 Sam. 22:20); abides with David (23:6, 9; 30:7); brings the ark back to Jerusalem (2 Sam. 15:24–36; 17:15; 19:11); takes part in Adonijah’s rebellion (1 Kgs. 1:7); is thrust out from the priesthood (2:27, 35; Mark 2:26). Ahimelech and Abiathar are probably interchanged in 2 Sam. 8:17; 1 Chr. 18:16; 24:3, 31. See also 2 Sam. 20:25.