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But the king's servants would not lift a hand to strike the priests of the LORD.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_samuel/22-17.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/12/09_1Sa_22_17.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Samuel 22:17 - Saul Slays the Priests of Nob" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="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. 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They knew he was fleeing, yet they did not tell me.&#8221 But the king&#8217s officials were unwilling to raise a hand to strike the priests of the LORD. <a href="/nlt/1_samuel/22.htm">New Living Translation</a> And he ordered his bodyguards, “Kill these priests of the LORD, for they are allies and conspirators with David! They knew he was running away from me, but they didn’t tell me!” But Saul’s men refused to kill the LORD’s priests. <a href="/esv/1_samuel/22.htm">English Standard Version</a> And the king said to the guard who stood about him, “Turn and kill the priests of the LORD, because their hand also is with David, and they knew that he fled and did not disclose it to me.” But the servants of the king would not put out their hand to strike the priests of the LORD. <a href="/bsb/1_samuel/22.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/kjv/1_samuel/22.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/1_samuel/22.htm">New King James Version</a> Then the king said to the guards who stood about him, “Turn and kill the priests of the LORD, because their hand also is 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 the LORD. <a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/22.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/22.htm">NASB 1995</a> And the king said to the guards who were attending him, &#8220Turn 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 reveal it to me.&#8221 But the servants of the king were not willing to put forth their hands to attack the priests of the LORD. <a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/22.htm">NASB 1977 </a> 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 reveal it to me.” But the servants of the king were not willing to put forth their hands to attack the priests of the LORD. <a href="/lsb/1_samuel/22.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And the king said to the guards who were standing by him, “Turn around and put the priests of Yahweh to death because their hand also is with David and because they knew that he was fleeing and did not reveal it in my ears.” But the servants of the king were not willing to put forth their hands to fall upon the priests of Yahweh. <a href="/amp/1_samuel/22.htm">Amplified Bible</a> 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. <a href="/csb/1_samuel/22.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Then the king ordered the guards standing by him, “Turn and kill the priests of the LORD because they sided with David. For they knew he was fleeing, but they didn’t tell me.” But the king’s servants would not lift a hand to execute the priests of the LORD. <a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/22.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Then the king ordered the guards standing by him, &#8220Turn and kill the priests of the LORD because they sided with David. For they knew he was fleeing, but they didn&#8217t tell me.&#8221 But the king&#8217s servants would not lift a hand to execute the priests of the LORD. <a href="/asv/1_samuel/22.htm">American Standard Version</a> And the king said unto the guard that stood about him, Turn, and slay the priests of Jehovah; because their hand also is with David, and because they knew that he fled, and did not disclose it to me. But the servants of the king would not put forth their hand to fall upon the priests of Jehovah. <a href="/cev/1_samuel/22.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Saul shouted to his bodyguards, "These priests of the LORD helped David! They knew he was running away, but they didn't tell me. Kill them!" But the king's officers would not attack the priests of the LORD. <a href="/erv/1_samuel/22.htm">English Revised Version</a> And the king said unto the guard that stood about him, Turn, and slay the priests of the LORD; because their hand also is with David, and because they knew that he fled, and did not disclose it to me. But the servants of the king would not put forth their hand to fall upon the priests of the LORD. <a href="/gwt/1_samuel/22.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> "Turn and kill the LORD's priests because they support David," the king said to the runners standing around him. "When they knew David was fleeing, they didn't inform me." But the king's men refused to attack the LORD's priests. <a href="/gnt/1_samuel/22.htm">Good News Translation</a> Then he said to the guards standing near him, "Kill the LORD's priests! They conspired with David and did not tell me that he had run away, even though they knew it all along." But the guards refused to lift a hand to kill the LORD's priests. <a href="/isv/1_samuel/22.htm">International Standard Version</a> The king told the guards, who were standing beside him, "Turn and kill the priests of the LORD because they supported David, and because they knew he was fleeing, but didn't inform me." But the officials of the king did not want to lift their hands to attack the priests of the LORD. <a href="/msb/1_samuel/22.