1 Samuel 22:17

Saul Slays the Priests of Nob · 1 Samuel 22:6–23
Read 1 Samuel 22

Translations

Modern
Then the king ordered the guards at his side, “Turn and kill the priests of the LORD, because they too sided with David. For they knew he was fleeing, but they did not tell me.” But the king’s servants would not lift a hand to strike the priests of the LORD.
Traditional
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.
Literal
And the king said to the guards who stood beside him, “Turn and kill the priests of YHWH, because their hands are also with David, and because they knew when he fled and did not tell it to me.” But the servants of the king would not lift their hands to strike the priests of YHWH.
Latin
Et ait rex emissariis qui circumstabant eum: Convertimini, et interficite sacerdotes Domini, nam manus eorum cum David est: scientes quod fugisset, et non indicaverunt mihi. Noluerunt autem servi regis extendere manus suas in sacerdotes Domini.

Original

Hebrew
English
Then the king ordered the guards at his side, “Turn and kill the priests of the LORD, because they too sided with David. For they knew he was fleeing, but they did not tell me.” But the king’s servants would not lift a hand to strike the priests of the LORD.

Notes

Saul’s character is clear here. He could not take revenge on David himself. Instead, Saul killed those he believed had helped David.

Theme notes and profiles

David Saul The Righteous Suffer

Events

Parallels

Psalm 52:1–9

People

David: Anointed king of Israel, ancestor of Jesus Christ

Glossary

Abiathar Ahijah Ahimelech Ahitub David Doeg Edom, Edomites Nob Samuel, Books of First and Second

Topics

Abiathar: Escapes to David from the Vengeance of Saul, Who Slew the Priests in the City of Nob Ahijah: A Priest in Shiloh, Probably Identical with Ahimelech, Mentioned in Killed Ahimelech: Also Called Ahia--A High Priest, During the Reign of David: Killed by the Command of Saul Holy Spirit: Saul Kings: Often Exercised Power Arbitrarily Malice: Saul Toward David Rulers: Wicked: Saul, Killing Ahimelech and the Priests