Saul Kills the Priests at Nob. So the king said to Doeg, “You turn around and attack the priests.” And Doeg the Edomite turned and attacked the priests, and that day he killed eighty-five men who wore the [priest’s] linen ephod. 1Sa 22:18
THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE MONARCHY
INTRODUCTION
The authorship of these books cannot be determined, but there is abundant evidence that they embody the report of eye-witnesses. Some of the more prominent characters in the scenes described are name as writers in 1Ch_29:29.
The First Book of Samuel records the rise of a new political and spiritual order represented by the kings and the prophets. The establishment of the monarchy, with Saul as the first king, is an epochal event in the development of Israel’s national life.
Of no less importance is the appearance of the “schools of the prophets” under the leadership of Samuel. In these institutions we see the beginning of the movement which made Israel spiritually supreme among the nations.
III. FROM THE ANOINTING OF DAVID TO THE DEATH OF SAUL, I Samuel 16-31
34. Saul Pursues David to Slay Him, I Samuel 21-26
46. What was the blackest deed in Saul’s life?
SAUL KILLS THE PRIESTS AT NOB
Then the king sent someone to call Ahimelech the priest, the son of Ahitub, and all his father’s household, the priests who were at Nob; and all of them came to the king.
Then Saul said, “Listen now, son of Ahitub.” He replied, “Here I am [at your service], my lord.”
Saul 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 he would rebel against me by lying in ambush, as he does this day?”
Then Ahimelech answered the king, “And who among all your servants is as faithful and trustworthy as David, who is the king’s son-in-law, and who is captain over your guard [and your confidant], and is honored in your house?
Did I just begin to inquire of God for him today? Far be it from me! Do not let the king impute any guilt to his servant or to any of the household of my father, for your servant knows nothing at all about this entire matter.”
But Saul said, “Be assured that you shall die, Ahimelech, you and all your father’s household (extended family).”
And the king said to the guards who stood around him, “Turn around and kill the priests of the LORD, because their loyalty also is with David, and because they knew that he was fleeing and did not inform me.” But the servants of the king were not willing to put out their hands to attack the LORD’S priests.
So the king said to Doeg, “You turn around and attack the priests.” And Doeg the Edomite turned and attacked the priests, and that day he killed eighty-five men who wore the [priest’s] linen ephod.
And he struck Nob the city of the priests with the edge of the sword, both men and women, children and infants; also he struck oxen and donkeys and sheep with the edge of the sword.
But one of the sons of Ahimelech the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped and fled to David.
Abiathar told David that Saul had murdered the LORD’S priests.
Then David said to Abiathar, “I knew that day, when Doeg the Edomite was there, that he would certainly tell Saul. I have brought about the death of everyone in your father’s household (extended family).
Stay with me; do not be afraid, for he who seeks my life seeks your life, but you are safe with me.”
THE SLAUGHTER OF DAVID’S FRIENDS
The Apostle James says that “the tongue is set on fire of hell.” Surely this was the case when Saul, encamped on the height above Gibeah, scattered his biting words like firebrands. They met with a ready response in Doeg’s evil heart, and the two perpetrated one of the most atrocious tragedies of history.
This black act-the blackest of Saul’s life-was not to be extenuated, although it executed the malediction, uttered long before in the days of Eli, against the latter’s evil house. That Saul’s footmen refused to execute the king’s sentence should have made Him hesitate. Doeg’s tale was true in its statement, but false in its implications.
There is nothing to alleviate the lurid horror of this incident, except David’s welcome to Abiathar. Are not such words addressed by our Lord to all who escape to Him? “Abide with me” may be understood in the light of Joh_15:1-27. With Christ there is safeguard. “Your life is hid with Christ in God.” Fear not, trembling soul; Christ stands surety for thee! See Psa_52:1-9, where David predicts Doeg’s fate, and contrasts it with his own happy lot.
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