So the king ordered Doeg, "You turn and strike down the priests!" And Doeg the Edomite turned and struck down the priests himself. On that day he killed eighty-five men who wore the linen ephod. So the king ordered DoegThis phrase highlights the authority and command of King Saul, who, in his paranoia and fear, orders a grievous act against the priests of Nob. The Hebrew root for "ordered" (צוה, tsavah) implies a command with authority, reflecting Saul's misuse of his kingly power. Historically, this moment marks a significant moral decline in Saul's reign, as he turns against the Lord's anointed servants. Doeg, identified as an Edomite, is a foreigner, which adds a layer of betrayal and highlights the enmity between Israel and Edom, descendants of Esau. You turn and strike down the priests! So Doeg the Edomite turned and struck them down killing eighty-five men who wore the linen ephod Persons / Places / Events 1. King SaulThe first king of Israel, who has become increasingly paranoid and disobedient to God. His order to kill the priests reflects his spiritual decline and desperation. 2. Doeg the Edomite A servant of Saul, who carries out the king's brutal order. His actions demonstrate a lack of moral integrity and fear of God. 3. The Priests of Nob These were the priests serving at the sanctuary in Nob, including Ahimelech, who had unknowingly aided David. They wore the linen ephod, signifying their priestly role. 4. Nob A city of priests, where the tabernacle was located at the time. It becomes the site of a tragic massacre due to Saul's wrath. 5. David Although not directly mentioned in this verse, David's earlier visit to Nob and interaction with Ahimelech set the stage for these events. His flight from Saul is a backdrop to the account. Teaching Points The Consequences of DisobedienceSaul's disobedience to God leads to irrational decisions and tragic outcomes. Disobedience to God can have far-reaching and devastating effects. The Role of Conscience Doeg's willingness to carry out Saul's order shows a seared conscience. Believers are called to maintain a sensitive conscience aligned with God's Word. The Cost of Following God The priests of Nob suffered for their association with David, illustrating that following God can lead to persecution and suffering. God's Justice and Sovereignty Despite the immediate tragedy, God’s justice prevails. Believers can trust in God's ultimate justice and sovereignty over all events. The Importance of Spiritual Discernment Saul's lack of discernment leads to the massacre. Believers must seek God's wisdom and discernment in their decisions. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Saul's order to kill the priests reflect his spiritual state, and what can we learn about the dangers of straying from God's commands?2. In what ways does Doeg's action serve as a warning about the influence of ungodly leadership and peer pressure? 3. How can the suffering of the priests at Nob encourage us to remain faithful in the face of persecution or injustice? 4. What does this passage teach us about the importance of maintaining a clear and sensitive conscience before God? 5. How can we apply the lessons of God's justice and sovereignty from this passage to situations of injustice we see in the world today? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Samuel 21Provides context for the events at Nob, where David receives help from Ahimelech, leading to Saul's wrath. Psalm 52 Traditionally attributed to David, this psalm reflects on the treachery of Doeg and God's ultimate justice. Matthew 23:35 Jesus references the blood of the righteous, which can be connected to the innocent bloodshed at Nob. Hebrews 11:32-38 Highlights the faith and suffering of God's servants, paralleling the unjust suffering of the priests.
People Abiathar, Ahimelech, Ahitub, Benjamin, Benjaminites, Benjamites, David, Doeg, Gad, Goliath, Jesse, SaulPlaces Adullam, Gibeah, Hereth, Mizpeh, Moab, NobTopics Attack, Attacked, Attacking, Bearing, Death, Doeg, Do'eg, Edomite, E'domite, Eighty, Eighty-five, Ephod, Fall, Fell, Fourscore, Killed, Linen, Persons, Priests, Putteth, Round, Slew, Strike, Struck, Turn, Turneth, Turning, Wear, WoreDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Samuel 22:18 5277 criminals Library Covenanting Confers Obligation. As it has been shown that all duty, and that alone, ought to be vowed to God in covenant, it is manifest that what is lawfully engaged to in swearing by the name of God is enjoined in the moral law, and, because of the authority of that law, ought to be performed as a duty. But it is now to be proved that what is promised to God by vow or oath, ought to be performed also because of the act of Covenanting. The performance of that exercise is commanded, and the same law which enjoins that the duties … John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting The Exile Continued. The Exile --Continued. Ramah. Ramathaim Zophim. Gibeah. And V the Kingdom Undivided and the Kingdom Divided Subterraneous Places. Mines. Caves. Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses. Samuel Links 1 Samuel 22:18 NIV1 Samuel 22:18 NLT 1 Samuel 22:18 ESV 1 Samuel 22:18 NASB 1 Samuel 22:18 KJV 1 Samuel 22:18 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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