1 Samuel 22

Warren Wiersbe · Citado em PreceptAustin

1 Samuel 22

Wiersbe - Contrast Saul’s approach to leadership. He could not challenge his men to a holy cause, so he tried to bribe them (v. 7) and play on their sympathy (v. 8). He depended on spies like Doeg, and he was not afraid to murder innocent priests just to let people know who was in charge. Saul was unwilling to kill the wicked Amalekites, but he murdered God’s priests. Saul was fighting a losing battle, and he was desperate. (Borrow With the Word) Brian Bell - Bribery (7) - You Benjamites!...speaking to his high ranking officials. a) Saul reminded the men he was king & therefore the only one who could reward them for their faithful service. b) David attracted men who were willing to risk their lives for him, but Saul had to use bribery & fear to keep his forces together. 1 Samuel 22:8 "For all of you have conspired against me so that there is no one who discloses to me when my son makes a covenant with the son of Jesse, and there is none of you who is sorry for me or discloses to me that my son has stirred up my servant against me to lie in ambush, as it is this day." BGT 1 Samuel 22:8 ὅτι σύγκεισθε πάντες ὑμεῖς ἐπ᾽ ἐμέ καὶ οὐκ ἔστιν ὁ ἀποκαλύπτων τὸ ὠτίον μου ἐν τῷ διαθέσθαι τὸν υἱόν μου διαθήκην μετὰ τοῦ υἱοῦ Ιεσσαι καὶ οὐκ ἔστιν πονῶν περὶ ἐμοῦ ἐξ ὑμῶν καὶ ἀποκαλύπτων τὸ ὠτίον μου ὅτι ἐπήγειρεν ὁ υἱός μου τὸν δοῦλόν μου ἐπ᾽ ἐμὲ εἰς ἐχθρὸν ὡς ἡ ἡμέρα αὕτη LXE 1 Samuel 22:8 That ye are conspiring against me, and there is no one that informs me, whereas my son has made a covenant with the son of Jessae, and there is no one of you that is sorry for me, or informs me, that my son has stirred up my servant against me for an enemy, as it is this day? KJV 1 Samuel 22:8 That all of you have conspired against me, and there is none that sheweth me that my son hath made a league with the son of Jesse, and there is none of you that is sorry for me, or sheweth unto me that my son hath stirred up my servant against me, to lie in wait, as at this day? NET 1 Samuel 22:8 For all of you have conspired against me! No one informs me when my own son makes an agreement with this son of Jesse! Not one of you feels sorry for me or informs me that my own son has commissioned my own servant to hide in ambush against me, as is the case today!" CSB 1 Samuel 22:8 That's why all of you have conspired against me! Nobody tells me when my own son makes a covenant with Jesse's son. None of you cares about me or tells me that my son has stirred up my own servant to wait in ambush for me, as is the case today." ESV 1 Samuel 22:8 that all of you have conspired against me? No one discloses to me when my son makes a covenant with the son of Jesse. None of you is sorry for me or discloses to me that my son has stirred up my servant against me, to lie in wait, as at this day." NIV 1 Samuel 22:8 Is that why you have all conspired against me? No one tells me when my son makes a covenant with the son of Jesse. None of you is concerned about me or tells me that my son has incited my servant to lie in wait for me, as he does today." NLT 1 Samuel 22:8 Is that why you have conspired against me? For not one of you told me when my own son made a solemn pact with the son of Jesse. You're not even sorry for me. Think of it! My own son-- encouraging him to kill me, as he is trying to do this very day!" NRS 1 Samuel 22:8 Is that why all of you have conspired against me? No one discloses to me when my son makes a league with the son of Jesse, none of you is sorry for me or discloses to me that my son has stirred up my servant against me, to lie in wait, as he is doing today." NJB 1 Samuel 22:8 that you all conspire against me? No one warned me when my son made a pact with the son of Jesse; none of you felt sorry for me or warned me when my son incited my servant to become my enemy, as he is now.' NAB 1 Samuel 22:8 that you have all conspired against me and no one tells me that my son has made an agreement with the son of Jesse? None of you shows sympathy for me or discloses to me that my son has stirred up my servant to be an enemy against me, as is the case today." YLT 1 Samuel 22:8 for ye have conspired all of you against me, and there is none uncovering mine ear about my son's covenanting with the son of Jesse, and there is none of you grieving for me, and uncovering mine ear, that my son hath raised up my servant against me, to lie in wait as at this day.' GWN 1 Samuel 22:8 All of you are plotting against me, and no one informed me when my son entered into a loyalty pledge with Jesse's son. No one felt sorry for me and informed me that my son has encouraged my servant David to ambush me, as he's doing now." no one who discloses to me: Heb. uncovereth mine ear, 1Sa 20:2 Job 33:16 my son: 1Sa 18:3 20:8,13-17,30-34,42 23:16-18 1 Samuel 22 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries SAUL'S PARANOID PITY PARTY For all of you have conspired against me so that there is no one who discloses to me when my son makes a covenant with the son of Jesse, And there is none of you who is sorry for me - Saul blames all of his servants for conspiring against him! In addition Saul is having a pity party, which describes an instance of feeling sorry for oneself or seeking pity from other people. He is singing the old song "It's my party, and I'll cry if I want to...". Deffinbaugh: comments that “the conspiracy theory goes even further. Not only does Saul accuse Jonathan and David of conspiring against him, he also accuses his servants – all of them! Saul is surrounded by his servants as he sits under the tamarisk tree near his home in Gibeah (verse 6). He begins by reminding his servants about the nature of politics and the spoils of political victory and power. As a reward for their loyalty to Saul, these Benjamites have been given property and positions of authority as political spoils. Do they think that if David becomes king they will enjoy the same spoils? They most certainly will not. And so Saul reminds his servants that they owe him -- big time. And now he wants a payback -- by having them inform him of David’s whereabouts. Saul tells his servants that by keeping silent about David and withholding any information about him and his whereabouts, they are joining David in his conspiracy against Saul. D (Saul Loses His Grip) Or discloses to me that my son has stirred up my servant against me to lie in ambush, as it is this day - This is a paranoid delusion as Jonathan had not stirred David to ambush his own father. As we see in the following chapters, the last thing in David's heart is to seek revenge against Saul or to seek to do him harm. 1 Samuel 22:9 Then Doeg the Edomite, who was standing by the servants of Saul, said, "I saw the son of Jesse coming to Nob, to Ahimelech the son of Ahitub. BGT 1 Samuel 22:9 καὶ ἀποκρίνεται Δωηκ ὁ Σύρος ὁ καθεστηκὼς ἐπὶ τὰς ἡμιόνους Σαουλ καὶ εἶπεν ἑόρακα τὸν υἱὸν Ιεσσαι παραγινόμενον εἰς Νομβα πρὸς Αβιμελεχ υἱὸν Αχιτωβ τὸν ἱερέα LXE 1 Samuel 22:9 And Doec the Syrian who was over the mules of Saul answered and said, I saw the son of Jessae as he came to Nomba to Abimelech son of Achitob the priest. KJV 1 Samuel 22:9 Then answered Doeg the Edomite, which was set over the servants of Saul, and said, I saw the son of Jesse coming to Nob, to Ahimelech the son of Ahitub. NET 1 Samuel 22:9 But Doeg the Edomite, who had stationed himself with the servants of Saul, replied, "I saw this son of Jesse come to Ahimelech son of Ahitub at Nob. CSB 1 Samuel 22:9 Then Doeg the Edomite, who was in charge of Saul's servants, answered: "I saw Jesse's son come to Ahimelech son of Ahitub at Nob. ESV 1 Samuel 22:9 Then answered Doeg the Edomite, who stood by the servants of Saul, "I saw the son of Jesse coming to Nob, to Ahimelech the son of Ahitub, NIV 1 Samuel 22:9 But Doeg the Edomite, who was standing with Saul's officials, said, "I saw the son of Jesse come to Ahimelech son of Ahitub at Nob. NLT 1 Samuel 22:9 Then Doeg the Edomite, who was standing there with Saul's men, spoke up. "When I was at Nob," he said, "I saw the son of Jesse talking to the priest, Ahimelech son of Ahitub. NRS 1 Samuel 22:9 Doeg the Edomite, who was in charge of Saul's servants, answered, "I saw the son of Jesse coming to Nob, to Ahimelech son of Ahitub; NJB 1 Samuel 22:9 Then, up spoke Doeg the Edomite, who was in command of Saul's staff, 'I saw the son of Jesse coming to Nob, to Ahimelech son of Ahitub. NAB 1 Samuel 22:9 Then Doeg the Edomite, who was standing with the officers of Saul, spoke up: "I saw the son of Jesse come to Ahimelech, son of Ahitub, in Nob. YLT 1 Samuel 22:9 And answer doth Doeg the Edomite, who is set over the servants of Saul, and saith, 'I have seen the son of Jesse coming in to Nob, unto Ahimelech son of Ahitub, GWN 1 Samuel 22:9 Then Doeg from Edom, standing with Saul's officials, answered him, "I saw Jesse's son when he came to Ahimelech, Ahitub's son, in Nob. Doeg: 1Sa 21:7 Ps 52:1 *title Ps 52:1-5 Pr 19:5 29:12 Eze 22:9 Mt 26:59-61 Ahimelech: 1Sa 21:1-15 Ahitub: 1Sa 14:3 1 Samuel 22 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passage: Psalms 52:1 For the choir director. A Maskil of David, when Doeg the Edomite came and told Saul and said to him, “David has come to the house of Ahimelech.” Proverbs 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit. ENTER THE VILLAIN DOEG Then Doeg the Edomite, who was standing by the servants of Saul, said, "I saw the son of Jesse coming to Nob, to Ahimelech the son of Ahitub - Doeg picks up on Saul's calling David the son of Jesse. 