שמואל א, פרק י״ד, פסוק ג׳

Amidst mounting military tension, the spiritual leadership of the Israelite camp stands in sharp focus just before Jonathan embarks on a secret mission. The High Priest accompanying the army is Ahijah, and his specific family lineage carries deep historical weight. He is identified as the brother of Ichabod. This connection is made partly because Ichabod’s dramatic birth was previously recorded in the history, unlike their father Ahitub [רד״ק, אברבנאל]. More importantly, it creates a powerful conceptual contrast. Ichabod received his name to mark the tragic exile of the Ark and the destruction caused by the sins of the priests. Now, however, his brother Ahijah stands in the camp, upright in the eyes of God, positioned to bring about a great salvation for Israel [רד״ק, אברבנאל]. The lineage also traces back to Phinehas, demonstrating that Phinehas himself was innocent of the family's later sins. Had he been guilty, his bloodline would have been cut off, and he would not have had a grandson serving as a priest and bringing offerings to God [אברבנאל].

The historical title of serving as the priest of God in Shiloh actually refers back to Ahijah’s grandfather, Eli. At that time, the city of Shiloh was already in ruins and the Tabernacle was no longer there [מצודת דוד, רלב״ג, רד״ק, אברבנאל]. Highlighting this connection to Eli emphasizes that the severe curse placed upon his household had not yet fully materialized, as his descendants were still actively serving in the high priesthood [רד״ק]. In the camp, Ahijah serves as the High Priest, carrying the Ephod [רלב״ג]. The primary approach among commentators is that carrying the Ephod inherently includes bearing the breastplate of judgment and the Urim and Thummim. These sacred items were essential tools used to inquire of God and receive direct heavenly guidance [רש״י, מצודת דוד, רד״ק, שטיינזלץ, אברבנאל].

Against this backdrop of available divine guidance, Jonathan departs in complete secrecy. He sets out entirely on his own initiative, without requesting permission or assistance [שטיינזלץ]. The camp remains completely unaware of his movements, for if the people had known, they certainly would have joined him [רלב״ג, רד״ק]. All of these background details serve as clear evidence that Jonathan did not initially plan to launch a major military campaign against the Philistine camp. Had a large-scale battle been his original intention, he would not have acted alone. He would have prepared the army, informed his father, and, most crucially, utilized the presence of the High Priest to seek counsel from God through the Urim and Thummim before heading into combat [מלבי״ם, אברבנאל].