Was the King of Gath's Name, Abimelech or Achish?

13. Was the King of Gath's Name, Abimelech or Achish?

Question: In 1 Samuel 21:10 when David was fleeing from Saul, he went to Achish, king of Gath. But at the beginning of Psalms 34:1-22, and referring to the same event in 1 Samuel, the king's name is Abimelech. Is this a contradiction? Please explain.

Answer: There is no contradiction. In 1 Samuel 21:1-15, Achish is the king's personal name. In Psalms 34:1-22, Abimelech is his title of royalty, just like the Pharaoh of Egypt. Pharaoh was the title of the ruler of Egypt, but not his personal name. The President of the United States is the title of the office, but not the president's name. No contradiction.