Chapter 4: The Massacre at Nob

Meanwhile, back in Gibeah, Saul was sitting under a tamarisk tree on the hill, spear in hand, surrounded by his officials. He accused them all of conspiring against him. He said none of them had told him that his own son Jonathan had made a covenant with David. He questioned their loyalty and silence.

Then Doeg the Edomite stepped forward. The same man who had been at Nob that day. The one who saw everything and said nothing.

DOEG“I saw the son of Jesse come to Ahimelech at Nob. Ahimelech inquired of the Lord for him, gave him provisions, and gave him the sword of Goliath the Philistine.”— 1 Samuel 22:9–10

Saul immediately summoned Ahimelech and every priest in Nob. When they arrived, Ahimelech stood before the king and defended himself honestly. He told Saul that David was the king's most loyal servant. He said he knew nothing about any conflict between David and the king.

Saul did not listen to a single word.

SAUL“You shall surely die, Ahimelech. You and all your father's house.”— 1 Samuel 22:16

He ordered his guards to kill the priests. They refused. Not one of Saul's soldiers would raise a hand against the priests of the Lord.

So Saul turned to Doeg and he obeyed. That day he struck down eighty-five men. Then he went to the town of Nob itself and put it to the sword. Men, women, children, infants, oxen, donkeys, and sheep. An entire priestly city wiped from the earth.

One man survived. Abiathar, son of Ahimelech, escaped and fled to David. When he told David what had happened, David's response carried the full weight of what he had done.

DAVID“I knew that day, when Doeg the Edomite was there, that he would surely tell Saul. I am responsible for the death of your father's entire family. Stay with me. Do not be afraid. He who seeks my life seeks your life. With me you will be safe.”— 1 Samuel 22:22–23

Abiathar stayed. And he had brought something with him from Nob: the ephod, the priestly garment used to inquire of God. It would prove critical in what came next.