1 Samuel 23:6 Meaning and Explanation
“And it came to pass, when Abiathar the son of Ahimelech fled to David to Keilah, that he came down with an ephod in his hand.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Abiathar the priest, escaping Saul's slaughter, joins David bringing the ephod with him.
What Does 1 Samuel 23:6 Mean?
Abiathar is the lone survivor of Saul's massacre of the priests at Nob. Fleeing for his life, he comes to David carrying the ephod, the priestly garment used to seek the Lord's guidance. The narrator pauses to note this arrival because it explains how David can now inquire of God so readily.
The means of seeking God's will comes to David through a man fleeing violence. Where Saul has driven the priesthood away in blood, David receives it as a refuge. God preserves a remnant and a means of grace even amid slaughter, drawing the rescued to the side of His anointed, that the way to ask and know His will might remain open.
1 Samuel 23:6 in the Original Language
ephod (אֵפוֹד) -- a priestly vestment, here associated with seeking divine guidance for the people.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1 Samuel 23:6
What does 1 Samuel 23:6 mean?
Abiathar the priest, escaping Saul's slaughter, joins David bringing the ephod with him.