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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Samuel 22:15 Was that day the first time I inquired of God for him? Far be it from me! Let not the king accuse your servant or any of my father's household, for your servant knew nothing of this whole affair--not in part or in whole."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_samuel/22-15.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/10/09_1Sa_22_15.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Samuel 22:15 - Saul Slays the Priests of Nob" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Was that day the first time I inquired of God for him? Far be it from me! Let not the king accuse your servant or any of my father's household, for your servant knew nothing of this whole affair--not in part or in whole." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/1_samuel/22-15.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/1_samuel/22-15.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/1_samuel/">1 Samuel</a> > <a href="/1_samuel/22.htm">Chapter 22</a> > Verse 15</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad15.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_samuel/22-14.htm" title="1 Samuel 22:14">◄</a> 1 Samuel 22:15 <a href="/1_samuel/22-16.htm" title="1 Samuel 22:16">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/1_samuel/22.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/1_samuel/22.htm">New International Version</a> Was that day the first time I inquired of God for him? Of course not! Let not the king accuse your servant or any of his father&#8217s family, for your servant knows nothing at all about this whole affair.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/1_samuel/22.htm">New Living Translation</a> This was certainly not the first time I had consulted God for him! May the king not accuse me and my family in this matter, for I knew nothing at all of any plot against you.” <a href="/esv/1_samuel/22.htm">English Standard Version</a> Is today the first time that I have inquired of God for him? No! Let not the king impute anything to his servant or to all the house of my father, for your servant has known nothing of all this, much or little.” <a href="/bsb/1_samuel/22.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Was that day the first time I inquired of God for him? Far be it from me! Let not the king accuse your servant or any of my father’s household, for your servant knew nothing of this whole affair—not in part or in whole.” <a href="/kjv/1_samuel/22.htm">King James Bible</a> Did I then begin to inquire of God for him? be it far from me: let not the king impute any thing unto his servant, nor to all the house of my father: for thy servant knew nothing of all this, less or more. <a href="/nkjv/1_samuel/22.htm">New King James Version</a> Did I then begin to inquire of God for him? Far be it from me! Let not the king impute anything to his servant, or to any in the house of my father. For your servant knew nothing of all this, little or much.” <a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/22.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> 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.” <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/22.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220Did I just begin to inquire of God for him today? Far be it from me! Do not let the king impute anything to his servant or to any of the household of my father, for your servant knows nothing at all of this whole affair.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/22.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “Did I just begin to inquire of God for him today? Far be it from me! Do not let the king impute anything to his servant or to any of the household of my father, for your servant knows nothing at all of this whole affair.” <a href="/lsb/1_samuel/22.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Did I just begin to ask of God on his behalf today? Far be it from me! Do not let the king impute anything to his servant or to any of the household of my father, for your servant knows nothing small or great of this whole affair.” <a href="/amp/1_samuel/22.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Did I just begin to inquire of God for him today? Far be it from me! Do not let the king impute any guilt to his servant or to any of the household of my father, for your servant knows nothing at all about this entire matter.” <a href="/csb/1_samuel/22.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Was today the first time I inquired of God for him? Of course not! Please don’t let the king make an accusation against your servant or any of my father’s family, for your servant didn’t have any idea about all this.” <a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/22.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Was today the first time I inquired of God for him? Of course not! Please don&#8217t let the king make an accusation against your servant or any of my father&#8217s household, for your servant didn&#8217t have any idea about all this.