Ahitub is a name borne by several individuals in the Old Testament, all of whom belong to the priestly lineage descended from Aaron. The name itself means “my brother is goodness.” The two most prominent figures named Ahitub stand at the head of the two separate high priestly lines that served during the reigns of Saul and David.
Ahitub I: The Line of Ithamar
This Ahitub is a key figure in the doomed house of Eli and is mentioned during the period of transition from the Judges to the Monarchy.
- Genealogy: He was the son of Phinehas and the grandson of the High Priest Eli (1 Samuel 14:3). He was also the brother of Ichabod, whose name (‘where is the glory?’) symbolized the loss of the Ark of the Covenant.
- The Priesthood: Ahitub belonged to the priestly line of Ithamar, Aaron’s youngest son. He succeeded his grandfather Eli as priest, though the Bible is less clear on his active ministry compared to his descendants.
- His Sons: He was the father of Ahimelech (also called Ahiah in 1 Samuel 14:3), who served as priest to King Saul. Ahimelech, along with the priests of Nob, was later massacred by Saul after providing aid to the fleeing David (1 Samuel 22:9-20). The only survivor of this massacre was Ahimelech’s son, Abiathar, who fled and served David faithfully (1 Samuel 22:20). The fall of this line fulfilled the curse pronounced upon the house of Eli.
The King James Version states:
“And Ahiah, the son of Ahitub, Ichabod’s brother, the son of Phinehas, the son of Eli, the LORD’S priest in Shiloh, wearing an ephod. And the people knew not that Jonathan was gone.” — 1 Samuel 14:3 (KJV)
Ahitub II: The Line of Eleazar
This second, equally important Ahitub is an ancestor of the priest who would ultimately secure the high priesthood for his own line.
- Genealogy: He was a descendant of Eleazar, Aaron’s eldest son. His line is given in the Chronicles genealogies (1 Chronicles 6:7-8).
- His Son: He is most famous for being the father of Zadok. Zadok served alongside Abiathar (from the line of Ithamar) as a priest in David’s court (2 Samuel 8:17).
- Ascension to High Priest: Zadok remained loyal to David and, later, to Solomon, particularly during the attempted coup by Adonijah. When King Solomon banished Abiathar, Zadok was confirmed as the sole High Priest, thus establishing the line of Eleazar, through Ahitub, as the enduring high priestly house of Israel (1 Kings 2:27, 35). This was seen as the fulfilment of the prophecy against the house of Eli (Ahitub I).
The importance of this lineage is highlighted in the dual priesthood under David:
“And Zadok the son of Ahitub, and Ahimelech the son of Abiathar, were the priests; and Seraiah was the scribe;” — 2 Samuel 8:17 (KJV)
The Return Question
The two figures named Ahitub represent the great shift in the administration of the priestly office in Israel—a transition that underscores the principle of Divine judgment and faithfulness.
The line of Ahitub I (from Ithamar) fell due to the sins of Eli’s sons, fulfilling the word of the Lord, while the line of Ahitub II (from Eleazar) was elevated in the person of Zadok due to their faithfulness and obedience. This serves as a continual reminder concerning The Lord’s Return: that no pedigree or inherited office, however sacred, is a guarantee of perpetual favour. God’s ultimate plan proceeds not by human expectation or birthright alone, but by a righteous line chosen by His own decree and sustained by faithful obedience. The shifting of the priesthood, rooted in two men named Ahitub, prefigures the final separation between those who will be found faithful and those who will be cast out when Christ returns to establish His eternal priesthood and kingdom.