1 Samuel 22:10 "He inquired of the LORD for him, gave him provisions, and gave him the sword of Goliath the Philistine." BGT 1 Samuel 22:10 καὶ ἠρώτα αὐτῷ διὰ τοῦ θεοῦ καὶ ἐπισιτισμὸν ἔδωκεν αὐτῷ καὶ τὴν ῥομφαίαν Γολιαδ τοῦ ἀλλοφύλου ἔδωκεν αὐτῷ LXE 1 Samuel 22:10 And the priest enquired of God for him, and gave him provision, and gave him the sword of Goliath the Philistine. KJV 1 Samuel 22:10 And he enquired of the LORD for him, and gave him victuals, and gave him the sword of Goliath the Philistine. NET 1 Samuel 22:10 He inquired of the LORD for him and gave him provisions. He also gave him the sword of Goliath the Philistine." CSB 1 Samuel 22:10 Ahimelech inquired of the LORD for him and gave him provisions. He also gave him the sword of Goliath the Philistine." ESV 1 Samuel 22:10 and he inquired of the LORD for him and gave him provisions and gave him the sword of Goliath the Philistine." NIV 1 Samuel 22:10 Ahimelech inquired of the LORD for him; he also gave him provisions and the sword of Goliath the Philistine." NLT 1 Samuel 22:10 Ahimelech consulted the LORD for him. Then he gave him food and the sword of Goliath the Philistine." NRS 1 Samuel 22:10 he inquired of the LORD for him, gave him provisions, and gave him the sword of Goliath the Philistine." NJB 1 Samuel 22:10 That man consulted Yahweh on his behalf, gave him provisions and also the sword of Goliath the Philistine.' NAB 1 Samuel 22:10 He consulted the LORD for him and gave him supplies, and the sword of Goliath the Philistine as well." YLT 1 Samuel 22:10 and he asketh for him at Jehovah, and provision hath given to him, and the sword of Goliath the Philistine hath given to him. GWN 1 Samuel 22:10 Ahimelech prayed to the LORD for David and gave him food and the sword of Goliath the Philistine." he inquired: 1Sa 22:13,15 23:2,4,12 30:8 Nu 27:21 gave him provisions: 1Sa 21:6-9 1 Samuel 22 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries DOEG'S DEADLY REPORT He inquired of the LORD for him, gave him provisions, and gave him the sword of Goliath the Philistine - Doeg spills the beans on David and the priest. Doeg states that Ahimelech did three things, 3 charges which Ahimelech could not deny (unless he lied). 1 Samuel 22:11 Then the king sent someone to summon Ahimelech the priest, the son of Ahitub, and all his father's household, the priests who were in Nob; and all of them came to the king. BGT 1 Samuel 22:11 καὶ ἀπέστειλεν ὁ βασιλεὺς καλέσαι τὸν Αβιμελεχ υἱὸν Αχιτωβ καὶ πάντας τοὺς υἱοὺς τοῦ πατρὸς αὐτοῦ τοὺς ἱερεῖς τοὺς ἐν Νομβα καὶ παρεγένοντο πάντες πρὸς τὸν βασιλέα LXE 1 Samuel 22:11 And the king sent to call Abimelech son of Achitob and all his father's sons, the priests that were in Nomba; and they all came to the king. KJV 1 Samuel 22:11 Then the king sent to call Ahimelech the priest, the son of Ahitub, and all his father's house, the priests that were in Nob: and they came all of them to the king. NET 1 Samuel 22:11 Then the king arranged for a meeting with the priest Ahimelech son of Ahitub and all the priests of his father's house who were at Nob. They all came to the king. CSB 1 Samuel 22:11 The king sent messengers to summon Ahimelech the priest, son of Ahitub, and his father's whole family, who were priests in Nob. All of them came to the king. ESV 1 Samuel 22:11 Then the king sent to summon Ahimelech the priest, the son of Ahitub, and all his father's house, the priests who were at Nob, and all of them came to the king. NIV 1 Samuel 22:11 Then the king sent for the priest Ahimelech son of Ahitub and his father's whole family, who were the priests at Nob, and they all came to the king. NLT 1 Samuel 22:11 King Saul immediately sent for Ahimelech and all his family, who served as priests at Nob. NRS 1 Samuel 22:11 The king sent for the priest Ahimelech son of Ahitub and for all his father's house, the priests who were at Nob; and all of them came to the king. NJB 1 Samuel 22:11 The king then sent for the priest Ahimelech son of Ahitub and his whole family, the priests of Nob; they all came to the king. NAB 1 Samuel 22:11 At this the king sent a summons to Ahimelech the priest, son of Ahitub, and to all his family who were priests in Nob; and they all came to the king. YLT 1 Samuel 22:11 And the king sendeth to call Ahimelech son of Ahitub, the priest, and all the house of his father, the priests, who are in Nob, and they come all of them unto the king; GWN 1 Samuel 22:11 Then the king sent for the priest Ahimelech, who was Ahitub's son, and his entire family who were the priests in Nob. All of them came to the king. sent to call: Ro 3:15 1 Samuel 22 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries SAUL GATHERS THE PRIESTS FROM NOB Then the king sent someone to summon Ahimelech the priest, the son of Ahitub, and all his father's household, the priests who were in Nob; and all of them came to the king - There is no record of Ahimelech's reaction but this is when he should have truly been trembling! Anderson proposes that "It is so sad to see all of this because if David had stayed with Samuel at Ramah, he would have still had the divine protection and never gotten the priest Ahimelech involved in the situation." Ahitub - The brother of Ichabod and son of Phinehas the son of Eli (1 Sam 14:3; 22:9,11,12,20), According to 1 Ch 24 he and his line were descended from Aaron through Ithamar. The record implies that he was born while his father and grandfather were priests at Shiloh, and it says that he was the father and grandfather of priests; but it is silent as to his own exercise of the priestly office. We have no information concerning the office from the time when the Philistines captured the ark till Saul became king. Ahimelech - High priest of the Jews and the son of Ahitub (1 Sam. 22:11) and father of Abiathar (1Sa 22:20); he was probably the same as Ahijah (which see). He was a descendant of the line of Ithamar through Eli (1Ch 24:3, 6; Josephus Ant. 5.11.5; 8.1.3). When David fled from Saul (about 1010 B.C.) he went to Nob, where the Tabernacle then was. His unexpected appearance alarmed Ahimelech, whose anxious inquiry was answered by David’s falsehood, “The king has commissioned me with a matter” (1Sa 21:2). Under this pretext Ahimelech was induced to give him bread and the sword of Goliath (1Sa 21:3–9). A servant of Saul, Doeg, an Edomite, witnessed the transaction, and informed King Saul, who immediately sent for Ahimelech and the other priests then at Nob, and charged them with treason. But they declared their ignorance of any hostile designs on the part of David. This, however, availed them nothing, for the king ordered his guards to slay them. Upon their refusing to do so he commanded Doeg, who slew the priests, eighty-five in number. He then marched to Nob and put to the sword everything it contained (1Sa 22:9–20). The only priest that escaped was Abiathar, Ahimelech’s son, who fled to David, and who afterward became high priest (1Sa 23:6; 30:7). The names in 2Sa 8:17 and 1Ch 24:6 are commonly regarded as having been transposed by a copyist. (Borrow The New Unger's Bible Dictionary) 1 Samuel 22:12 Saul said, "Listen now, son of Ahitub." And he answered, "Here I am, my lord." BGT 1 Samuel 22:12 καὶ εἶπεν Σαουλ ἄκουε δή υἱὲ Αχιτωβ καὶ εἶπεν ἰδοὺ ἐγώ λάλει κύριε LXE 1 Samuel 22:12 And Saul said, Hear now, thou son of Achitob. And he said, Lo! I am here, speak, my lord. KJV 1 Samuel 22:12 And Saul said, Hear now, thou son of Ahitub. And he answered, Here I am, my lord. NET 1 Samuel 22:12 Then Saul said, "Listen, son of Ahitub." He replied, "Here I am, my lord." CSB 1 Samuel 22:12 Then Saul said, "Listen, son of Ahitub!" "I'm at your service, my lord," he said. ESV 1 Samuel 22:12 And Saul said, "Hear now, son of Ahitub." And he answered, "Here I am, my lord." NIV 1 Samuel 22:12 Saul said, "Listen now, son of Ahitub." "Yes, my lord," he answered. NLT 1 Samuel 22:12 When they arrived, Saul shouted at him, "Listen to me, you son of Ahitub!" "What is it, my king?" Ahimelech asked. NRS 1 Samuel 22:12 Saul said, "Listen now, son of Ahitub." He answered, "Here I am, my lord." NJB 1 Samuel 22:12 Saul said, 'Now listen, son of Ahitub!' He replied, 'Here I am, my lord.' NAB 1 Samuel 22:12 Then Saul said, "Listen, son of Ahitub!" He replied, "Yes, my lord." YLT 1 Samuel 22:12 and Saul saith, 'Hear, I pray thee, son of Ahitub;' and he saith, 'Here am I, my lord.' GWN 1 Samuel 22:12 Saul said, "Listen here, son of Ahitub!" "Yes, sir?" he responded. son: 1Sa 22:7,13 Here I am: Heb. Behold me, 2Sa 9:6 Isa 65:1 1 Samuel 22 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries SAUL COMMANDS AHIMELECH'S ATTENTION Saul said, "Listen now, son of Ahitub." And he answered, "Here I am, my lord - Ahimelech is submissive to Saul (my lord), but Saul is not fazed by his submissive attitude and soon will show him no pity. 1 Samuel 22:13 Saul then said to him, "Why have you and the son of Jesse conspired against me, in that you have given him bread and a sword and have inquired of God for him, so that he would rise up against me by lying in ambush as it is this day?" BGT 1 Samuel 22:13 καὶ εἶπεν αὐτῷ Σαουλ ἵνα τί συνέθου κατ᾽ ἐμοῦ σὺ καὶ ὁ υἱὸς Ιεσσαι δοῦναί σε αὐτῷ ἄρτον καὶ ῥομφαίαν καὶ ἐρωτᾶν αὐτῷ διὰ τοῦ θεοῦ θέσθαι αὐτὸν ἐπ᾽ ἐμὲ εἰς ἐχθρὸν ὡς ἡ ἡμέρα αὕτη LXE 1 Samuel 22:13 And Saul said to him, Why have thou and the son of Jessae conspired against me, that thou shouldest give him bread and a sword, and shouldest enquire of God for him, to raise him up against me as an enemy, as he is this day? KJV 1 Samuel 22:13 And Saul said unto him, Why have ye conspired against me, thou and the son of Jesse, in that thou hast given him bread, and a sword, and hast enquired of God for him, that he should rise against me, to lie in wait, as at this day? NET 1 Samuel 22:13 Saul said to him, "Why have you conspired against me, you and this son of Jesse? You gave him bread and a sword and inquired of God on his behalf, so that he opposes me and waits in ambush, as is the case today!" CSB 1 Samuel 22:13 Saul asked him, "Why did you and Jesse's son conspire against me? You gave him bread and a sword and inquired of God for him, so he could rise up against me and wait in ambush, as is the case today." ESV 1 Samuel 22:13 And Saul said to him, "Why have you conspired against me, you and the son of Jesse, in that you have given him bread and a sword and have inquired of God for him, so that he has risen against me, to lie in wait, as at this day?" NIV 1 Samuel 22:13 Saul said to him, "Why have you conspired against me, you and the son of Jesse, giving him bread and a sword and inquiring of God for him, so that he has rebelled against me and lies in wait for me, as he does today?" NLT 1 Samuel 22:13 "Why have you and the son of Jesse conspired against me?" Saul demanded. "Why did you give him food and a sword? Why have you consulted God for him? Why have you encouraged him to kill me, as he is trying to do this very day?" NRS 1 Samuel 22:13 Saul said to him, "Why have you conspired against me, you and the son of Jesse, by giving him bread and a sword, and by inquiring of God for him, so that he has risen against me, to lie in wait, as he is doing today?" NJB 1 Samuel 22:13 'Why have you conspired against me,' said Saul, 'you and the son of Jesse, giving him bread and a sword and consulting God on his behalf, for him to rebel against me as is now the case?' NAB 1 Samuel 22:13 Saul asked him, "Why did you conspire against me with the son of Jesse by giving him food and a sword and by consulting God for him, that he might rebel against me and become my enemy, as is the case today?" YLT 1 Samuel 22:13 And Saul saith unto him, 'Why have ye conspired against me, thou and the son of Jesse, by thy giving to him bread and a sword, and to ask for him at God, to rise against me, to lie in wait, as at this day?' GWN 1 Samuel 22:13 Saul asked him, "Why did you and Jesse's son plot against me? You gave him bread and a sword and prayed to God for him so that he can rise up against me and ambush me, as he's doing now." Why have: 1Sa 22:8 Ps 119:69 Am 7:10 Lu 23:2-5 1 Samuel 22 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: Deuteronomy 17:6+ “On the evidence of two witnesses or three witnesses, he who is to die shall be put to death; he shall not be put to death on the evidence of one witness. SAUL ACCUSES AHIMELECH OF A CONSPIRACY Saul then said to him, "Why have you and the son of Jesse (note avoids David's name) conspired (qashar) against me - In continuing paranoia, Saul accuses the priest of conspiracy to assassinate Saul. He assumes guilty verdict. He does not call for a second witness which was specified by the Mosaic Law. Interesting that conspired is same verb describing knitting of Jonathan and David's heart! in that you have given him bread and a sword and have inquired of God for him - The 3 accusations of Doeg were stated as if there was no doubt in Saul's mind. so that he would rise up against me by lying in ambush as it is this day - Saul adds that these acts by the priests were for the purpose of enabling David to ambush him! He is extrapolating the charges to now accuse them in essence of attempt to murder him. Conspired (07194) qashar essentially means binding or tying something to something else and could be used of binding men. Literally = binding or tying something up (Ge 38:28; Josh. 2:18, 21; Jer.51:63). Figuratively attacking or fastening something on (Isa. 49:18); "bind the chains of the Pleiades" constellation (Job 38:31). Connect a wall (Neh. 4:6, 8). Figuratively of Jacob's soul bound with Benjamin (Ge. 44:30); of Jonathan's soul bound to David's (1Sa 18:1); of forming a conspiracy (translated conspired 19x, conspirators 2x) or an alliance against someone (1Ki. 15:27; 1Ki 16:20; 2Ki. 9:14). Binding of moral or spiritual teachings to oneself (Dt. 6:8; 11:18; Pr. 3:3; 6:21; 7:3). (The Complete Word Study Dictionary – Old Testament) 1 Samuel 22:14 Then Ahimelech answered the king and said, "And who among all your servants is as faithful as David, even the king's son-in-law, who is captain over your guard, and is honored in your house? BGT 1 Samuel 22:14 καὶ ἀπεκρίθη τῷ βασιλεῖ καὶ εἶπεν καὶ τίς ἐν πᾶσιν τοῖς δούλοις σου ὡς Δαυιδ πιστὸς καὶ γαμβρὸς τοῦ βασιλέως καὶ ἄρχων παντὸς παραγγέλματός σου καὶ ἔνδοξος ἐν τῷ οἴκῳ σου LXE 1 Samuel 22:14 And he answered the king, and said, And who is there among all thy servants faithful as David, and he is a son-in-law of the king, and he is executor of all thy commands, and is honourable in thy house? KJV 1 Samuel 22:14 Then Ahimelech answered the king, and said, And who is so faithful among all thy servants as David, which is the king's son in law, and goeth at thy bidding, and is honourable in thine house? NET 1 Samuel 22:14 Ahimelech replied to the king, "Who among all your servants is faithful like David? He is the king's son-in-law, the leader of your bodyguard, and honored in your house! CSB 1 Samuel 22:14 Ahimelech replied to the king: "Who among all your servants is as faithful as David? He is the king's son-in-law, captain of your bodyguard, and honored in your house. ESV 1 Samuel 22:14 Then Ahimelech answered the king, "And who among all your servants is so faithful as David, who is the king's son-in-law, and captain over your bodyguard, and honored in your house? NIV 1 Samuel 22:14 Ahimelech answered the king, "Who of all your servants is as loyal as David, the king's son-in-law, captain of your bodyguard and highly respected in your household? NLT 1 Samuel 22:14 "But sir," Ahimelech replied, "is anyone among all your servants as faithful