1 Samuel 22:20

20 But Abiathar, one of Ahimelech's sons, escaped, and went and joined David.

1 Samuel 22:20 Meaning and Commentary

1 Samuel 22:20

And one of the sons of Ahimelech, the son of Ahitub, named
Abiathar, escaped
Who very probably was left by his father to take care of the sanctuary, and the holy things in it, when he and the rest of the priests were summoned to appear before Saul; who having heard of his bloody execution of them, before his messengers could get to Nob, took, the ephod, with the Urim and Thummim, and made his escape, as appears from ( 1 Samuel 23:6-9 ) ; this man succeeded his father in the high priesthood, and continued in it until the times of Solomon: and fled after David;
who was now removed, or removing from the forest of Hareth to Keilah, whither Abiathar followed him, and came to him there, ( 1 Samuel 23:6 ) , and with whom only he could be safe, and therefore it was right to flee unto him.

1 Samuel 22:20 In-Context

18 So Saul said to Doeg, "You kill them!" - and Doeg killed them all. On that day he killed eighty-five priests who were qualified to carry the ephod.

19 Saul also had all the other inhabitants of Nob, the city of priests, put to death: men and women, children and babies, cattle, donkeys, and sheep - they were all killed.

20 But Abiathar, one of Ahimelech's sons, escaped, and went and joined David.

21 He told him how Saul had slaughtered the priests of the Lord.

22 David said to him, "When I saw Doeg there that day, I knew that he would be sure to tell Saul. So I am responsible for the death of all your relatives.