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/net/1_samuel/22.htm">NET Bible</a> Then the king said to the messengers who were stationed beside him, "Turn and kill the priests of the LORD, for they too have sided with David! They knew he was fleeing, but they did not inform me." But the king's servants refused to harm the priests of the LORD. <a href="/nheb/1_samuel/22.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> The king said to the guard who stood about him, "Turn, and kill the priests of the LORD; because their hand also is with David, and because they knew that he fled, and did not disclose it to me." But the servants of the king wouldn't put forth their hand to fall on the priests of the LORD. <a href="/wbt/1_samuel/22.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And the king said to 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 show it to me. But the servants of the king would not put forth their hand to fall upon the priests of the LORD. <a href="/web/1_samuel/22.htm">World English Bible</a> The king said to the guard who stood about him, “Turn and kill the priests of Yahweh, because their hand also is with David, and because they knew that he fled and didn’t disclose it to me.” But the servants of the king wouldn’t put out their hand to fall on the priests of Yahweh. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_samuel/22.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And the king says to the runners, those standing by him, “Turn around, and put the priests of YHWH to death, because their hand [is] also with David, and because they have known that he is fleeing, and have not uncovered my ear”; and the servants of the king have not been willing to put forth their hand to come against the priests of YHWH. <a href="/ylt/1_samuel/22.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And the king saith to runners, those standing by him, 'Turn round, and put to death the priests of Jehovah, because their hand also is with David, and because they have known that he is fleeing, and have not uncovered mine ear;' and the servants of the king have not been willing to put forth their hand to come against the priests of Jehovah. <a href="/slt/1_samuel/22.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And the king will say to the runners standing by him, Turn about and kill the priests of Jehovah, for their hand also is with David, and because they knew when he fled, and did not uncover his ear. And the king's servants would not stretch forth their hand to fall upon the priests of Jehovah.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_samuel/22.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And the king said to the messengers that stood about him: Turn, and kill the priests of the Lord, for their hand is with David, because they knew that he was fled, and they told it not to me. And the king's servants would not put forth their hands against the priests of the Lord. <a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/22.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And the king said to the emissaries who were standing around him: “You shall turn, and put to death the priests of the Lord. For their hand is with David. They knew that he had fled, and they did not reveal it to me.” But the servants of the king were not willing to extend their hands against the priests of the Lord. <a href="/nabre/1_samuel/22.htm">New American Bible</a> The king then commanded his guards standing by him: “Turn and kill the priests of the LORD, for they gave David a hand. They knew he was a fugitive and yet failed to inform me.” But the king’s servants refused to raise a hand to strike the priests of the LORD. <a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/22.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> The king said to the guard who stood around him, “Turn and kill the priests of the LORD, because their hand also is with David; they knew that he fled, and did not disclose it to me.” But the servants of the king would not raise their hand to attack the priests of the LORD.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_samuel/22.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Then the king said to the guards who stood about him. Turn, and slay the priests of God; because their hand also is with David and because they knew that he fled, and did not reveal it to me. But the servants of the king would not put forth their hands and harm the priests of God. <a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/22.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And the King said to the Runners who stood over by him: “Surround and kill the Priests of God, because their hands are with David and they knew that he was fleeing, and they did not show me!” And the Servants of the King were not willing to reach their hands and harm the Priests of God<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/1_samuel/22.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And the king said unto the guard that stood about him: 'Turn, and slay the priests of the LORD; because their hand also is with David, and because they knew that he fled, and did not disclose it to me.' But the servants of the king would not put forth their hand to fall upon the priests of the LORD. <a href="/sep/1_samuel/22.