as David, your son-in-law? Why, he is the captain of your bodyguard and a highly honored member of your household! NRS 1 Samuel 22:14 Then Ahimelech answered the king, "Who among all your servants is so faithful as David? He is the king's son-in-law, and is quick to do your bidding, and is honored in your house. NJB 1 Samuel 22:14 Ahimelech replied to the king, 'Of all those in your service, who is more loyal than David son-in-law to the king, captain of your bodyguard, honoured in your household? NAB 1 Samuel 22:14 Ahimelech answered the king: "And who among all your servants is as loyal as David, the king's son-in-law, captain of your bodyguard, and honored in your own house? YLT 1 Samuel 22:14 And Ahimelech answereth the king and saith, 'And who among all thy servants is as David -- faithful, and son-in-law of the king, and hath turned aside unto thy council, and is honoured in thy house? GWN 1 Samuel 22:14 Ahimelech asked the king, "But whom among all your officials can you trust like David? Your Majesty, he's your son-in-law, the commander of your bodyguard. He's honored in your own household. And who: 1Sa 19:4,5 20:32 24:11 26:23 2Sa 22:23-25 Pr 24:11,12 31:8,9 the king's: 1Sa 22:13 17:25 18:27 goeth: 1Sa 18:13 21:2 1 Samuel 22 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries AHIMELECH'S TESTIMONY TO DAVID'S FAITHFULNESS Then - Marks progression in the narrative. Ahimelech answered the king and said, "And who among all your servants is as faithful as David, even the king's son-in-law, who is captain over your guard, and is honored in your house - Clearly Ahimelech is as we say "clueless" as he defends the name and reputation of David to his jealous enemy Saul! This is the proverbial picture of opening mouth and inserting foot! This statement likely signed his death warrant before this paranoid king. He cites three things about David: 1. The king's son-in-law 2. Captain of your bodyguard 3. Highly respected in your household 1 Samuel 22:15 "Did I just begin to inquire of God for him today? Far be it from me! Do not let the king impute anything to his servant or to any of the household of my father, for your servant knows nothing at all of this whole affair." BGT 1 Samuel 22:15 ἦ σήμερον ἦργμαι ἐρωτᾶν αὐτῷ διὰ τοῦ θεοῦ μηδαμῶς μὴ δότω ὁ βασιλεὺς κατὰ τοῦ δούλου αὐτοῦ λόγον καὶ ἐφ᾽ ὅλον τὸν οἶκον τοῦ πατρός μου ὅτι οὐκ ᾔδει ὁ δοῦλος ὁ σὸς ἐν πᾶσιν τούτοις ῥῆμα μικρὸν ἢ μέγα LXE 1 Samuel 22:15 Have I begun to-day to enquire of God for him? By no means: let not the king bring a charge against his servant, and against thee whole of my father's house; for thy servant knew not in all these matters anything great or small. KJV 1 Samuel 22:15 Did I then begin to enquire of God for him? be it far from me: let not the king impute any thing unto his servant, nor to all the house of my father: for thy servant knew nothing of all this, less or more. NET 1 Samuel 22:15 Was it just today that I began to inquire of God on his behalf? Far be it from me! The king should not accuse his servant or any of my father's house. For your servant is not aware of all this– not in whole or in part!" CSB 1 Samuel 22:15 Was today the first time I inquired of God for him? Of course not! Please don't let the king make an accusation against your servant or any of my father's household, for your servant didn't have any idea about all this." ESV 1 Samuel 22:15 Is today the first time that I have inquired of God for him? No! Let not the king impute anything to his servant or to all the house of my father, for your servant has known nothing of all this, much or little." NIV 1 Samuel 22:15 Was that day the first time I inquired of God for him? Of course not! Let not the king accuse your servant or any of his father's family, for your servant knows nothing at all about this whole affair." NLT 1 Samuel 22:15 This was certainly not the first time I had consulted God for him! May the king not accuse me and my family in this matter, for I knew nothing at all of any plot against you." NRS 1 Samuel 22:15 Is today the first time that I have inquired of God for him? By no means! Do not let the king impute anything to his servant or to any member of my father's house; for your servant has known nothing of all this, much or little." NJB 1 Samuel 22:15 Was today the first time I ever consulted God on his behalf? Indeed it was not! The king has no grounds for bringing any charge against his servant or against his whole family, for your servant knew nothing whatever about all this.' NAB 1 Samuel 22:15 Is this the first time I have consulted God for him? No indeed! Let not the king accuse his servant or anyone in my family of such a thing. Your servant knows nothing at all, great or small, about the whole matter." YLT 1 Samuel 22:15 To-day have I begun to ask for him at God? far be it from me! let not the king lay anything against his servant, against any of the house of my father, for thy servant hath known nothing of all this, less or more.' GWN 1 Samuel 22:15 Is this the first time I have prayed to God for him? Not at all! You shouldn't blame me or anyone in my family for this. I knew nothing at all about this." Did I: Ge 20:5,6 2Sa 15:11 2Co 1:12 1Pe 3:16,17 your servant knows nothing at all of this whole affair., 1Sa 25:36 1 Samuel 22 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries AHIMELECH PLEADS HIS INNOCENCE Did I just begin to inquire of God for him today? Far be it from me! - NLT = "This was certainly not the first time I had consulted God for him!" Do not let the king impute anything to his servant or to any of the household of my father, for your servant knows nothing at all of this whole affair - CSB - "Please don't let the king make an accusation against your servant or any of my father's household, for your servant didn't have any idea about all this." Here Ahimelech is caught in the cross fire. He is being blamed unjustly for something that he did not know. David had lied to him that he was going on a secret mission for the king, and so Ahimelech acted accordingly. TSK - He seems to intimate, that his enquiring now for David was no new thing, having often done so before, without ever being informed it was wrong in itself or displeasing to the king 1 Samuel 22:16 But the king said, "You shall surely die, Ahimelech, you and all your father's household!" BGT 1 Samuel 22:16 καὶ εἶπεν ὁ βασιλεὺς Σαουλ θανάτῳ ἀποθανῇ Αβιμελεχ σὺ καὶ πᾶς ὁ οἶκος τοῦ πατρός σου LXE 1 Samuel 22:16 And king Saul said, Thou shalt surely die, Abimelech, thou, and all thy father's house. KJV 1 Samuel 22:16 And the king said, Thou shalt surely die, Ahimelech, thou, and all thy father's house. NET 1 Samuel 22:16 But the king said, "You will surely die, Ahimelech, you and all your father's house! CSB 1 Samuel 22:16 But the king said, "You will die, Ahimelech-- you and your father's whole family!" ESV 1 Samuel 22:16 And the king said, "You shall surely die, Ahimelech, you and all your father's house." NIV 1 Samuel 22:16 But the king said, "You will surely die, Ahimelech, you and your father's whole family." NLT 1 Samuel 22:16 "You will surely die, Ahimelech, along with your entire family!" the king shouted. NRS 1 Samuel 22:16 The king said, "You shall surely die, Ahimelech, you and all your father's house." NJB 1 Samuel 22:16 The king retorted, 'You must die, Ahimelech, you and your whole family.' NAB 1 Samuel 22:16 But the king said, "You shall die, Ahimelech, with all your family." YLT 1 Samuel 22:16 And the king saith, 'Thou dost surely die, Ahimelech, thou, and all the house of thy father.' GWN 1 Samuel 22:16 Saul said, "Ahimelech, you and your entire family are going to die." shall surely die: 1Sa 14:44 20:31 1Ki 18:4 19:2 Pr 28:15 Da 2:5,12 3:19,20 Ac 12:19 and: De 24:16 Es 3:6 Mt 2:16 1 Samuel 22 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries SAUL PRONOUNCES THE DEATH SENTENCE But - A tragic term of contrast. Ahimelech's plea of innocence is dismissed without any consideration by evil Saul. the king said, "You shall surely die, Ahimelech, you and all your father's household - Saul in his irrational state does not just condemn the priests but all his household. Guilt by association! Saul is totally unwilling to listen to reason, and he has no scruples with regard to the sacred. He has lost all sense of holy things. He is demonstrating that he himself is wholly unholy. Are these the actions of a saved individual? 