Abimelech

Father-king. (1) King of Gerar; takes Sarah (Gen. 20:2); warned in a dream, reproves Abraham for denying her, and is healed (20:3–18; 21:22–32).

(2) Reproves Isaac for denying his wife (26:7–11); makes covenant with Isaac (26:16, 26–33). (1) and (2) are possibly the same person, an early tradition having been preserved in two different forms.

(3) Son of Gideon (Judg. 8:31); murders his brethren and is made king (9:1–6); overcomes conspiracy and sows Shechem with salt (9:22–49); slain by a millstone (9:50–55; 2 Sam. 11:21).

(4) 1 Chr. 18:16, see Abiathar.

(5) In title of Ps. 34 same as Achish (1 Sam. 21:11).