&#8221 <a href="/asv/1_samuel/22.htm">American Standard Version</a> Have I to-day begun to inquire of God for him? be it far from me: let not the king impute anything unto his servant, nor to all the house of my father; for thy servant knoweth nothing of all this, less or more. <a href="/cev/1_samuel/22.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> This isn't the first time I've talked with God for David, and it's never made you angry before! Please don't accuse me or my family like this. I have no idea what's going on!" <a href="/erv/1_samuel/22.htm">English Revised Version</a> Have I today begun to inquire of God for him? be it far from me: let not the king impute any thing unto his servant, nor to all the house of my father: for thy servant knoweth nothing of all this, less or more. <a href="/gwt/1_samuel/22.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Is this the first time I have prayed to God for him? Not at all! You shouldn't blame me or anyone in my family for this. I knew nothing at all about this." <a href="/gnt/1_samuel/22.htm">Good News Translation</a> Yes, I consulted God for him, and it wasn't the first time. As for plotting against you, Your Majesty must not accuse me or anyone else in my family. I don't know anything about this matter!" <a href="/isv/1_samuel/22.htm">International Standard Version</a> Is today the first time I inquired of God for him? Absolutely not! The king shouldn't accuse his servant, or any of my father's family of anything, because your servant didn't know anything at all about this." <a href="/msb/1_samuel/22.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Was that day the first time I inquired of God for him? Far be it from me! Let not the king accuse your servant or any of my father?s household, for your servant knew nothing of this whole affair?not in part or in whole.? <a href="/net/1_samuel/22.htm">NET Bible</a> 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!" <a href="/nheb/1_samuel/22.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Have I today begun to inquire of God for him? Be it far from me. Do not let the king impute anything to his servant, nor to all the house of my father; for your servant knows nothing of all this, less or more." <a href="/wbt/1_samuel/22.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Did I then begin to inquire of God for him? be it far from me. Let not the king impute any thing to his servant, nor to all the house of my father: for thy servant knew nothing of all this, less or more. <a href="/web/1_samuel/22.htm">World English Bible</a> Have I today begun to inquire of God for him? Be it far from me! Don’t let the king impute anything to his servant, nor to all the house of my father; for your servant knew nothing of all this, less or more.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_samuel/22.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> Today have I begun to inquire of God for him? Far be it from me! Do not let the king lay anything against his servant, against any of the house of my father, for your servant has known nothing of all this, little or much.” <a href="/ylt/1_samuel/22.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> To-day have I begun to ask for him at God? far be it from me! let not the king lay anything against his servant, against any of the house of my father, for thy servant hath known nothing of all this, less or more.' <a href="/slt/1_samuel/22.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> This day did I begin to ask for him in God? far be it to me. The king shall not put upon his servant upon all the house of my father: for thy servant knew not a word upon all this, small or great.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_samuel/22.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Did I begin to day to consult the Lord for him? far be this from me: let not the king suspect such a thing against his servant, or any one in all my father's house: for thy servant knew nothing of this matter, either little or great. <a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/22.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Did I begin to consult the Lord for him today? May this be far from me! Let not the king suspect this kind of thing against his servant, nor against anyone in all my father’s house. For your servant did not know anything about this matter, either small or great.” <a href="/nabre/1_samuel/22.htm">New American Bible</a> Is this the first time I have consulted God for him? No indeed! Let not the king accuse his servant or anyone in my family of such a thing. Your servant knows nothing at all, great or small, about the whole matter.” <a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/22.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Is today the first time that I have inquired of God for him? By no means! Do not let the king impute anything to his servant or to any member of my father’s house; for your servant has known nothing of all this, much or little.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_samuel/22.