Ahimelech was a descendent of Ithamar and Eli (1 Kings 2:27).1 He was executed by Saul for collusion with David (1 Samuel 22:18) and his son Abiathar went to join David during his exile (cf. 1 Samuel 22:20). Abiathar remained loyal to David during Absalom’s rebellion (2 Samuel 15:24–29), however, after David’s death, he allied himself with Adonijah (1 Kings 1:7).2 It is possible that a scribal error has resulted in Ahimelech being listed as the son of Abiathar when it should be the other way around (see 2 Samuel 20:25; 1 Kings 4:4). Alternatively, Abiathar had a son called Ahimelech who also served and helped David (see 1 Chronicles 18:16; 1 Chronicles 24:3, 1 Chronicles 24:6, 1 Chronicles 24:31). It is understandable that Abiathar would name his son after his father.
17 Tsadok, fils d'Achithub, et Achimélec, fils d'Abiathar, étaient sacrificateurs; Seraja était secrétaire;