Massacre at Nob and Abiathar Joins David
1 Samuel 22:6-23
1 S.22.6 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישמע: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כי: CONJ
- נודע: VERB,niphal,perf,3,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואנשים: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- אתו: PRON,3,m,sg,acc
- ושאול: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יושב: VERB,qal,ptcp,1,m,sg
- בגבעה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- תחת: PREP
- האשל: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ברמה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- וחניתו: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- בידו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,m,sg
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- עבדיו: NOUN,m,pl,abs+3ms
- נצבים: ADJ,masc,pl,abs
- עליו: PREP,3,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 18:10-11 (verbal): Saul is depicted with a spear and hostile toward David; earlier scene where Saul, with a spear in hand, tries to pin David—echoes the image of Saul 'with his spear in his hand' and intent against David.
- 1 Samuel 19:11-12 (thematic): Saul sends men to seize/kill David and David must escape (Michal helps him); parallels the theme of Saul’s active pursuit and the discovery/threat to David and his followers.
- 1 Samuel 24:3-7 (structural): Saul, surrounded by his men in the field/cave area, is unaware of David nearby and vulnerable; structurally parallel scene of Saul encamped with his attendants while David is known or close enough to be discovered.
- 1 Samuel 26:7-11 (thematic): David enters Saul’s camp while Saul lies among his men and spares him—another episode highlighting Saul encamped with his retinue, David’s proximity/opportunity, and the dynamic of pursuit and mercy/conflict between them.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Saul heard that David and the men who were with him had been made known; and Saul sat on the hill under the tamarisk at Ramah, with his spear in his hand, and all his servants stood about him.
- And Saul heard that David and the men who were with him had become known; and Saul sat upon his hill beneath the terebinth at Gibeah, his spear in his hand, and all his servants stood about him.
1 S.22.7 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לעבדיו: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs,poss,3,m,sg
- הנצבים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- עליו: PREP,3,m,sg
- שמעו: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,pl
- נא: PART
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- ימיני: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- גם: ADV
- לכלכם: PREP+PRON,2,m,pl
- יתן: VERB,qal,imperf,3,m,sg
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ישי: NOUN,prop,sg,m
- שדות: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- וכרמים: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- לכלכם: PREP+PRON,2,m,pl
- ישים: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- שרי: NOUN,m,pl,cs
- אלפים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ושרי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- מאות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
Parallels
- 1 Sam 8:11-17 (thematic): Samuel's warning that a king will take your fields and vineyards, make your sons serve, and set commanders over you—closely parallels Saul's rhetorical image of a new king (the 'son of Jesse') giving land and appointing officers.
- 1 Sam 18:5 (verbal): Earlier in Samuel David is placed in military leadership (over the men of war), anticipating the very kind of promotion Saul sarcastically imagines the son of Jesse would grant to his own men.
- 2 Sam 8:15-18 (structural): Once king, David establishes centralized authority—administering justice and appointing officials (e.g., Joab as commander)—showing the real fulfillment of the offices Saul mentions in his taunt.
- Ps 89:20-21 (allusion): God's choice and anointing of David ('I have found David... I have anointed him') implies divine sanction for David's subsequent authority to grant lands and positions—the theological background to Saul's worried question.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Saul said to his servants who stood about him, "Hear now, sons of my right hand: will the son of Jesse give you all fields and vineyards? will he make you all commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds?
- And Saul said to his servants who stood about him, "Hear now, sons of my right hand: will the son of Jesse give to you each fields and vineyards? Will he make you all commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds?"
1 S.22.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כי: CONJ
- קשרתם: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,pl
- כלכם: PRON,2,m,pl
- עלי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- ואין: CONJ+PART,exist
- גלה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- אזני: NOUN,f,pl,suff
- בכרת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- עם: PREP
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ישי: NOUN,prop,sg,m
- ואין: CONJ+PART,exist
- חלה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- מכם: PREP,2,m,pl
- עלי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- וגלה: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- אזני: NOUN,f,pl,suff
- כי: CONJ
- הקים: VERB,hiph,perf,3,m,sg
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- את: PRT,acc
- עבדי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- עלי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- לארב: PREP+VERB,qal,inf
- כיום: ADV
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
Parallels
- Psalm 64:2-6 (verbal): Speaks of secret counsel and those who 'lie in wait' and plot against the speaker—language and imagery closely parallel the charge of conspiracy and ambush in 1 Sam 22:8.
- Jeremiah 20:10 (thematic): Jeremiah describes many whispering and conspiring to ambush him; thematically parallels the sense of betrayal, isolation, and enemies lying in wait.
- Psalm 31:13 (thematic): The psalmist complains of whispers and terror on every side and of being surrounded by treachery, echoing Saul's lament that 'you all have conspired against me' and none reveals it.
- Psalm 35:11-14 (verbal): Describes false witnesses and betrayal by those around the psalmist—parallels the accusation that companions or officials concealed treachery and failed to inform the king.