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Did I begin today to inquire of God for him? Far be it from me; let not the king impute anything to his servant, nor to all the house of my father; for your servant knew nothing of all this matter, less or more. <a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/22.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> Is it today I have begun to inquire for him of God? God forbid it to me! Let not the King lay this matter on his Servant and upon the household of my father, because your Servant does not know any of this matter, great or little!”<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/1_samuel/22.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> Have I to-day begun to inquire of God for him? be it far from me; let not the king impute any thing unto his servant, nor to all the house of my father; for thy servant knoweth nothing of all this, less or more.' <a href="/sep/1_samuel/22.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> Have I begun to-day to enquire of God for him? By no means: let not the king bring a charge against his servant, and against thee whole of my father's house; for thy servant knew not in all these matters anything great or small. <a href="/parallel/1_samuel/22-15.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H8oQfYUMRZg?start=6619" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/22.htm">Saul Slays the Priests of Nob</a> …14Ahimelech answered the king, “Who among all your servants is as faithful as David, the king’s son-in-law, the captain of your bodyguard who is honored in your house? 15<a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: hay·yō·wm (Art:: N-ms) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative.">Was that day</a> <a href="/hebrew/2490.htm" title="2490: ha·ḥil·lō·ṯî (V-Hifil-Perf-1cs) -- A primitive root; properly, to bore, i.e. to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane, to break, to begin; denom. to play.">the first</a> <a href="/hebrew/7592.htm" title="7592: lə·šå̄·ʾōl (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To ask, inquire. Or shael; a primitive root; to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand.">time I inquired</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: ḇê·lō·hîm (Prep-b:: N-mp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">of God</a> <a href="/hebrew/7592.htm" title="7592: lōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- To ask, inquire. Or shael; a primitive root; to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand.">for him?</a> <a href="/hebrew/2486.htm" title="2486: ḥā·lî·lāh (Interjection:: 3fs) -- Far be it! Or chalilah; a directive from chalal; literal for a profaned thing; used Far be it!">Far be it</a> <a href="/hebrew/lî (Prep:: 1cs) -- ">from me!</a> <a href="/hebrew/408.htm" title="408: ’al- (Adv) -- Not (a subjective neg.). A negative particle; not; once as a noun, nothing.">Let not</a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: ham·me·leḵ (Art:: N-ms) -- King. From malak; a king.">the king</a> <a href="/hebrew/7760.htm" title="7760: yā·śêm (V-Qal-Imperf.Jus-3ms) -- To put, place, set. Or siym; a primitive root; to put.">accuse</a> <a href="/hebrew/1697.htm" title="1697: ḏā·ḇār (N-ms) -- Speech, word. From dabar; a word; by implication, a matter or thing; adverbially, a cause."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5650.htm" title="5650: bə·‘aḇ·dōw (Prep-b:: N-msc:: 3ms) -- Slave, servant. From abad; a servant.">your servant</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: bə·ḵāl (Prep-b:: N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">or any</a> <a href="/hebrew/1.htm" title="1: ’ā·ḇî (N-msc:: 1cs) -- Father. A primitive word; father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application).">of my father’s</a> <a href="/hebrew/1004.htm" title="1004: bêṯ (N-msc) -- A house. Probably from banah abbreviated; a house.">household,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">for</a> <a href="/hebrew/5650.htm" title="5650: ‘aḇ·də·ḵā (N-msc:: 2ms) -- Slave, servant. From abad; a servant.">your servant</a> <a href="/hebrew/3045.htm" title="3045: yā·ḏa‘ (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to know; used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially.">knew</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō- (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">nothing</a> <a href="/hebrew/2063.htm" title="2063: zōṯ (Pro-fs) -- Hereby in it, likewise, the one other, same, she, so much, such deed, that. Irregular feminine of zeh; this.">of this</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: bə·ḵāl (Prep-b:: N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">whole</a> <a href="/hebrew/1697.htm" title="1697: dā·ḇār (N-ms) -- Speech, word. From dabar; a word; by implication, a matter or thing; adverbially, a cause.">affair—</a> <a href="/hebrew/6996.htm" title="6996: qā·ṭōn (Adj-ms) -- Small, young, unimportant. Or qaton; from quwt; abbreviated, i.e. Diminutive, literally or figuratively.">not in part</a> <a href="/hebrew/176.htm" title="176: ’ōw (Conj) -- Or. Presumed to be the constructive or genitival form of -av; short for 'avvah; desire; hence or, also if.">or</a> <a href="/hebrew/1419.htm" title="1419: ḡā·ḏō·wl (Adj-ms) -- Great. Or gadol; from gadal; great; hence, older; also insolent.">in whole.”