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And the king said to the footmen that attended on him, Draw nigh and slay the priests of the Lord, because their hand is with David, and because they knew that he fled, and they did not inform me. But the servants of the king would not lift their hands to fall upon the priest of the Lord. <a href="/parallel/1_samuel/22-17.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=6642" 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> …16But the king replied, “You will surely die, Ahimelech, you and all your father’s house!” 17<a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: ham·me·leḵ (Art:: N-ms) -- King. From malak; a king.">Then the king</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">ordered</a> <a href="/hebrew/7323.htm" title="7323: lā·rā·ṣîm (Prep-l, Art:: V-Qal-Prtcpl-mp) -- To run. A primitive root; to run.">the guards</a> <a href="/hebrew/5324.htm" title="5324: han·niṣ·ṣā·ḇîm (Art:: V-Nifal-Prtcpl-mp) -- To take one's stand, stand. A prim root; to station, in various applications.">at his side,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘ā·lāw (Prep:: 3ms) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5437.htm" title="5437: sōb·bū (V-Qal-Imp-mp) -- A primitive root; to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively.">“Turn</a> <a href="/hebrew/4191.htm" title="4191: wə·hā·mî·ṯū (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-Imp-mp) -- To die. A primitive root: to die; causatively, to kill.">and kill</a> <a href="/hebrew/3548.htm" title="3548: kō·hă·nê (N-mpc) -- Priest. Active participle of kahan; literally, one officiating, a priest; also an acting priest.">the priests</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">of the LORD,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">because</a> <a href="/hebrew/1571.htm" title="1571: ḡam- (Conj) -- Also, moreover, yea. ">they too</a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: yā·ḏām (N-fsc:: 3mp) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)"></a> <a href="/hebrew/5973.htm" title="5973: ‘im- (Prep) -- From amam; adverb or preposition, with, in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix.">sided with</a> <a href="/hebrew/1732.htm" title="1732: dā·wiḏ (N-proper-ms) -- Perhaps beloved one, a son of Jesse. Rarely; Daviyd; from the same as dowd; loving; David, the youngest son of Jesse.">David.</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: wə·ḵî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">For</a> <a href="/hebrew/3045.htm" title="3045: yā·ḏə·‘ū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- A primitive root; to know; used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially.">they knew</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: hū (Pro-3ms) -- He, she, it. ">he</a> <a href="/hebrew/1272.htm" title="1272: ḇō·rê·aḥ (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To go through, flee. A primitive root; to bolt, i.e. Figuratively, to flee suddenly.">was fleeing,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: wə·lō (Conj-w:: Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">but they did not</a> <a href="/hebrew/1540.htm" title="1540: ḡā·lū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- To uncover, remove. A primitive root; to denude; by implication, to exile; figuratively, to reveal.">tell</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/241.htm" title="241: ʾå̄·zə·nō (N-fsc:: 1cs) -- An ear. From 'azan; broadness. I.e. the ear.">me.”</a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: ham·me·leḵ (Art:: N-ms) -- King. From malak; a king.">But the king’s</a> <a href="/hebrew/5650.htm" title="5650: ‘aḇ·ḏê (N-mpc) -- Slave, servant. From abad; a servant.">servants</a> <a href="/hebrew/14.htm" title="14: ’ā·ḇū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- To be willing, to consent. A primitive root; to breathe after, i.e. to be acquiescent.">would</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: wə·lō- (Conj-w:: Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">not</a> <a href="/hebrew/7971.htm" title="7971: liš·lō·aḥ (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To send. A primitive root; to send away, for, or out.">lift</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: yā·ḏām (N-fsc:: 3mp) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)">a hand</a> <a href="/hebrew/6293.htm" title="6293: lip̄·ḡō·a‘ (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To meet, encounter, reach. A primitive root; to impinge, by accident or violence, or by importunity.">to strike</a> <a href="/hebrew/3548.htm" title="3548: bə·ḵō·hă·nê (Prep-b:: N-mpc) -- Priest. Active participle of kahan; literally, one officiating, a priest; also an acting priest.">the priests</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">of the LORD.</a> 18So 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.