1 Samuel 22:17 And the king said to the guards who were attending him, "Turn around and put the priests of the LORD to death, because their hand also is with David and because they knew that he was fleeing and did not reveal it to me." But the servants of the king were not willing to put forth their hands to attack the priests of the LORD. BGT 1 Samuel 22:17 καὶ εἶπεν ὁ βασιλεὺς τοῖς παρατρέχουσιν τοῖς ἐφεστηκόσιν ἐπ᾽ αὐτόν προσαγάγετε καὶ θανατοῦτε τοὺς ἱερεῖς τοῦ κυρίου ὅτι ἡ χεὶρ αὐτῶν μετὰ Δαυιδ καὶ ὅτι ἔγνωσαν ὅτι φεύγει αὐτός καὶ οὐκ ἀπεκάλυψαν τὸ ὠτίον μου καὶ οὐκ ἐβουλήθησαν οἱ παῖδες τοῦ βασιλέως ἐπενεγκεῖν τὰς χεῖρας αὐτῶν ἀπαντῆσαι εἰς τοὺς ἱερεῖς κυρίου LXE 1 Samuel 22:17 And the king said to the footmen that attended on him, Draw nigh and slay the priests of the Lord, because their hand is with David, and because they knew that he fled, and they did not inform me. But the servants of the king would not lift their hands to fall upon the priest of the Lord. KJV 1 Samuel 22:17 And the king said unto the footmen that stood about him, Turn, and slay the priests of the LORD; because their hand also is with David, and because they knew when he fled, and did not shew it to me. But the servants of the king would not put forth their hand to fall upon the priests of the LORD. NET 1 Samuel 22:17 Then the king said to the messengers who were stationed beside him, "Turn and kill the priests of the LORD, for they too have sided with David! They knew he was fleeing, but they did not inform me." But the king's servants refused to harm the priests of the LORD. CSB 1 Samuel 22:17 Then the king ordered the guards standing by him, "Turn and kill the priests of the LORD because they sided with David. For they knew he was fleeing, but they didn't tell me." But the king's servants would not lift a hand to execute the priests of the LORD. ESV 1 Samuel 22:17 And the king said to the guard who stood about him, "Turn and kill the priests of the LORD, because their hand also is with David, and they knew that he fled and did not disclose it to me." But the servants of the king would not put out their hand to strike the priests of the LORD. NIV 1 Samuel 22:17 Then the king ordered the guards at his side: "Turn and kill the priests of the LORD, because they too have sided with David. They knew he was fleeing, yet they did not tell me." But the king's officials were not willing to raise a hand to strike the priests of the LORD. NLT 1 Samuel 22:17 And he ordered his bodyguards, "Kill these priests of the LORD, for they are allies and conspirators with David! They knew he was running away from me, but they didn't tell me!" But Saul's men refused to kill the LORD's priests. NRS 1 Samuel 22:17 The king said to the guard who stood around him, "Turn and kill the priests of the LORD, because their hand also is with David; they knew that he fled, and did not disclose it to me." But the servants of the king would not raise their hand to attack the priests of the LORD. NJB 1 Samuel 22:17 The king said to the scouts who were standing round him, 'Forward! and put the priests of Yahweh to death, for they too are on David's side, they knew that he was escaping, yet did not warn me of it.' The king's professional soldiers, however, would not lift a hand to strike the priests of Yahweh. NAB 1 Samuel 22:17 The king then commanded his henchmen standing by: "Make the rounds and kill the priests of the LORD, for they assisted David. They knew he was a fugitive and yet failed to inform me." But the king's servants refused to lift a hand to strike the priests of the LORD. YLT 1 Samuel 22:17 And the king saith to runners, those standing by him, 'Turn round, and put to death the priests of Jehovah, because their hand also is with David, and because they have known that he is fleeing, and have not uncovered mine ear;' and the servants of the king have not been willing to put forth their hand to come against the priests of Jehovah. GWN 1 Samuel 22:17 "Turn and kill the LORD's priests because they support David," the king said to the runners standing around him. "When they knew David was fleeing, they didn't inform me." But the king's men refused to attack the LORD's priests. guards, 1Sa 8:11 2Sa 15:1 1Ki 1:5 put to death: 1Sa 22:13 20:33 25:17 1Ki 18:4 not willing: 1Sa 14:45 Ex 1:17 2Ki 1:13,14 Ac 4:19 1 Samuel 22 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries SAUL'S SERVANTS DISOBEY TWO CLEAR COMMANDS And the king said to the guards who were attending him, "Turn around and put the priests of the LORD (Jehovah - Yahweh) to death, because their hand also is with David and because they knew that he was fleeing and did not reveal it to me." - Saul does not just say slay the priests but has the godless audacity to add "of the LORD!" Saul orders the execution of the priests based on the false supposition that they have sided with David. His second reason is also a false assumption for the priests did not know David was fleeing from Saul. But the servants of the king were not willing to put forth their hands to attack the priests of the LORD - The servants apparently still have some holy fear of the LORD, so refuse to obey Saul. Frankly, they did so at the risk of their lives, for Saul could have easily have them slain claiming insubordination! Anderson - Saul is acting just like HITLER here in barking out signals that involve the death of many precious people. Ahimelech was not conscious of any crime since David had come to him with a false pretext. And probably knowing little of what had transpired at the court, he answered calmly and worthily. In his consciousness of innocence he prayed that no guilt be laid to the charge of himself or the priests. That they were under suspicion is manifest from their being summoned before the king. Winter does not mince words commenting that "Nothing is holy to a man who has sold his soul to Satan. Most men would stop short of killing God's anointed people. When Saul ordered his men to slay the priests, there was none at first to do his infamous will. Finally, one who was a stranger to the commonwealth of Israel, and evidently a mercenary in Saul's army, fulfilled the mad king's order. It is hard to imagine anyone falling lower than Saul fell as he slew the priests. But when man sells his soul to Satan, he falls to unbelievable depths." 1 Samuel 22:18 Then the king said to Doeg, "You turn around and attack the priests." And Doeg the Edomite turned around and attacked the priests, and he killed that day eighty-five men who wore the linen ephod. BGT 1 Samuel 22:18 καὶ εἶπεν ὁ βασιλεὺς τῷ Δωηκ ἐπιστρέφου σὺ καὶ ἀπάντα εἰς τοὺς ἱερεῖς καὶ ἐπεστράφη Δωηκ ὁ Σύρος καὶ ἐθανάτωσεν τοὺς ἱερεῖς κυρίου ἐν τῇ ἡμέρᾳ ἐκείνῃ τριακοσίους καὶ πέντε ἄνδρας πάντας αἴροντας εφουδ LXE 1 Samuel 22:18 And the king said to Doec, Turn thou, and fall upon the priests: and Doec the Syrian turned, and slew the priests of the Lord in that day, three hundred and five men, all wearing an ephod. KJV 1 Samuel 22:18 And the king said to Doeg, Turn thou, and fall upon the priests. And Doeg the Edomite turned, and he fell upon the priests, and slew on that day fourscore and five persons that did wear a linen ephod. NET 1 Samuel 22:18 Then the king said to Doeg, "You turn and strike down the priests!" So Doeg the Edomite turned and struck down the priests. He killed on that day eighty-five men who wore the linen ephod. CSB 1 Samuel 22:18 So the king said to Doeg, "Go and execute the priests!" So Doeg the Edomite went and executed the priests himself. On that day, he killed 85 men who wore linen ephods. ESV 1 Samuel 22:18 Then the king said to Doeg, "You turn and strike the priests." And Doeg the Edomite turned and struck down the priests, and he killed on that day eighty-five persons who wore the linen ephod. NIV 1 Samuel 22:18 The king then ordered Doeg, "You turn and strike down the priests." So Doeg the Edomite turned and struck them down. That day he killed eighty-five men who wore the linen ephod. NLT 1 Samuel 22:18 Then the king said to Doeg, "You do it." So Doeg the Edomite turned on them and killed them that day, eighty-five priests in all, still wearing their priestly garments. NRS 1 Samuel 22:18 Then the king said to Doeg, "You, Doeg, turn and attack the priests." Doeg the Edomite turned and attacked the priests; on that day he killed eighty-five who wore the linen ephod. NJB 