Ahimelech may have had some misgivings and questions about David’s visit (see 1 Samuel 21:1), but he did not have clear knowledge that David was a rebel.1 To his mind he was helping a loyal servant of Saul and not participating in any kind of conspiracy or rebellion. Similar to Jonathan (see 1 Samuel 19:4–5), he also defended David’s character,2 likely an attempt to bring reconciliation as much as to excuse his actions. Finally, he proclaimed that he was completely innocent. He had not participated in a rebellion or supported a known rebel.3
14 Achimélec répondit au roi: Lequel d'entre tous tes serviteurs peut être comparé au fidèle David, gendre du roi, dévoué à ses ordres, et honoré dans ta maison?