…<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/2-31.htm">1 Samuel 2:31-33</a> Behold, the days are coming when I will cut off your strength and the strength of your father’s house, so that no one in it will reach old age. / You will see distress in My dwelling place. Despite all that is good in Israel, no one in your house will ever again reach old age. / And every one of you that I do not cut off from My altar, I will cause your eyes to fail and your heart to grieve. All your descendants will die by the sword of men. <a href="/1_samuel/3-12.htm">1 Samuel 3:12-14</a> On that day I will carry out against Eli everything I have spoken about his house, from beginning to end. / I told him that I would judge his house forever for the iniquity of which he knows, because his sons blasphemed God and he did not restrain them. / Therefore I have sworn to the house of Eli, ‘The iniquity of Eli’s house shall never be atoned for by sacrifice or offering.’” <a href="/1_samuel/14-3.htm">1 Samuel 14:3</a> including Ahijah, who was wearing an ephod. He was the son of Ichabod’s brother Ahitub son of Phinehas, the son of Eli the priest of the LORD in Shiloh. But the troops did not know that Jonathan had left. <a href="/1_samuel/14-18.htm">1 Samuel 14:18-19</a> Then Saul said to Ahijah, “Bring the ark of God.” (For at that time it was with the Israelites.) / While Saul was talking to the priest, the commotion in the Philistine camp continued to increase. So Saul said to the priest, “Withdraw your hand.” <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_kings/2-26.htm">1 Kings 2:26-27</a> Then the king said to Abiathar the priest, “Go back to your fields in Anathoth. Even though you deserve to die, I will not put you to death at this time, since you carried the ark of the Lord GOD before my father David, and you suffered through all that my father suffered.” / So Solomon banished Abiathar from the priesthood of the LORD and thus fulfilled the word that the LORD had spoken at Shiloh against the house of Eli. <a href="/2_kings/23-9.htm">2 Kings 23:9</a> Although the priests of the high places did not come up to the altar of the LORD in Jerusalem, they ate unleavened bread with their fellow priests. <a href="/2_chronicles/24-20.htm">2 Chronicles 24:20-22</a> Then the Spirit of God came upon Zechariah son of Jehoiada the priest, who stood up before the people and said to them, “This is what God says: ‘Why do you transgress the commandments of the LORD so that you cannot prosper? Because you have forsaken the LORD, He has forsaken you.’” / But they conspired against Zechariah, and by order of the king, they stoned him in the courtyard of the house of the LORD. / Thus King Joash failed to remember the kindness that Zechariah’s father Jehoiada had extended to him. Instead, Joash killed Jehoiada’s son. As he lay dying, Zechariah said, “May the LORD see this and call you to account.” <a href="/psalms/52-1.htm">Psalm 52:1-5</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="/matthew/23-34.htm">Matthew 23:34-35</a> Because of this, I am sending you prophets and wise men and teachers. Some of them you will kill and crucify, and others you will flog in your synagogues and persecute from town to town. / And so upon you will come all the righteous blood shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah son of Berechiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar. <a href="/matthew/10-21.htm">Matthew 10:21</a> Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rise against their parents and have them put to death. <a href="/matthew/23-37.htm">Matthew 23:37</a> O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those sent to her, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were unwilling! <a href="/luke/11-49.htm">Luke 11:49-51</a> Because of this, the wisdom of God said, ‘I will send them prophets and apostles; some of them they will kill and others they will persecute.’ / As a result, this generation will be charged with the blood of all the prophets that has been shed since the foundation of the world, / from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah, who was killed between the altar and the sanctuary. Yes, I tell you, all of it will be charged to this generation. <a href="/luke/21-16.htm">Luke 21:16</a> You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and some of you will be put to death. <a href="/john/16-2.htm">John 16:2</a> They will put you out of the synagogues. In fact, a time is coming when anyone who kills you will think he is offering a service to God.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And the king said to 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 show it to me. But the servants of the king would not put forth their hand to fall on the priests of the LORD.footmen.<a href="/1_samuel/8-11.htm">1 Samuel 8:11</a> And he said, This will be the manner of the king that shall reign over you: He will take your sons, and appoint them for himself, for his chariots, and to be his horsemen; and some shall run before his chariots.<a href="/2_samuel/15-1.htm">2 Samuel 15:1</a> And it came to pass after this, that Absalom prepared him chariots and horses, and fifty men to run before him.<a href="/1_kings/1-5.htm">1 Kings 1:5</a> Then Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, I will be king: and he prepared him chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run before him.slay the priests<a href="/1_samuel/22-13.htm">1 Samuel 22:13</a> And Saul said unto him, Why have ye conspired against me, thou and the son of Jesse, in that thou hast given him bread, and a sword, and hast inquired of God for him, that he should rise against me, to lie in wait, as at this day?<a href="/1_samuel/20-33.htm">1 Samuel 20:33</a> And Saul cast a javelin at him to smite him: whereby Jonathan knew that it was determined of his father to slay David.