</a> 16But the king replied, “You will surely die, Ahimelech, you and all your father’s house!”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/1_samuel/21-1.htm">1 Samuel 21:1-9</a> Then David came to Nob, to Ahimelech the priest. And when Ahimelech met David, he trembled and asked him, “Why are you alone? Why is no one with you?” / “The king has given me a mission,” David replied. “He told me no one is to know about the mission on which I am sending you. And I have directed my young men to meet me at a certain place. / Now then, what do you have on hand? Give me five loaves of bread, or whatever can be found.” ... <a href="/1_samuel/20-1.htm">1 Samuel 20:1-42</a> Then David fled from Naioth in Ramah. He came to Jonathan and asked, “What have I done? What is my iniquity? How have I sinned against your father, that he wants to take my life?” / “Far from it!” Jonathan replied. “You will not die. Indeed, my father does nothing, great or small, without telling me. So why would he hide this matter from me? This cannot be true!” / But David again vowed, “Your father knows very well that I have found favor in your eyes, and he has said, ‘Jonathan must not know of this, or he will be grieved.’ As surely as the LORD lives and as you yourself live, there is but a step between me and death.” ... <a href="/1_samuel/19-4.htm">1 Samuel 19:4-5</a> Then Jonathan spoke well of David to his father Saul and said to him, “The king should not sin against his servant David; he has not sinned against you. In fact, his actions have been highly beneficial to you. / He took his life in his hands when he struck down the Philistine, and the LORD worked a great salvation for all Israel. You saw it and rejoiced, so why would you sin against innocent blood by killing David for no reason?” <a href="/1_samuel/18-20.htm">1 Samuel 18:20-30</a> Now Saul’s daughter Michal loved David, and when this was reported to Saul, it pleased him. / “I will give her to David,” Saul thought, “so that she may be a snare to him, and the hand of the Philistines may be against him.” So Saul said to David, “For a second time now you can be my son-in-law.” / Then Saul ordered his servants, “Speak to David privately and tell him, ‘Behold, the king is pleased with you, and all his servants love you. Now therefore, become his son-in-law.’” ... <a href="/1_samuel/16-1.htm">1 Samuel 16:1-13</a> Now the LORD said to Samuel, “How long are you going to mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and go. I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem, for I have selected from his sons a king for Myself.” / “How can I go?” Samuel asked. “Saul will hear of it and kill me!” The LORD answered, “Take a heifer with you and say, ‘I have come to sacrifice to the LORD.’ / Then invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what you are to do. You are to anoint for Me the one I indicate.” ... <a href="/2_samuel/15-11.htm">2 Samuel 15:11</a> Two hundred men from Jerusalem accompanied Absalom. They had been invited as guests and they went along innocently, for they knew nothing about the matter. <a href="/2_samuel/19-18.htm">2 Samuel 19:18-23</a> and crossed at the ford to carry over the king’s household and to do what was good in his sight. When Shimei son of Gera crossed the Jordan, he fell down before the king / and said, “My lord, do not hold me guilty, and do not remember your servant’s wrongdoing on the day my lord the king left Jerusalem. May the king not take it to heart. / For your servant knows that I have sinned, so here I am today as the first of all the house of Joseph to come down to meet my lord the king.” ... <a href="/2_kings/4-9.htm">2 Kings 4:9-10</a> Then the woman said to her husband, “Behold, now I know that the one who often comes our way is a holy man of God. / Please let us make a small room upstairs and put in it a bed, a table, a chair, and a lamp for him. Then when he comes to us, he can stay there.” <a href="/psalms/52-1.htm">Psalm 52:1-9</a> For the choirmaster. A Maskil of David. After Doeg the Edomite went to Saul and told him, “David has gone to the house of Ahimelech.” Why do you boast of evil, O mighty man? The loving devotion of God endures all day long. / Your tongue devises destruction like a sharpened razor, O worker of deceit. / You love evil more than good, falsehood more than speaking truth. Selah ... <a href="/psalms/56-1.htm">Psalm 56:1-13</a> For the choirmaster. To the tune of “A Dove on Distant Oaks.” A Miktam of David, when the Philistines seized him in Gath. Be merciful to me, O God, for men are hounding me; all day they press their attack. / My enemies pursue me all day long, for many proudly assail me. / When I am afraid, I put my trust in You. ... <a href="/psalms/57-1.htm">Psalm 57:1-11</a> For the choirmaster. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” A Miktam of David, when he fled from Saul into the cave. Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy, for in You my soul takes refuge. In the shadow of Your wings I will take shelter until the danger has passed. / I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills His purpose for me. / He reaches down from heaven and saves me; He rebukes those who trample me. Selah God sends forth His loving devotion and His truth. ... <a href="/psalms/59-1.htm">Psalm 59:1-17</a> For the choirmaster. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” A Miktam of David, when Saul sent men to watch David’s house in order to kill him. Deliver me from my enemies, O my God; protect me from those who rise against me. / Deliver me from workers of iniquity, and save me from men of bloodshed. / See how they lie in wait for me. Fierce men conspire against me for no transgression or sin of my own, O LORD. ... <a href="/matthew/12-3.htm">Matthew 12:3-4</a> Jesus replied, “Have you not read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? / He entered the house of God, and he and his companions ate the consecrated bread, which was not lawful for them to eat, but only for the priests. <a href="/mark/2-25.htm">Mark 2:25-26</a> Jesus replied, “Have you never read what David did when he and his companions were hungry and in need? / During the high priesthood of Abiathar, he entered the house of God and ate the consecrated bread, which was lawful only for the priests. And he gave some to his companions as well.” <a href="/luke/6-3.htm">Luke 6:3-4</a> Jesus replied, “Have you not read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? / He entered the house of God, took the consecrated bread and gave it to his companions, and ate what is lawful only for the priests to eat.”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Did I then begin to inquire of God for him? be it far from me: let not the king impute any thing to his servant, nor to all the house of my father: for your servant knew nothing of all this, less or more.the servant<a href="/genesis/20-5.htm">Genesis 20:5,6</a> Said he not unto me, She is my sister? and she, even she herself said, He is my brother: in the integrity of my heart and innocency of my hands have I done this… <a href="/2_samuel/15-11.htm">2 Samuel 15:11</a> And with Absalom went two hundred men out of Jerusalem, that were called; and they went in their simplicity, and they knew not any thing.<a href="/2_corinthians/1-12.htm">2 Corinthians 1:12</a> For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.less or more [heb] little or great<a href="/1_samuel/25-36.htm">1 Samuel 25:36</a> And Abigail came to Nabal; and, behold, he held a feast in his house, like the feast of a king; and Nabal's heart was merry within him, for he was very drunken: wherefore she told him nothing, less or more, until the morning light.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_samuel/3-12.htm">Begin</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-35.htm">Begun</a> <a href="/1_samuel/22-14.htm">House</a> <a href="/1_samuel/22-14.htm">Household</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/13-5.htm">Impute</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-56.htm">Inquire</a> <a href="/judges/7-14.htm">Less</a> <a href="/1_samuel/22-8.htm">Servant</a> <a href="/1_samuel/21-5.htm">Today</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-21.htm">To-Day</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_kings/20-14.htm">Begin</a> <a href="/2_kings/9-29.htm">Begun</a> <a href="/1_samuel/22-16.htm">House</a> <a href="/1_samuel/22-16.htm">Household</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-19.htm">Impute</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-7.htm">Inquire</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-36.htm">Less</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-10.htm">Servant</a> <a href="/1_samuel/24-10.htm">Today</a> <a href="/1_samuel/24-10.htm">To-Day</a><div class="vheading2">1 Samuel 22</div>1. <a href="/1_samuel/22-1.htm">Companies resort unto David at Adullam</a> 3. <a href="/1_samuel/22-3.htm">At Mizpeh he commends his parents unto the king of Moab</a> 5. <a href="/1_samuel/22-5.htm">Admonished by Gad, he comes to Hareth,</a> 6. <a href="/1_samuel/22-6.htm">Saul going to pursue him, complains of his servants' unfaithfulness</a> 9. <a href="/1_samuel/22-9.htm">Doeg accuses Ahimelech</a> 11. <a href="/1_samuel/22-11.htm">Saul commands to kill the priests</a> 17. <a href="/1_samuel/22-17.htm">The footmen refusing, Doeg executes it</a> 20. <a href="/1_samuel/22-20.htm">Abiathar escaping, brings David the news</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/22.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_samuel/22.