Bible Strands
1 Samuel 30:7
Then David said to Abiathar the priest, the son of Ahimelech, “Bring me the ephod.” So Abiathar brought it to him,
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — David addresses Abiathar, son of Ahimelech, immediately after the text records him finding strength in the Lord amid his people's threat of stoning. He commands the priest to bring the ephod so he may seek divine direction.
The words — The Hebrew הַגִּֽישָׁ/ה (ha.gi.sha/h-) literally means "bring near" or "present," denoting the physical act of presenting the sacred garment for ritual use. David's command initiates a formal priestly procedure rather than a spontaneous prayer.
The thread — This ephod inquiry pattern appears in 1 Samuel 23:2, where David again uses the ephod to ask the Lord about military action, and concludes with Abiathar’s later dismissal in 1 Kings 2:26 after losing royal favor.
Why it lands — The text requires the reader to note that David turns to established priestly mediation for guidance instead of acting on impulse or public pressure. It establishes a procedural boundary for seeking divine direction in times of crisis.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
And David said to Abiathar the priest, Ahimelech’s son, I pray thee, bring me hither the ephod. And Abiathar brought thither the ephod to David.
Cross-references
- 1 Samuel 22:20 But one of the sons of Ahimelech son of Ahitub escaped. His name was Abiathar, and he fled to David.
- 1 Kings 2:26 Then the king said to Abiathar the priest, “Go back to your fields in Anathoth. Even though you deserve to die, I will not put you to death at this time, since you carried the ark of the Lord GOD before my father David, and you suffered through all that my father suffered.”
- 1 Samuel 23:2 So David inquired of the LORD, “Should I go and attack these Philistines?” And the LORD said to David, “Go and attack the Philistines and save Keilah.”
- Mark 2:26 During the high priesthood of Abiathar, he entered the house of God and ate the consecrated bread, which was lawful only for the priests. And he gave some to his companions as well.”