But one son of Ahimelek son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped and fled to join David. He told David that Saul had killed the priests of the Lord. Then David said to Abiathar, “That day, when Doeg the Edomite was there, I knew he would be sure to tell Saul. I am responsible for the death of your whole family. Stay with me; don’t be afraid. The man who wants to kill you is trying to kill me too. You will be safe with me.”
When David was told, “Look, the Philistines are fighting against Keilah and are looting the threshing floors,” he inquired of the Lord, saying, “Shall I go and attack these Philistines?” The Lord answered him, “Go, attack the Philistines and save Keilah.” But David’s men said to him, “Here in Judah we are afraid. How much more, then, if we go to Keilah against the Philistine forces!” Once again David inquired of the Lord, and the Lord answered him, “Go down to Keilah, for I am going to give the Philistines into your hand.” So David and his men went to Keilah, fought the Philistines and carried off their livestock. He inflicted heavy losses on the Philistines and saved the people of Keilah. (Now Abiathar son of Ahimelek had brought the ephod down with him when he fled to David at Keilah.) 1 Samuel 22:20-23:6
“David acknowledged that he himself was significantly “responsible for the death of” Abiathar’s clan. He was accountable, not because of anything he had done, but because of something he had not done; David failed to kill Doeg although he has reasonable suspicions that he would inform Saul about David’s activities in Nob. David’s admission of homicidal negligence could not bring the dead back to life, but it could motivate him to give special consideration to the lone survivor of the massacre. Accordingly, David asked Abiathar to “stay with” him, assuring the priest would “be safe with” David. Abiathar accepted the offer…
Before going into battle, Israelites would normally await a confirmation that the Lord would give the enemy into their hands. In keeping with the tradition, David formally “inquired of the Lord” and received word that he should “attack the Philistines and save Keilah.”…While David was at Keilah, a large number of individuals joined his ranks. Of those who came to him there, none was more important to him than “Abiathar son of Ahimelech.” Abiathar’s presence in David’s camp was especially important as he had “brought the ephod.”…Thus with Abiathar’s arrival, David now had acquired access to the only revelatory device sanctioned by the Torah.”
Robert D. Bergen in 1, 2 Samuel: An Exegetical and Theological Exposition of Holy Scripture (Volume 7) (NAC 7; Nashville: B&H, 1996) 231-232.
I am enjoying drilling deeper into the lives of biblical characters.
David exhibited accountability; he offered protection to Abiathar, and in turn was blessed with discernment. What a beautiful picture!
In similar fashion, I am thankful for Rich Haynie. He’s an Abiathar to me. Like David, I am not responsible for the death of the priests, but I am a leader who relies on Rich to journey with me, to pray for me daily, and to offer spiritual discernment. We meet regularly. I am so thankful for how he generously speaks into my life.
Do you have anyone to whom you are accountable and who helps you discern direction? Provide that person protection. In modern terms, create a safe environment for them to come speak into your life. In turn you will get more than a sense what next steps to take. You get a friend, someone who is with you despite difficulties, and who will speak truthfully to you. Rich is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Thank you God for Rich.