Saul destroys the priests at Nob

22:6 But Saul found out the whereabouts of David and the men who were with him. Now Saul was sitting at Gibeah under the tamarisk tree at an elevated location with his spear in hand and all his servants stationed around him. 22:7 Saul said to his servants who were stationed around him, “Listen up, you Benjaminites! Is Jesse’s son giving fields and vineyards to all of you? Or is he making all of you commanders and officers? 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!” 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. 22:10 He inquired of the Lord for him and gave him provisions. He also gave him the sword of Goliath the Philistine.” 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. 22:12 Then Saul said, “Listen, son of Ahitub.” He replied, “Here I am, my lord.” 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!” 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! 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!” 22:16 But the king said, “You will surely die, Ahimelech, you and all your father’s house! 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. 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. 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. 22:20 But one of the sons of Ahimelech son of Ahitub escaped and fled to David. His name was Abiathar. 22:21 Abiathar told David that Saul had killed the priests of the Lord. 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! 22:23 Stay with me. Don’t be afraid! Whoever seeks my life is seeking your life as well. You are secure with me.”

Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NET) are from the NET Bible®, copyright ©1996, 2019 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved.

Saul hears about David and becomes more fearful and angry. He falsely accuses Ahimelech and the priests of helping David against him. When Saul’s own servants refuse to kill the priests, Doeg the Edomite carries out the slaughter. Only Abiathar escapes and flees to David. David admits his guilt in the deaths in Abiathar’s father’s house and offers Abiathar safety.

This passage shows Saul’s fear turning into injustice and violence. He sits in power, but his heart is ruled by suspicion. He uses one report and treats it as proof of treason. Ahimelech defends himself and says he did nothing wrong. Saul does not listen. He condemns the priests and orders their death.

The king’s own servants refuse to strike the priests of the LORD. That refusal shows that even Saul’s court is not fully willing to join his sin. Doeg, however, kills the priests and destroys the city of Nob. The violence is total and terrible.

Abiathar escapes and brings the news to David. David does not deny the harm that came through this crisis. He says he is guilty of all the deaths in Abiathar’s father’s house. He tells Abiathar to stay with him and not be afraid. David becomes a place of refuge, while Saul becomes a destroyer of the LORD’s servants.

• Fear and jealousy can twist a leader into cruelty.
• A partial truth can be used as a false charge.
• The priests of the LORD are treated as sacred, and Saul’s attack is a serious sin.
• Not all of Saul’s servants were willing to obey this evil order.
• One priest, Abiathar, escapes and finds safety with David.
• David admits his guilt and offers protection.

• Warnings: Do not let fear, jealousy, or suspicion rule your heart.
• Warnings: Do not use half-truths to accuse others.
• Warnings: Do not abuse authority against God’s servants.
• Command: David tells Abiathar, 'Stay with me. Don’t be afraid!'
• Promise: 'You are secure with me.'

The passage shows the collapse of Saul’s kingship and the preservation of a priestly remnant. The priests are destroyed at Nob, but Abiathar escapes. This moves the story forward toward the rise of David and the need for a king who will rule with justice and honor the LORD.

This passage calls readers to fear God more than people, and to reject jealousy and false accusation. It also warns leaders to protect, not harm, those under their care. When others are afraid, we should act like David here: tell the truth, grieve evil, admit our own guilt where needed, and offer safe refuge where we can.

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