1 Samuel 26:6

Ahimelech the Hittite. This man’s name occurs only here. Hittites are mentioned as early as the time of Abraham (Gen. 23:3-20). These descendants of Heth were settled about Hebron. From them Abraham purchased a burial place for his wife, Sarah. Later the Hittites developed into a powerful nation, occupying a strategic position in Asia Minor, and in due time became the balance of power in the district near the great bend of the Euphrates River in what is now known as northern Syria and Turkey. Then when the Aegean Sea Peoples migrated through Asia Minor on their trek toward Egypt, the Hittite empire was practically wiped out of existence. There were Hittite remnants in Palestine in Solomon’s day (1 Kings 9:20, 21). Probably this Ahimelech was in some way connected with the tribe of Judah through marriage, and felt he would be safe only by connecting himself with David. He had probably distinguished himself so greatly that David had given him a place as his guard.

Abishai. The grandson of Jesse. Abishai was the son of David’s sister, Zeruiah, and therefore David’s nephew. Abishai’s brother Joab (1 Chron. 2:16) was the leader of David’s forces.