1 Samuel 22:11-19
11 Then the king sent a messenger to summon Ahimelech the priest, the son of Ahitub, and all his father’s household, the priests who were in Nob; and all of them came to the king.
12 Saul said, “Listen now, son of Ahitub.” And he replied, “Here I am, my lord.”
13 Saul then 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 that he would rise up against me by lying in ambush as it is this day?”
14 Then Ahimelech answered the king and said, “And who among all your servants is as faithful as David, the king’s own son-in-law, who is commander over your bodyguard, and is honored in your house?
15 Did I just begin to inquire of God for him today? Far be it from me! Do not let the king impute anything against his servant or against any of the household of my father, because your servant knows nothing at all of this whole affair.”
16 But the king said, “You shall certainly die, Ahimelech, you and all your father’s household!”
17 And the king said to the guards who were attending him, “Turn around and put the priests of the Lord to death, because their hand also is with David and because they knew that he was fleeing and did not inform me.” But the servants of the king were unwilling to reach out with their hands to attack the priests of the Lord.
18 Then the king said to Doeg, “You, turn around and attack the priests!” And Doeg the Edomite turned around and attacked the priests, and he killed on that day eighty-five men who wore the linen ephod.
19 He also struck Nob the city of the priests with the edge of the sword, both men and women, children and infants; he also struck oxen, donkeys, and sheep with the edge of the sword.
The Massacre of Priests
Saul’s madness
Saul immediately summoned all the priests to him. (1) Saul interrogated Ahimelech, accusing him of conspiring with David from the outset. (2) This was a shock to the innocent Ahimelech. He defended David fervently and methodically, and also asserted his own innocence. (3) However, Saul was not willing to listen and declared, “You shall certainly die, Ahimelech, you and all your father’s household.” (4) Saul ordered his guards to execute them immediately. The “guards” here refers to the executioners. However, they had more sense than Saul and refused to follow his order. (5) Therefore, Saul ordered Doeg the Edomite to carry out the execution. He was an Edomite, a man who did not fear the Lord. He massacred 85 priests on the spot. (6) Moreover, Doeg struck Nob, the city of priests, and slaughtered everyone from men and women to elderlies and infants. He even took the lives of livestock.
The cause of tragedy
Why did such tragedy occur? (1) There’s no doubt that David’s lie to protect himself was a contributing factor. Regarding this incident, David wrote Psalm 52. I highly encourage you to read it. (2) Saul’s madness was the direct cause. At this time, Saul did not possess a shred of compassion. This is an example of how those who turn their backs on God can become devilish. (3) God allowed this tragedy to occur as part of His judgment on the house of Eli. In chapter 2, it was prophesied that judgment will fall the house of Eli. This event marks the fulfillment of that prophecy.
The massacre of the priests and the complete destruction of the people of Nob are grave sins that can never be forgiven. Meanwhile, God, by allowing Saul’s wicked actions, casted His judgment upon on the house of Eli. Even when tragedies that are hard to understand occur, we must not doubt or blame God. Eventually, God’s profound plan will become clear.
Today's prayer
Almighty God, Your will is deep and wide. Please deepen my faith, so that I shall never condemn You with my limited knowledge and wisdom. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.