Theme
When wickedness is left unchecked it begins to abound in many directions.
Introduction
Previously, we looked at chapter 20 and saw Saul’s evil intentions exposed as he attempted to kill his own son Jonathan for his friendship with David.
At the end of the chapter, David began his time of running from Saul, who would pursue David until the day of his own death.
In chapters 21 and 22, we will see Saul’s hatred of David flow out in malevolence toward others, even the priests of the God who elected Saul to be king in the first place.
Saul’s Spy (Doeg)
(1 Samuel 21:1-10 & 22:6-10)
David’s Dealings in Nob
David Fled from Saul to Nob
The journey from Ramah to Nob marked a turning point in David’s life.
When David fled to Nob, it marked the beginning of an exile that lasted about ten years.
The journey from Ramah would have been around 8–10 km, and David had made the journey without proper preparations in terms of food and weapons.
David Came to the Priests for Help
David came to the priests for help, but he lied about his reason for being in town.
Nob was a priestly town where the tabernacle was located. Because of his friendship with Samuel, David knew he would likely find refuge and help among the priests there.
It is clear from the passage that David was seeking food.
The Priests Were Convinced to Help David
At first, the priest Ahimelech was frightened by the unexpected arrival of one from the king’s household.
David told Ahimelech that he was on a special mission for Saul, and that the absence of an entourage was due to the secret nature of the mission.
The urgency of the supposed mission convinced Ahimelech to help David.
David Requested Bread
David requested bread from the priest.
Ahimelech gave him the sacred loaves from the tabernacle.
David Acquired the Sword of Goliath
David was also able to acquire the sword of Goliath, the giant whom he had slain years earlier.
David’s actions in lying to the priest and taking the sword of Goliath indicate that David was depending on human wisdom rather than trusting fully in God.
Before judging David too harshly, we must remember that we all struggle at times to leave everything in God’s hands.
David’s Discovery by Doeg
In verse 7, the focus shifts briefly from David to a man named Doeg.
Doeg Was a Servant of Saul
Doeg was present at the tabernacle.
He was likely being detained before the Lord due to a vow or ceremonial uncleanness.
His presence meant he became a witness of David’s dealings with the priests.
Doeg Was an Edomite
Doeg was an Edomite, a descendant of Esau rather than one of the tribes of Israel.
Obadiah 10
“For thy violence against thy brother Jacob shame shall cover thee…”
Two reasons are highlighted:
- Doeg had no covenant loyalty to Israel
- Esau and his descendants picture the works of the flesh
Galatians 5:17
“For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit…”
Doeg pictures the flesh, always looking for an opportunity when we are weak or discouraged.
Doeg Was One of Saul’s Chief Servants
Doeg was chief of Saul’s herdsmen.
David recognised Doeg and knew that Doeg had recognised him as well.
David later admitted he knew Doeg would bring trouble upon the priests because they had helped him.
This may explain why David told Ahimelech the story about being on Saul’s mission.
This brief note on Doeg sets the scene for what is about to happen in chapter 22.
Saul’s Complaint
(1 Samuel 22:1-10)
Saul Couldn’t Catch David
David kept moving from place to place.
From Nob, David moved to Gath, the city of Goliath.
When Achish heard of David’s presence, he questioned why the giant slayer was there.
David pretended to be mad, and Achish dismissed him.
David then escaped to the cave Adullam, where 400 men gathered themselves unto him.
From there, David moved to the forest of Hareth in Judah.
This constant movement prevented Saul from surrounding and capturing David.
Saul’s People Protected David
In verse 6, Saul is once again found sitting under a tree in Ramah.
This appears to have been one of Saul’s favourite places when distressed or discouraged.
For the Christian, the place to go in distress is prayer.
Saul could not truly go to God in prayer, since he was fighting against God’s anointed man.
Saul Rebuked His People
Saul complained because his people had not helped him destroy David.
He reminded them of their common lineage.
Saul was of Benjamin and had elevated family and friends into positions of power.
David was of Judah.
Saul viewed David not only as a personal rival, but as a tribal threat.
He asked his men whether David would reward them as Saul had done.
Saul’s message was clear:
It is in your own interest for me to remain king.
Saul Accused Them of Conspiracy
Saul accused them of hiding Jonathan’s friendship with David.
He also accused them of knowing David’s whereabouts.
Whether true or not, Saul was using fear and pressure to control them.
Saul had:
- Thrown a javelin at David three times
- Thrown a javelin at Jonathan once
- Tried to have David arrested
- Bullied his own people into helping him
This man, once used by God, had become a carnal tool of the devil.
Warning for the Christian
Just because you have been saved many years does not mean you cannot become bitter, carnal, and even be used by the devil against other believers.
Saul’s Killer (Doeg)
(1 Samuel 22:9-23)
Doeg Spoke Up
Saul was using his position to coerce people into doing his dirty work.
Doeg was willing.
Doeg reported that he had seen David in Nob and that the priest had helped him.
He added that the priest had inquired of the Lord for David.
This reveals that David had sought God’s leading while at the tabernacle.
Saul immediately summoned Ahimelech and his father’s household.
This suggests Saul had already determined the outcome.
Saul Refused to Listen
Ahimelech explained that David had always been a faithful servant of Saul.
He believed he was helping Saul by helping David.
Saul refused to listen.
He ordered the death of Ahimelech’s family.
Saul’s Men Refused
Saul commanded his soldiers to kill the priests.
They would not do it.
Even Saul’s men knew killing God’s priests was wicked.
Saul had gone too far down this path of depravity.
Doeg the Killer
Saul turned to the one man willing to do the deed.
Doeg stepped forward and killed:
- 85 priests wearing the linen ephod
- The inhabitants of Nob
This was not justice.
This was brutal rage.
Saul had moved from king to persecutor.
It seems that having lost the respect of the people, Saul chose terror to control them.
Abiathar Escaped
Abiathar escaped and brought word to David.
David immediately blamed himself for putting the priests in harm’s way.
Notice the contrast:
- Saul killed his own people in anger
- David mourned the people and accepted responsibility
David guaranteed Abiathar safety if he remained with him.
Lessons from These Chapters
Doeg Reminds Us
The world is no friend of the people of God.
They may tolerate us for a time, but they will turn against us when it suits them.
Saul Reminds Us
A carnal Christian can do enormous damage when the devil gets hold of them.
Carnal Christians can ruin churches quickly through bad character and evil assumptions.
The Priests Remind Us
It only takes one wolf to scatter the sheep.
Doeg was one man outwardly participating in religion while planning betrayal.
The Bible warns us to identify wolves in sheep’s clothing.
This is especially relevant today when false teachers spread error across the internet.
Beware of online preachers who appear sound but are promoting their own corrupt interpretations.
Conclusion
- Beware of false teachers
- Beware of carnal Christians
- Beware of developing close ties with the lost
They do not share your values and will throw you under the bus when it suits them.