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Was that day the first time I inquired of God for him? Ahimelech, the priest, is speaking to King Saul, defending his actions regarding David. The inquiry of God refers to seeking divine guidance, often through the Urim and Thummim, sacred lots used by the high priest. This practice was common in Israel for making important decisions (<a href="/numbers/27-21.htm">Numbers 27:21</a>). Ahimelech suggests that consulting God for David was not unusual, indicating David's established reputation as a faithful servant of Saul and a man of God.Far be it from me! This phrase is a strong denial of wrongdoing. Ahimelech emphasizes his innocence and integrity. The expression is used elsewhere in Scripture to reject false accusations or actions contrary to God's will (<a href="/genesis/18-25.htm">Genesis 18:25</a>). It underscores the priest's commitment to righteousness and his shock at being implicated in a conspiracy against the king.Let not the king accuse your servant or any of my father’s household, Ahimelech pleads for the king not to hold him or his family responsible. The term "your servant" reflects humility and submission to Saul's authority. The mention of his father's household highlights the communal nature of guilt and punishment in ancient Israel, where families could suffer for an individual's actions (<a href="/joshua/7-24.htm">Joshua 7:24-25</a>). Ahimelech seeks to protect his family from unjust retribution.for your servant knew nothing of this whole affair— Ahimelech asserts his ignorance of any conspiracy involving David. This statement is crucial, as it highlights the priest's lack of awareness of David's status as a fugitive. It reflects the broader theme of innocence and misunderstanding that pervades the narrative, as Saul's paranoia leads to tragic consequences.not in part or in whole. The repetition emphasizes Ahimelech's complete lack of knowledge regarding the situation. This phrase underscores the thoroughness of his denial, leaving no room for partial guilt. It reflects the biblical principle of truthfulness and integrity, as seen in other scriptural contexts where complete honesty is required (<a href="/ephesians/4-25.htm">Ephesians 4:25</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/a/ahimelech.htm">Ahimelech</a> The high priest who served at Nob. He is speaking in this verse, defending his actions to King Saul. 2. <a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a> The future king of Israel, who was on the run from Saul and sought help from Ahimelech. 3. <a href="/topical/s/saul.htm">Saul</a> The current king of Israel, who is pursuing David out of jealousy and fear of losing his throne. 4. <a href="/topical/n/nob.htm">Nob</a> A city of priests where Ahimelech served and where David sought refuge. 5. <a href="/topical/i/inquiry_of_god.htm">Inquiry of God</a> The act of seeking divine guidance, which Ahimelech claims was not unusual for him to do on behalf of David.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_integrity.htm">The Importance of Integrity</a> Ahimelech's defense highlights the importance of maintaining integrity and truthfulness, even when falsely accused. <a href="/topical/s/seeking_god's_guidance.htm">Seeking God's Guidance</a> The practice of inquiring of God is a model for believers to seek divine wisdom in decision-making. <a href="/topical/t/the_cost_of_righteousness.htm">The Cost of Righteousness</a> Ahimelech's situation reminds us that doing the right thing can sometimes lead to personal risk or sacrifice. <a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_justice.htm">Trust in God's Justice</a> Despite false accusations, believers can trust that God sees the truth and will ultimately bring justice. <a href="/topical/c/community_and_support.htm">Community and Support</a> David's reliance on Ahimelech shows the importance of community and support among believers during times of trial.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_samuel_22.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 22</a> <a href="/q/who_is_blessed_for_righteous_suffering.htm">Did David commit rape against Bathsheba?</a> <a href="/q/why_does_god_grant_free_will.htm">Why did Abiathar and Ahimelech face King Saul's wrath?</a> <a href="/q/why_does_god_prefer_obedience_over_sacrifice.htm">While Leviticus 4 describes an intricate sacrificial system, why do other parts of the Bible suggest that God desires obedience over sacrifice (e.g., 1 Samuel 15:22)?</a> <a href="/q/can_doeg_alone_kill_many_priests.htm">Are there historical or logistical issues with Doeg, a single Edomite, carrying out the massacre of so many priests (1 Samuel 21:7 - 22:18-19)?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_samuel/22.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(15) Did I then begin to enquire?--The English translation of the Hebrew here would imply that David had on many previous occasions received through him (the high priest) Divine directions from the Urim and Thummim. "Did I that day begin to enquire?" Abarbanel gives an alternative rendering: "That was the first day that I enquired of God for him, and I did not know that it was displeasing to thee." Another rendering is: "Did I enquire?" in a negative sense, suggesting the reply "No, I did not." On the whole, the alternative rendering suggested by Abarbanel, quoted in Lange, is the best: "That was the first day, &c." And the reason why Ahimelech allowed the sacred Urim to be consulted was that he supposed David was come (as he represented) on a mission direct from King Saul. Surely, thought the blameless high priest, I never supposed my king would have been wroth with me for that.If we render as in the English Version, which has the support of many scholars and versions, the only possible explanation of the words, "Did I that day begin to enquire?" is to suppose that David had been in the habit of consulting the Urim on special occasions for the king. The king, when there was a king in Israel, it is nearly certain, alone had this right. The Talmud teaching here is most definite; and it is a point in which the Talmud tradition may be looked on as authoritative. "The Rabbis have taught--How were the Urim and Thummim oracularly consulted? The king or the chief of the legislative administration, who alone had the privilege of consulting the Urim, stood facing the priest, and the priest was facing the Shekinah and the 'Shem-hammephorash,' the ineffable name deposited with the Urim within the breastplate."