Ahi'tub is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, primarily recognized as a member of the Levitical priesthood lineage. His name, Ahi'tub, is often interpreted to mean "my brother is good" or "brother of goodness," reflecting the Hebrew roots of the name.

Genealogy and Family Lineage

Ahi'tub is noted as a descendant of Aaron, the brother of Moses, who was the first high priest of Israel. Ahi'tub's lineage is significant in the context of the priestly succession, as he is part of the line that maintained the priestly duties and responsibilities in Israel. He is the son of Phinehas and the grandson of Eli, the high priest during the time of the prophet Samuel. This lineage is detailed in 1 Samuel 14:3, which states, "Ahijah son of Ahitub, the brother of Ichabod, son of Phinehas, the son of Eli, the priest of the LORD at Shiloh, was wearing an ephod."

Role and Significance

Ahi'tub's role is primarily understood through his descendants, who played significant roles in the religious leadership of Israel. He is the father of Ahijah and Ahimelech, both of whom served as priests. Ahimelech, in particular, is a notable figure who served during the reign of King Saul and provided assistance to David during his flight from Saul, as recorded in 1 Samuel 21:1-9. This act of assistance, however, led to a tragic event where King Saul ordered the massacre of the priests at Nob, including Ahimelech, as recounted in 1 Samuel 22:11-19.

Legacy and Descendants

Ahi'tub's legacy continued through his grandson Abiathar, the son of Ahimelech, who escaped the massacre at Nob and became a loyal priest to King David. Abiathar's service is documented in several passages, including 1 Samuel 22:20-23 and 2 Samuel 8:17, where he is mentioned as serving alongside Zadok during David's reign. Abiathar's loyalty to David and his involvement in the priestly duties during the establishment of the Davidic kingdom highlight the enduring influence of Ahi'tub's lineage.

Biblical References

Ahi'tub is mentioned in several genealogical and historical contexts within the Old Testament. Key references include:

· 1 Samuel 14:3: "Ahijah son of Ahitub, the brother of Ichabod, son of Phinehas, the son of Eli, the priest of the LORD at Shiloh, was wearing an ephod."
· 1 Samuel 22:9-20: The narrative of the massacre at Nob, where Ahimelech, son of Ahi'tub, is killed.
· 2 Samuel 8:17: "Zadok son of Ahitub and Ahimelech son of Abiathar were priests; Seraiah was the scribe."

Ahi'tub's presence in the biblical narrative underscores the importance of the priestly lineage in maintaining the religious and spiritual leadership of Israel throughout its history. His descendants played crucial roles in the unfolding account of Israel's monarchy and religious life, reflecting the enduring legacy of his family line.Ahi'tub (15 Occurrences)

1 Samuel 14:3
and Ahijah, the son of Ahitub, Ichabod's brother, the son of Phinehas, the son of Eli, the priest of the LORD in Shiloh, wearing an ephod. And the people knew not that Jonathan was gone.
(See RSV)

1 Samuel 22:9
Then answered Doeg the Edomite, who was set over the servants of Saul, and said: 'I saw the son of Jesse coming to Nob, to Ahimelech the son of Ahitub.
(See RSV)

1 Samuel 22:11
Then the king sent to call Ahimelech the priest, the son of Ahitub, and all his father's house, the priests that were in Nob; and they came all of them to the king.
(See RSV)

1 Samuel 22:12
And Saul said: 'Hear now, thou son of Ahitub.' And he answered: 'Here I am, my lord.'
(See RSV)

1 Samuel 22:20
And one of the sons of Ahimelech the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped, and fled after David.
(See RSV)

2 Samuel 8:17
and Zadok the son of Ahitub, and Ahimelech the son of Abiathar, were priests; and Seraiah was scribe;
(See RSV)

1 Chronicles 6:7
Meraioth begot Amariah, and Amariah begot Ahitub;
(See RSV)

1 Chronicles 6:8
and Ahitub begot Zadok, and Zadok begot Ahimaaz;
(See RSV)

1 Chronicles 6:11
and Azariah begot Amariah, and Amariah begot Ahitub;
(See RSV)

1 Chronicles 6:12
and Ahitub begot Zadok, and Zadok begot Shallum;
(See RSV)

1 Chronicles 6:52
Meraioth his son, Amariah his son, Ahitub his son;
(See RSV)

1 Chronicles 9:11
and Azariah the son of Hilkiah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Zadok, the son of Meraioth, the son of Ahitub, the ruler of the house of God;
(See RSV)

1 Chronicles 18:16
And Zadok the son of Ahitub, and Abimelech the son of Abiathar, were priests; and Shavsha was scribe;
(See RSV)

Ezra 7:2
the son of Shallum, the son of Zadok, the son of Ahitub,
(See RSV)

Nehemiah 11:11
Seraiah the son of Hilkiah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Zadok, the son of Meraioth, the son of Ahitub, the ruler of the house of God,
(See RSV)

Ahi'tub (15 Occurrences)
Ahi'tub. Ahitub, Ahi'tub. Ahlab . Multi-Version Concordance Ahi'tub
(15 Occurrences). 1 Samuel 14:3 and Ahijah, the son of Ahitub ...
/a/ahi'tub.htm - 9k

Ahitub (16 Occurrences)

/a/ahitub.htm - 14k

Ahlab (1 Occurrence)

/a/ahlab.htm - 7k

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