<a href="/1_samuel/25-17.htm">1 Samuel 25:17</a> Now therefore know and consider what thou wilt do; for evil is determined against our master, and against all his household: for he is such a son of Belial, that a man cannot speak to him.would not<a href="/1_samuel/14-45.htm">1 Samuel 14:45</a> And the people said unto Saul, Shall Jonathan die, who hath wrought this great salvation in Israel? God forbid: as the LORD liveth, there shall not one hair of his head fall to the ground; for he hath wrought with God this day. So the people rescued Jonathan, that he died not.<a href="/exodus/1-17.htm">Exodus 1:17</a> But the midwives feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the men children alive.<a href="/2_kings/1-13.htm">2 Kings 1:13,14</a> And he sent again a captain of the third fifty with his fifty. And the third captain of fifty went up, and came and fell on his knees before Elijah, and besought him, and said unto him, O man of God, I pray thee, let my life, and the life of these fifty thy servants, be precious in thy sight… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_samuel/22-14.htm">David</a> <a href="/1_samuel/22-16.htm">Death</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-13.htm">Disclose</a> <a href="/1_samuel/22-10.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/1_samuel/21-13.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-33.htm">Kill</a> <a href="/1_samuel/22-11.htm">Priests</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-8.htm">Reveal</a> <a href="/1_samuel/22-14.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/1_samuel/21-6.htm">Show</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-33.htm">Slay</a> <a href="/1_samuel/22-9.htm">Stood</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-2.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/ruth/3-13.htm">Willing</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-9.htm">Wouldn't</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_samuel/22-20.htm">David</a> <a href="/1_samuel/22-21.htm">Death</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-9.htm">Disclose</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-4.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-2.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/1_samuel/24-10.htm">Kill</a> <a href="/1_samuel/22-18.htm">Priests</a> <a href="/job/20-27.htm">Reveal</a> <a href="/1_samuel/24-7.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-8.htm">Show</a> <a href="/1_samuel/24-18.htm">Slay</a> <a href="/1_samuel/24-20.htm">Stood</a> <a href="/1_samuel/22-18.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-21.htm">Willing</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-34.htm">Wouldn't</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>Then the king ordered the guards at his side This phrase highlights King Saul's authority and the presence of his personal guards, indicating his royal status and the power he wielded. The guards were likely part of his inner circle, trusted men who were expected to carry out his commands without question. This reflects the hierarchical structure of ancient Israelite society, where the king's word was law. The presence of guards also underscores the tension and paranoia that had gripped Saul's reign as he perceived threats to his throne.“Turn and kill the priests of the LORD, Saul's command to kill the priests marks a significant departure from his earlier reverence for religious figures, showing the extent of his desperation and moral decline. The priests of the LORD, serving at Nob, were descendants of Eli and part of the Levitical priesthood, which held a sacred role in Israelite worship and society. This act of violence against the priests is a grave sin, reflecting Saul's spiritual blindness and his failure to recognize the sanctity of God's anointed servants. It also foreshadows the eventual downfall of Saul's kingship.because they too sided with David. Saul's accusation that the priests sided with David reveals his growing paranoia and fear of losing the throne. David, anointed by Samuel, was seen as a legitimate threat to Saul's rule. The priests' supposed siding with David was based on their provision of sustenance and the sword of Goliath to him, acts of hospitality rather than political alliance. This reflects Saul's inability to distinguish between genuine loyalty and perceived betrayal, further isolating him from those who could have offered wise counsel.For they knew he was fleeing, but they did not tell me.” Saul's claim that the priests knew of David's flight and failed to inform him underscores his sense of betrayal and the breakdown of communication within his kingdom. This reflects the broader theme of divine providence and protection over David, as God orchestrates events to preserve him despite Saul's efforts. The priests' lack of communication with Saul can also be seen as a divine intervention, protecting David from Saul's wrath and furthering God's plan for David's eventual kingship.But the king’s servants would not lift a hand to strike the priests of the LORD. The refusal of Saul's servants to carry out his order demonstrates a moral and spiritual resistance to committing such a heinous act. This highlights the reverence and fear of God that still existed among some of Saul's men, contrasting with Saul's own spiritual decline. Their refusal can be seen as an act of civil disobedience, prioritizing divine law over the king's command. This moment also foreshadows the eventual rejection of Saul's leadership by the people and the rise of David, a man after God's own heart.