--Treatise Yoma, fol. 73, cols. 1, 2. <a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/22-15.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Was that day הַיּ֧וֹם (hay·yō·wm) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3117.htm">Strong's 3117: </a> A day the first הַחִלֹּ֛תִי (ha·ḥil·lō·ṯî) Verb - Hifil - Perfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2490.htm">Strong's 2490: </a> To bore, to wound, to dissolve, to profane, to break, to begin, to play time I inquired לִשְׁאָל־ (liš·’āl-) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7592.htm">Strong's 7592: </a> To inquire, to request, to demand of God בֵאלֹהִ֖ים (ḇê·lō·hîm) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative for him? ל֥וֹ (lōw) Preposition | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7592.htm">Strong's 7592: </a> To inquire, to request, to demand Far be it חָלִ֣ילָה (ḥā·lî·lāh) Interjection | third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2486.htm">Strong's 2486: </a> For, a profaned thing, far be it! from me! לִּ֑י (lî) Preposition | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> Let not אַל־ (’al-) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_408.htm">Strong's 408: </a> Not the king הַמֶּ֨לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> A king accuse יָשֵׂם֩ (yā·śêm) Verb - Qal - Imperfect Jussive - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7760.htm">Strong's 7760: </a> Put -- to put, place, set your servant בְּעַבְדּ֤וֹ (bə·‘aḇ·dōw) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5650.htm">Strong's 5650: </a> Slave, servant or any בְּכָל־ (bə·ḵāl) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every of my father’s אָבִ֔י (’ā·ḇî) Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1.htm">Strong's 1: </a> Father household, בֵּ֣ית (bêṯ) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1004.htm">Strong's 1004: </a> A house for כִּ֠י (kî) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction your servant עַבְדְּךָ֙ (‘aḇ·də·ḵā) Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5650.htm">Strong's 5650: </a> Slave, servant knew יָדַ֤ע (yā·ḏa‘) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3045.htm">Strong's 3045: </a> To know nothing לֹֽא־ (lō-) Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no of this זֹ֔את (zōṯ) Pronoun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2063.htm">Strong's 2063: </a> Hereby in it, likewise, the one other, same, she, so much, such deed, that, whole בְּכָל־ (bə·ḵāl) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every affair? דָּבָ֥ר (dā·ḇār) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1697.htm">Strong's 1697: </a> A word, a matter, thing, a cause not in part קָטֹ֖ן (qā·ṭōn) Adjective - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6996.htm">Strong's 6996: </a> Small, young, unimportant or א֥וֹ (’ōw) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_176.htm">Strong's 176: </a> Desire, if in whole.? גָדֽוֹל׃ (ḡā·ḏō·wl) Adjective - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1419.htm">Strong's 1419: </a> Great, older, insolent <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/22-15.htm">1 Samuel 22:15 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_samuel/22-15.htm">1 Samuel 22:15 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_samuel/22-15.htm">1 Samuel 22:15 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/22-15.htm">1 Samuel 22:15 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_samuel/22-15.htm">1 Samuel 22:15 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/22-15.htm">1 Samuel 22:15 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/22-15.htm">1 Samuel 22:15 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/22-15.htm">1 Samuel 22:15 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/22-15.htm">1 Samuel 22:15 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_samuel/22-15.htm">1 Samuel 22:15 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_samuel/22-15.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 22:15 Have I today begun to inquire (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/22-14.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 22:14"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 22:14" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/22-16.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 22:16"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 22:16" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>