1 Samuel 22:18 The king then said to Doeg, 'Forward, you! Fall on the priests!' Doeg the Edomite stepped forward and fell on the priests, himself that day killing eighty-five men who wore the linen ephod. NAB 1 Samuel 22:18 The king therefore commanded Doeg, "You make the rounds and kill the priests!" So Doeg the Edomite went from one to the next and killed the priests himself, slaying on that day eighty-five who wore the linen ephod. YLT 1 Samuel 22:18 And the king saith to Doeg, 'Turn round thou, and come against the priests;' and Doeg the Edomite turneth round, and cometh himself against the priests, and putteth to death in that day eighty and five men bearing a linen ephod, GWN 1 Samuel 22:18 So the king said to Doeg, "You turn and attack the priests." Doeg from Edom turned and attacked the priests, and that day he killed 85 men wearing the linen priestly ephod. Doeg: 1Sa 22:9 attacked: 2Ch 24:21 Ho 5:11 7:3 Mic 6:16 Zep 3:3 Ac 26:10,11 85 men: 1Sa 2:30-33,36 3:12-14 linen ephod: 1Sa 2:28 Ex 28:40 1 Samuel 22 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries SAUL CHARGES DOEG TO DESTROY THE PRIESTS Then the king said to Doeg, "You turn around and attack the priests." And Doeg the Edomite turned around and attacked the priests, and he killed that day eighty-five men who wore the linen ephod (epod) - This holy bloodbath is a horrible stain on Saul's reign demonstrating that he has lost all sense of right and wrong, blatantly committing an unjust act. As recorded in the Greek translation the number killed was 305 which (if true) implies Doeg slew the priests and their wives and children! Perhaps this includes those in the city of Nob which Doeg exterminated. Recall the curse from the man of God on Eli's posterity in 1Sa 2:31+ declaring "Behold, the days are coming when I will break your strength and the strength of your father’s house so that there will not be an old man in your house." The one exception at this time was Abiathar, but even he was later "terminated" by King Solomon (1Ki 2:26-29). TSK - The LXX. read, [tria kosious kai pente andras,] "three hundred and five men;" and Josephus, "three hundred and eighty-five men." Probably the eighty-five were priests and the three hundred the families of the priests; three hundred and eighty-five being the whole population of Nob. 1 Samuel 22:19 And he struck Nob the city of the priests with the edge of the sword, both men and women, children and infants; also oxen, donkeys, and sheep he struck with the edge of the sword. BGT 1 Samuel 22:19 καὶ τὴν Νομβα τὴν πόλιν τῶν ἱερέων ἐπάταξεν ἐν στόματι ῥομφαίας ἀπὸ ἀνδρὸς ἕως γυναικός ἀπὸ νηπίου ἕως θηλάζοντος καὶ μόσχου καὶ ὄνου καὶ προβάτου LXE 1 Samuel 22:19 And he smote Nomba the city of the priest with the edge of the sword, both man, and woman, infant and suckling, and calf, and ox, and sheep. KJV 1 Samuel 22:19 And Nob, the city of the priests, smote he with the edge of the sword, both men and women, children and sucklings, and oxen, and asses, and sheep, with the edge of the sword. NET 1 Samuel 22:19 As for Nob, the city of the priests, he struck down with the sword men and women, children and infants, oxen, donkeys, and sheep– all with the sword. CSB 1 Samuel 22:19 He also struck down Nob, the city of the priests, with the sword-- both men and women, children and infants, oxen, donkeys, and sheep. ESV 1 Samuel 22:19 And Nob, the city of the priests, he put to the sword; both man and woman, child and infant, ox, donkey and sheep, he put to the sword. NIV 1 Samuel 22:19 He also put to the sword Nob, the town of the priests, with its men and women, its children and infants, and its cattle, donkeys and sheep. NLT 1 Samuel 22:19 Then he went to Nob, the town of the priests, and killed the priests' families-- men and women, children and babies-- and all the cattle, donkeys, sheep, and goats. NRS 1 Samuel 22:19 Nob, the city of the priests, he put to the sword; men and women, children and infants, oxen, donkeys, and sheep, he put to the sword. NJB 1 Samuel 22:19 Nob, the town of the priests, Saul put to the sword: men and women, children and infants, cattle, donkeys and sheep. NAB 1 Samuel 22:19 Saul also put the priestly city of Nob to the sword, including men and women, children and infants, and oxen, asses and sheep. YLT 1 Samuel 22:19 and Nob, the city of the priests, he hath smitten by the mouth of the sword, from man even unto woman, from infant even unto suckling, and ox, and ass, and sheep, by the mouth of the sword. GWN 1 Samuel 22:19 He also killed the people of Nob, the city of the priests. Using his sword, he killed men and women, children and infants, cows, donkeys, and sheep. Nob: 1Sa 22:9,11 21:1 Ne 11:32 Isa 10:32 men: 1Sa 15:3,9 Jos 6:17,21 Ho 10:14 Jas 2:13 with the edge: This is one of the worst acts of Saul's life: his malice was implacable, and his wrath cruel; and there is no motive of justice or policy by which such a barbarous massacre can be justified. 1 Samuel 22 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Doeg's Massacre of Innocents DOEG EXTERMINATES ENTIRE CITY OF NOB And - This copulative conjunction links the preceding slaying by Doeg of the priests at Gibeah to the extermination of the entire city of Nob. He (Doeg) struck Nob the city of the priests with the edge of the sword, both men and women, children and infants; also oxen, donkeys, and sheep he struck with the edge of the sword - How tragic that Saul instructs an Edomite to utterly destroy an entire city, the very thing he was unwilling to do to the Amalekites! At this juncture it is very difficult to say that Saul was a saved soul! The larger number of 305 in the Septuagint rendering could include those killed in the city of Nob. Anderson - When things like this happen and are recorded in Scripture, we often are prone to say, "O God, why?" 1 Samuel 22:20 But one son of Ahimelech the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped and fled after David. BGT 1 Samuel 22:20 καὶ διασῴζεται υἱὸς εἷς τῷ Αβιμελεχ υἱῷ Αχιτωβ καὶ ὄνομα αὐτῷ Αβιαθαρ καὶ ἔφυγεν ὀπίσω Δαυιδ LXE 1 Samuel 22:20 And one son of Abimelech son of Achitob escapes, and his name was Abiathar, and he fled after David. KJV 1 Samuel 22:20 And one of the sons of Ahimelech the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped, and fled after David. NET 1 Samuel 22:20 But one of the sons of Ahimelech son of Ahitub escaped and fled to David. His name was Abiathar. CSB 1 Samuel 22:20 However, one of the sons of Ahimelech son of Ahitub escaped. His name was Abiathar, and he fled to David. ESV 1 Samuel 22:20 But one of the sons of Ahimelech the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped and fled after David. NIV 1 Samuel 22:20 But Abiathar, a son of Ahimelech son of Ahitub, escaped and fled to join David. NLT 1 Samuel 22:20 Only Abiathar, one of the sons of Ahimelech, escaped and fled to David. NRS 1 Samuel 22:20 But one of the sons of Ahimelech son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped and fled after David. NJB 1 Samuel 22:20 One son of Ahimelech son of Ahitub alone escaped. His name was Abiathar, and he fled away to join David. NAB 1 Samuel 22:20 One son of Ahimelech, son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped and fled to David. YLT 1 Samuel 22:20 And there escapeth one son of Ahimelech, son of Ahitub, and his name is Abiathar, and he fleeth after David, GWN 1 Samuel 22:20 But Ahimelech, Ahitub's son, had one son who escaped. His name was Abiathar. He fled to David. one: 1Sa 23:6 30:7 2Sa 20:25 1Ki 2:26,27 escaped: 1Sa 2:33 4:12 Job 1:15-17,19 1 Samuel 22 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries ABIATHAR ESCAPES & FLEES TO DAVID But one son of Ahimelech the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar ("the father is excellent"), escaped and fled after David - God is sovereign even over the Nob massacre and allows one priest to escape to David's stronghold. The term “high priest” is not actually used throughout the narrative concerning Abiathar, but it is clear that Abiathar and Zadok were in effect joint high priests when David brought the Ark to Jerusalem (1Ch 15:11f.). This situation continued through David’s reign, as the references to the two men during Absalom’s rebellion indicate (e.g., 2 Sam 15:24, 27, 29). Abiathar did not, however, give the same loyalty to Solomon, but associated himself with the cause of