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/k/king_saul.htm">King Saul</a> The first king of Israel, who is increasingly paranoid and sees David as a threat to his throne. 2. <a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a> The anointed future king of Israel, currently fleeing from Saul's wrath. 3. <a href="/topical/p/priests_of_the_lord.htm">Priests of the LORD</a> The religious leaders serving at Nob, who are accused by Saul of siding with David. 4. <a href="/topical/g/guards/servants_of_saul.htm">Guards/Servants of Saul</a> The king's attendants who are ordered to kill the priests but refuse to do so. 5. <a href="/topical/n/nob.htm">Nob</a> The city of priests where the events take place, highlighting the religious significance of the location.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_disobedience.htm">The Consequences of Disobedience</a> Saul's disobedience to God leads to irrational decisions and moral decline. Disobedience to God can have far-reaching consequences in our lives. <a href="/topical/t/the_sanctity_of_god's_servants.htm">The Sanctity of God's Servants</a> The refusal of Saul's guards to kill the priests highlights the respect and reverence due to those who serve God. We should honor and protect those who dedicate their lives to God's service. <a href="/topical/m/moral_courage.htm">Moral Courage</a> The guards' refusal to obey an unjust order demonstrates the importance of standing up for righteousness, even when it means defying authority. We are called to act justly and uphold God's standards. <a href="/topical/t/the_cost_of_following_god.htm">The Cost of Following God</a> The priests' association with David, though it costs them their lives, shows the potential cost of aligning with God's anointed. Following God may require sacrifice and courage. <a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_and_justice.htm">God's Sovereignty and Justice</a> Despite the apparent triumph of evil in this passage, God's justice prevails in the end. We can trust in God's ultimate justice and sovereignty over all situations.<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/what_does_it_mean_to_be_pharisaical.htm">Who was Abiathar in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/what_is_foreknowledge.htm">Why did Doeg betray David to King Saul?</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/what_is_the_plot_of_priests_of_nob.htm">What is the plot of Priests of Nob?</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>(17) The footmen.--"Footmen," literally runners. These "guards," or "lictors," were men who ran by the royal chariot as an escort. They are still the usual attendants of any great man in the East. From long habit they were able to maintain a great speed for a long time. (See <a href="/1_samuel/8-11.htm" title="And he said, This will be the manner of the king that shall reign over you: He will take your sons, and appoint them for himself, for his chariots, and to be his horsemen; and some shall run before his chariots.">1Samuel 8:11</a>, where Samuel tells the children of Israel how the king of the future, whom they asked for, would take some of them to "run before his chariot." See, too, for an example of the power of running in old times, <a href="/1_kings/18-46.htm" title="And the hand of the LORD was on Elijah; and he girded up his loins, and ran before Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel.">1Kings 18:46</a>, when Elijah outstripped the chariot of Ahab.)But the servants of the king would not put forth their hand.--"And thus they were more faithful to Saul than if they had obeyed his order, which was against the commandment of the Lord, whose servant the king was no less than they."--Wordsworth.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_samuel/22.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 17-19. - Footmen. Hebrew, "runners." They were the men who ran by the side of the king's horse or chariot as his escort (see on 1 Samuel 8:11). In constant training, they were capable of maintaining a great speed for a very long time. Here they were present at the king's council as his bodyguard, but when commanded to commit this horrid deed not one of them stirred from his place. Saul might have seen by this that he was alienating the hearts of all right minded men from him; but, unabashed, he next orders Doeg to slay the priests, and he, aided probably by his servants, slew in that day fourscore and five persons that did wear a linen ephod. The fact that they were thus clad in their official dress added not to the wickedness, but to the impiety of this revolting act. And, not satisfied with thus wreaking his rage on innocent men, he next destroyed the city of the priests, barbarously massacring their whole families, both men and women, children and sucklings, and even their oxen, asses, and sheep, as if Nob was a city placed under the ban. It is a deed in strange contrast with the pretended mercy that spared Agag and the best of the Amaleklte spoil on the pretext of religion. Only once before had so terrible a calamity befallen the descendants of Aaron, and that was when the Philistines destroyed Shiloh. But they were enemies, and provoked by the people bringing the ark to the battle, and even then women and children escaped. It was left to the anointed king, who had himself settled the priests at Nob and restored Jehovah's worship there, to perpetrate an act unparalleled in Jewish history for its barbarity. Nor was it an act of barbarity only, but also of insane and wanton stupidity. The heart of every thoughtful person must now have turned away in horror from the king whom they had desired; and no wonder that when, two or three years afterwards, war came Saul found himself a king without an army, and fell into that deep, despondent melancholy which drove him, in need of some human sympathy, to seek it from a reputed witch. ESCAPE OF ABIATHAR TO DAVID (vers. 20-23). <a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/22-17.