1 Samuel 22:17-23 ▼

17 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.

18 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.

19 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.

20 But one of the sons of Ahimelech the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped and fled to David.

21 Abiathar told David that Saul had murdered the LORD’S priests.

22 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).

23 Stay with me; do not be afraid, for he who seeks my life seeks your life, but you are safe with me.”