Adonijah, the eldest surviving son of David (1 Kings 1:7, 19, 25). When Adonijah was executed on suspicion of plotting a coup, Abiathar was banished by King Solomon from Jerusalem (1Ki 2:22–27) This terminated the joint priesthood of Zadok and Abiathar, as referred to in 1Ki 4:4, and fulfilled the prediction, made 150 years earlier, of the end of the priestly rule of the house of Eli (1Sa 2:31–35). Winter points out, "Only one son of Ahimelech escaped, and his only refuge was with David. David assured the young priest that he would protect him as one of his own men. It was in this manner that David secured not only the services of Gad the prophet, but also the services of Abiathar the priest." QUESTION - Who was Abiathar in the Bible? ANSWER - Along with Zadok, Abiathar served as one of the chief priests during David’s reign as king. Abiathar’s name means “father of excellence” or “father of abundance” in Hebrew. Abiathar was the son of Ahimelech, who served as a priest at Nob (1 Samuel 21:1; Mark 2:26) until he and the other priests were murdered by King Saul (1 Samuel 21:1–19). Being the only son of Ahimelech to escape the massacre at Nob, Abiathar fled to David and was promised protection by the future king (1 Samuel 21:20–23). Because Abiathar served David and acted as priest for all of David’s men in hiding, he was made high priest along with Zadok once David began his reign as king (1 Chronicles 15:11). This was a natural role for him to take on, as he had kept the ephod and administered the Urim and Thummin when David sought direction from the Lord (1 Samuel 23:6; 30:7). When Absalom rebelled against his father and attempted to usurp the throne, Abiathar remained loyal to David. Abiathar was among those who fled the capital city with David (2 Samuel 15:24). Zadok and the Levites carried the ark of the covenant, “and Abiathar offered sacrifices until all the people had finished leaving the city” (2 Samuel 15:24). Although David admired the loyalty and faithfulness of the priests, he ordered them to return to the city with the ark. This proved helpful because they were then able to send word to David about Absalom’s plans (2 Samuel 15:27–29; 17:15–16). David was restored to his throne and Abiathar to his priestly office. Things changed as David’s son Solomon took the throne. Abiathar was not loyal to the new king. Adonijah, another one of David’s sons, put himself forward as king with the help of Joab (one of David’s nephews) and Abiathar (1 Kings 1:5, 7). Once the threat from Adonijah was neutralized, King Solomon dealt with the conspirators. One of Solomon’s actions was to remove Abiathar from the priestly office. This fulfilled the Lord’s word of judgment over Eli and his descendants, which impacted Abiathar since he was related to Eli (1 Samuel 3:12–14; 1 Kings 2:27). It was only because of the priest’s loyal service to David that Solomon did not kill him. Solomon told Abiathar, “Go back to your fields in Anathoth. You deserve to die, but I will not put you to death now, because you carried the ark of the Sovereign LORD before my father David and shared all my father’s hardships” (1 Kings 2:26). Zadok replaced Abiathar as priest under Solomon (1 Kings 2:35). Abiathar lived most of his life in faithful service to the Lord, but he did not finish well. Instead of siding with the rightful king of Israel (2 Samuel 7:12; 1 Kings 1:17), Abiathar assisted one of David’s rebellious sons who desired to rule. He allowed earthly matters to become his focus, which cost him the priestly office. Like Abiathar, we can easily get caught up in worldly schemes and lose sight of God’s plan. Rather than seeking our own way or chasing what seems politically expedient, we should seek to faithfully follow God. Then, when our time on earth is done, we can state with the apostle Paul, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful” (2 Timothy 4:7NLT). GotQuestions.org 1 Samuel 22:21 Abiathar told David that Saul had killed the priests of the LORD. BGT 1 Samuel 22:21 καὶ ἀπήγγειλεν Αβιαθαρ τῷ Δαυιδ ὅτι ἐθανάτωσεν Σαουλ πάντας τοὺς ἱερεῖς τοῦ κυρίου LXE 1 Samuel 22:21 And Abiathar told David that Saul had slain all the priests of the Lord. KJV 1 Samuel 22:21 And Abiathar shewed David that Saul had slain the LORD'S priests. NET 1 Samuel 22:21 Abiathar told David that Saul had killed the priests of the LORD. CSB 1 Samuel 22:21 Abiathar told David that Saul had killed the priests of the LORD. ESV 1 Samuel 22:21 And Abiathar told David that Saul had killed the priests of the LORD. NIV 1 Samuel 22:21 He told David that Saul had killed the priests of the LORD. NLT 1 Samuel 22:21 When he told David that Saul had killed the priests of the LORD, NRS 1 Samuel 22:21 Abiathar told David that Saul had killed the priests of the LORD. NJB 1 Samuel 22:21 When Abiathar told David that Saul had slaughtered the priests of Yahweh, NAB 1 Samuel 22:21 When Abiathar told David that Saul had slain the priests of the LORD, YLT 1 Samuel 22:21 and Abiathar declareth to David that Saul hath slain the priests of Jehovah. GWN 1 Samuel 22:21 Abiathar told David that Saul had killed the LORD's priests. 1 Samuel 22 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries ABIATHAR'S REPORT OF THE TRAGEDY AT NOB Abiathar told David that Saul had killed the priests of the LORD - David receives the report of one of the most brutal massacres of innocent people in the history of the nation, rivaling the almost complete annihilation of the tribe of Benjamin in the book of Judges. Safe Refuge 1 Samuel 22:21-23 In 1939 the Nazis began their program of Jewish extermination in Poland. In the midst of the destruction, Oskar Schindler, a most unlikely hero, opened his Emalia factory in Krakow, which produced enamel goods and munitions to supply the German front. As the Nazis began in earnest the removal of Jews to death camps, Schindler was able to rescue 1,300 Jewish men and women to work in his factory. By designating their skills as "essential" and paying off the local authorities, Schindler provided a haven that kept these refugees alive through the Holocaust. David provided this kind of refuge for Abiathar, son of the high priest Ahimelech. After Saul discovered that the priests of the city of Nob had given assistance to David, he killed not only them but also all the men, women, children and even the animals of the city. Abiathar himself would have been killed if Saul could have found him. In return for his father's kindness, David offered Abiathar a place of refuge. With David and his army, Abiathar found safety. Satan's purpose for the human race includes the destruction of every living being, regardless of their age or gender. Only those who find a place of refuge can hope to survive. Like Schindler, like David, God provides such a place (Ps. 91:1-2). It's in His Son, Jesus Christ. When we receive Him as our Savior, we are safe from the ravages of the evil one. Are you safe in Christ? If so, give thanks to Him who provides such a refuge from the destruction brought by Satan. If not, trust Christ Jesus today and become secure in Him forever. In the midst of destruction, Jesus is a place of safety. (Courtesy of Back to the Bible) There is safety only in Jesus. 