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Then the king הַמֶּ֡לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> A king ordered וַיֹּ֣אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say the guards לָרָצִים֩ (lā·rā·ṣîm) Preposition-l, Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7323.htm">Strong's 7323: </a> To run at his side, הַנִּצָּבִ֨ים (han·niṣ·ṣā·ḇîm) Article | Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5324.htm">Strong's 5324: </a> To take one's stand, stand “Turn סֹ֥בּוּ (sōb·bū) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5437.htm">Strong's 5437: </a> To turn about, go around, surround and kill וְהָמִ֣יתוּ ׀ (wə·hā·mî·ṯū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4191.htm">Strong's 4191: </a> To die, to kill the priests כֹּהֲנֵ֣י (kō·hă·nê) Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3548.htm">Strong's 3548: </a> Priest of the LORD, יְהוָ֗ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel because כִּ֤י (kî) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction they too גַם־ (ḡam-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1571.htm">Strong's 1571: </a> Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and sided with עִם־ (‘im-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5973.htm">Strong's 5973: </a> With, equally with David. דָּוִ֔ד (dā·wiḏ) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1732.htm">Strong's 1732: </a> David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse For וְכִ֤י (wə·ḵî) Conjunctive waw | Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction they knew יָֽדְעוּ֙ (yā·ḏə·‘ū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3045.htm">Strong's 3045: </a> To know he ה֔וּא (hū) Pronoun - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1931.htm">Strong's 1931: </a> He, self, the same, this, that, as, are was fleeing, בֹרֵ֣חַ (ḇō·rê·aḥ) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1272.htm">Strong's 1272: </a> To bolt, to flee suddenly but they did not וְלֹ֥א (wə·lō) Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no tell גָל֖וּ (ḡā·lū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1540.htm">Strong's 1540: </a> To denude, to exile, to reveal me.” אָזְנִ֑י (’ā·zə·nî) Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_241.htm">Strong's 241: </a> Broadness, the ear But the king’s הַמֶּ֙לֶךְ֙ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> A king servants עַבְדֵ֤י (‘aḇ·ḏê) Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5650.htm">Strong's 5650: </a> Slave, servant would אָב֞וּ (’ā·ḇū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_14.htm">Strong's 14: </a> To breathe after, to be acquiescent not וְלֹֽא־ (wə·lō-) Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no lift לִשְׁלֹ֣חַ (liš·lō·aḥ) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7971.htm">Strong's 7971: </a> To send away, for, out a hand יָדָם֙ (yā·ḏām) Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3027.htm">Strong's 3027: </a> A hand to strike לִפְגֹ֖עַ (lip̄·ḡō·a‘) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6293.htm">Strong's 6293: </a> To impinge, by accident, violence, by importunity the priests בְּכֹהֲנֵ֥י (bə·ḵō·hă·nê) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3548.htm">Strong's 3548: </a> Priest of the LORD. יְהוָֽה׃ (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/22-17.htm">1 Samuel 22:17 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_samuel/22-17.htm">1 Samuel 22:17 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_samuel/22-17.htm">1 Samuel 22:17 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/22-17.htm">1 Samuel 22:17 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_samuel/22-17.htm">1 Samuel 22:17 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/22-17.htm">1 Samuel 22:17 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/22-17.htm">1 Samuel 22:17 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/22-17.htm">1 Samuel 22:17 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/22-17.htm">1 Samuel 22:17 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_samuel/22-17.htm">1 Samuel 22:17 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_samuel/22-17.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 22:17 The king said to the guard who (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/22-16.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 22:16"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 22:16" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/22-18.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 22:18"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 22:18" /></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>