Ahimelech
Ahimelech, the High Priest at Nob, gave David consecrated bread and Goliath's sword but was later killed by Saul for aiding David.
Ahimelech was the high priest at Nob who provided David and his men with the consecrated showbread and Goliath's sword when David was fleeing from Saul (1 Samuel 21:1–9). Saul, informed by Doeg the Edomite, accused Ahimelech of treachery and ordered the massacre of the entire priestly community of Nob—eighty-five priests and their families (1 Samuel 22:9–19). Only Abiathar, Ahimelech's son, escaped to join David. Jesus later cited this episode when challenged about Sabbath observance, affirming that human need can take precedence over ceremonial regulation (Matthew 12:3–4). Ahimelech's tragic death became a defining episode in the moral indictment of Saul's reign.