1 Samuel 22:22 Then David said to Abiathar, "I knew on that day, when Doeg the Edomite was there, that he would surely tell Saul. I have brought about the death of every person in your father's household. BGT 1 Samuel 22:22 καὶ εἶπεν Δαυιδ τῷ Αβιαθαρ ἤιδειν ἐν τῇ ἡμέρᾳ ἐκείνῃ ὅτι Δωηκ ὁ Σύρος ὅτι ἀπαγγέλλων ἀπαγγελεῖ τῷ Σαουλ ἐγώ εἰμι αἴτιος τῶν ψυχῶν οἴκου τοῦ πατρός σου LXE 1 Samuel 22:22 And David said to Abiathar, I knew it in that day, that Doec the Syrian would surely tell Saul: I am guilty of the death of the house of thy father. KJV 1 Samuel 22:22 And David said unto Abiathar, I knew it that day, when Doeg the Edomite was there, that he would surely tell Saul: I have occasioned the death of all the persons of thy father's house. NET 1 Samuel 22:22 Then David said to Abiathar, "I knew that day when Doeg the Edomite was there that he would certainly tell Saul! I am guilty of all the deaths in your father's house! CSB 1 Samuel 22:22 Then David said to Abiathar, "I knew that Doeg the Edomite was there that day and that he was sure to report to Saul. I myself am responsible for the lives of everyone in your father's family. ESV 1 Samuel 22:22 And David said to Abiathar, "I knew on that day, when Doeg the Edomite was there, that he would surely tell Saul. I have occasioned the death of all the persons of your father's house. NIV 1 Samuel 22:22 Then David said to Abiathar: "That day, when Doeg the Edomite was there, I knew he would be sure to tell Saul. I am responsible for the death of your father's whole family. NLT 1 Samuel 22:22 David exclaimed, "I knew it! When I saw Doeg the Edomite there that day, I knew he was sure to tell Saul. Now I have caused the death of all your father's family. NRS 1 Samuel 22:22 David said to Abiathar, "I knew on that day, when Doeg the Edomite was there, that he would surely tell Saul. I am responsible for the lives of all your father's house. NJB 1 Samuel 22:22 David said to Abiathar, 'I knew, that day when Doeg the Edomite was there, that he would be sure to inform Saul. I am responsible for the death of all your kinsmen. NAB 1 Samuel 22:22 David said to him: "I knew that day, when Doeg the Edomite was there, that he would surely tell Saul. I am responsible for the death of all your family. YLT 1 Samuel 22:22 And David saith to Abiathar, 'I have known on that day when Doeg the Edomite is there, that he doth certainly declare it to Saul; I have brought it round to every person of the house of thy father; GWN 1 Samuel 22:22 David told Abiathar, "I knew that day when Doeg from Edom was there that he would be certain to tell Saul. I am the one responsible for all the lives of your family. I have occasioned: 1Sa 21:1-9 Ps 44:22 1 Samuel 22 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: Proverbs 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit. DAVID ACKNOWLEDGES HIS ROLE IN THE TRAGEDY Then David said to Abiathar, "I knew on that day, when Doeg the Edomite was there, that he would surely tell Saul. I have brought about the death of every person in your father's household - David's lie to the priest, cost the lives of the priest and the entire town of Nob. David does not try to rationalize or deny but accepts his responsibility in the tragedy. In a word he is confessing. The man after God's own heart is returning to the highway of holiness after veering to the left and the right in his recent actions! THOUGHT- All of us have veered off of the "highway of holiness," like David, but praise God that He did not discard David, but forgave his sins and enabled him to press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Father, by Your Spirit, may you enable us to not "be sluggish (nothros), but be imitators (mimetes) of those (like DAVID) who through faith and patience (makrothumia) inherit the promises ("precious and magnificent promises" - 2Pe 1:4+)." (Hebrews 6:12+) In Jesus' Name. Amen. David would have sadly agreed with this little diddy... Sin will take you further than you ever wanted to stray! Cost you more than you ever dreamed you would pay! Keep you longer than you ever thought you would stay! Anderson - Just a little act of deception--but oh how it has devastated all of these who are involved in this situation. Someone said, "I reckon the best way to get learnt is you have ta get burnt." Blaikie: “There is one thing in David, when he received the information, that we cannot but admire – his readiness to take to himself his full share of blame … Nor did he excuse himself on the ground that the massacre was the fulfillment of the longstanding sentence on Eli’s house (1Sa 2:31-32). He knew well that that circumstance in no degree lessened his own guilt, or the guilt of Doeg and Saul. Though God may use men’s wicked passions to bring about His purposes, that in no degree lessens the guilt of these passions. ” 1 Samuel 22:23 "Stay with me; do not be afraid, for he who seeks my life seeks your life, for you are safe with me." BGT 1 Samuel 22:23 κάθου μετ᾽ ἐμοῦ μὴ φοβοῦ ὅτι οὗ ἐὰν ζητῶ τῇ ψυχῇ μου τόπον ζητήσω καὶ τῇ ψυχῇ σου ὅτι πεφύλαξαι σὺ παρ᾽ ἐμοί LXE 1 Samuel 22:23 Dwell with me; fear not, for wherever I shall seek a place of safety for my life, I will also seek a place for thy life, for thou art safely guarded while with me. KJV 1 Samuel 22:23 Abide thou with me, fear not: for he that seeketh my life seeketh thy life: but with me thou shalt be in safeguard. NET 1 Samuel 22:23 Stay with me. Don't be afraid! Whoever seeks my life is seeking your life as well. You are secure with me." CSB 1 Samuel 22:23 Stay with me. Don't be afraid, for the one who wants to take my life wants to take your life. You will be safe with me." ESV 1 Samuel 22:23 Stay with me; do not be afraid, for he who seeks my life seeks your life. With me you shall be in safekeeping." NIV 1 Samuel 22:23 Stay with me; don't be afraid; the man who is seeking your life is seeking mine also. You will be safe with me." NLT 1 Samuel 22:23 Stay here with me, and don't be afraid. I will protect you with my own life, for the same person wants to kill us both." NRS 1 Samuel 22:23 Stay with me, and do not be afraid; for the one who seeks my life seeks your life; you will be safe with me." NJB 1 Samuel 22:23 Stay with me, do not be afraid, for he who seeks your life seeks mine; you will be safe with me.' NAB 1 Samuel 22:23 Stay with me. Fear nothing; he that seeks your life must seek my life also. You are under my protection." YLT 1 Samuel 22:23 dwell with me; fear not; for he who seeketh my life seeketh thy life; for a charge art thou with me.' GWN 1 Samuel 22:23 Stay with me. Don't be afraid. The one who is seeking my life is also seeking your life. However, you will be under my protection." seeks: 1Ki 2:26 Mt 24:9 Joh 15:20 16:2,3 Heb 12:1-3 safe with me: Joh 10:28-30 17:12 18:9 1 Samuel 22 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries DAVID ASSURES ABIATHAR'S SAFETY Stay with me; do not be afraid, for he who seeks my life seeks your life, for you are safe with me - David essentially assures Abiathar that Saul cannot get to him without going through David. Abiathar served as priest to David for the remainder of David's life (1Sa 23:6, 9; 1Sa 30:7; 2Sa 8:17). Wiersbe - God in His providence gave David two great gifts: the ephod (1Sa 23:6) and a priest. He could always seek the will of the Lord as he planned his strategy. You have the Word of God and an interceding High Priest in heaven. Do you seek the mind of the Lord as you make decisions? (Borrow With the Word) James Smith - THE INFALLIBLE SAFEGUARD “Abide thou with me, fear not; for he that seeketh my life seeketh thy life, but with me thou shalt be in safeguard” (1 Sam. 22:23). Observe that— 1. David is a type of Christ. Chosen of God and anointed for his work, but just now rejected and despised as a king. 2. With him implies suffering. “He that seeketh my life seeketh thy life.” Identifying ourselves with the rejected Christ means suffering with Him; we have the same enemies to oppose. If any man live godly he must suffer. 3. With him implies safety. “With me thou shalt be in safeguard.” I flee to Thee to hide me. God in Christ is our refuge. With Him we are in safeguard from the— 1. WRATH TO COME (1 Tim. 1:10). He is the shadow of a great rock. He bore our sins. 2. CURSE OF THE LAW. “He was made a curse for us.” Now no condemnation. 3. POWER OF SIN. With Him, abiding in Him, sin shall not have dominion over you; by His indwelling Spirit He breaks the power of it. 4. FEAR OF MAN. With Him, in His love, all fear is cast out. If God be for us, who can be against us? 5. WORRIES OF LIFE. Abiding with Him, His peace will rule (garrison) the heart. “My God shall supply all your need.” “Take no thought for your life,” “with ME thou shalt be in safeguard.” 6. DREAD OF DEATH. With Him we can shout “O death, where is thy sting? Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil, for Thou art with me.” Are you with Him? He invites you, “Come unto Me, and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28).

1 Samuel 22

Wiersbe - What a motley group gathered around the exiled king (1 Cor. 1:26–30)! A. W. Tozer used to say, “Don’t follow any leader until you see the mark of the oil on his forehead.” David had the anointing of God, and he represented the future in Israel. Yes, he made mistakes and was sometimes discouraged, but he was God’s man and God used him.(Borrow With the Word) Now there were about four hundred men with him - We might call them David's motley crew who would grow under David's leadership into David's mighty men (cf 2Sa 10:7)