- 2 Samuel 15:13 (structural): Reports a concerted plot to win the hearts of Israel and set up a rival to the king (Absalom against David); structurally parallels the theme of conspiracy to depose or ambush a ruler found in 1 Sam 22:8.
Alternative generated candidates
- For you have all conspired against me; not one of you revealed it to me by the covenant of the men of Jesse. No one of you had pity on me or told me that the son of Jesse had set himself and his servants against me to lie in wait this day."
- "For you have all conspired against me; there is not one who tells me that the son of Jesse has made a league with the men of my people, and none of you cares to tell me that they have set my servants in ambush against me this day."
1 S.22.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויען: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- דאג: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- האדמי: NOUN,m,sg,def
- והוא: CONJ+PRON,3,m,sg
- נצב: VERB,qal,ptc,3,m,sg
- על: PREP
- עבדי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ראיתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,_,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ישי: NOUN,prop,sg,m
- בא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- נבה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- אחימלך: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אחטוב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 21:1-6 (verbal): Narrates the same visit of David to Nob and his encounter with Ahimelech the priest, which is the event Doeg reports in 22:9.
- 1 Samuel 22:16-19 (structural): Describes Saul’s order and Doeg’s execution of the priests at Nob — the immediate and violent consequence of Doeg’s report.
- 1 Samuel 22:20-23 (structural): Records Abiathar’s escape and flight to David after the massacre at Nob, showing the direct aftermath of Doeg’s informing Saul.
- Psalm 52 (superscription and vv.1-6) (allusion): A psalm attributed to David explicitly linked to the incident: the superscription names Doeg’s report to Saul and the psalm reflects on the treachery and fate of the false informer.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Doeg the Edomite, who stood over the servants of Saul, answered and said, "I saw the son of Jesse coming to Nob to Ahimelech son of Ahitub."
- And Doeg the Edomite answered, who stood among the servants of Saul, and said, "I saw the son of Jesse come to Nob to Ahimelech son of Ahitub."
1 S.22.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישאל: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- ביהוה: PREP+PN,sg
- וצידה: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- נתן: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- ואת: CONJ
- חרב: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- גלית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הפלשתי: NOUN,m,sg,def
- נתן: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 21:1-9 (quotation): The same episode recounted earlier: Ahimelech the priest gives David food (the consecrated bread) and explicitly hands him 'the sword of Goliath the Philistine.' 22:10 repeats these details.
- 1 Samuel 17:50-51 (allusion): The origin of 'the sword of Goliath'—these verses describe David's killing of Goliath and taking his sword, which is later in Ahimelech's possession and given to David.
- Matthew 12:3-4 (cf. Mark 2:25-26; Luke 6:3-4) (thematic): Jesus cites David eating the consecrated/showbread as a precedent, thematically linking the episode of 'victuals' given to David by the priest (1 Sam 21) referenced in 22:10.
- 1 Samuel 23:2 (thematic): Example of the recurring motif of 'inquiring of the LORD' for guidance in David's career; 22:10 reports that counsel was sought from God on David's behalf.
- 1 Samuel 22:9 (structural): Immediate narrative context: Doeg's report to Saul includes the statement that Ahimelech 'asked counsel of God for him, gave him victuals, and gave him the sword of Goliath,' framing Saul's hostile response in 22:11–19.
Alternative generated candidates
- And he inquired of the LORD for him, and gave him provisions, and gave him the sword of Goliath the Philistine.
- "And I inquired of Ahimelech for him, and he gave him provisions, and gave him the sword of Goliath the Philistine."
1 S.22.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישלח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- לקרא: VERB,qal,infc
- את: PRT,acc
- אחימלך: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אחיטוב: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- הכהן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ואת: CONJ
- כל: DET
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אביו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,m,sg
- הכהנים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- בנב: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,prop
- ויבאו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- כלם: PRON,3,m,pl
- אל: NEG
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 21:1-6 (verbal): Same priest (Ahimelech) and location (Nob); earlier scene where Ahimelech aids David by giving him consecrated bread and Goliath’s sword, establishing the connection between David and the priests of Nob.
- 1 Samuel 22:18-19 (structural): Direct narrative consequence of the king’s summons: Doeg reports the priests’ assistance to David, leading to Saul’s slaughter of the priests at Nob.
- 1 Samuel 22:20-23 (thematic): Immediate aftermath in the narrative: Abiathar (son of Ahimelech) escapes to David and joins him as priest—showing the outcome for the priestly household summoned in v.11.
- Psalm 52 (allusion): A psalm of David linked in its superscription to Doeg’s betrayal (“when Doeg the Edomite came and told Saul”), traditionally understood as a poetic response to the events at Nob and Doeg’s report.
- 1 Kings 2:26-27 (allusion): Later royal action involving Abiathar (descendant of Ahimelech): Solomon removes Abiathar from the priesthood, reflecting the longer-term consequences for Ahimelech’s priestly line introduced in 1 Sam 22:11.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then the king sent and called Ahimelech son of Ahitub the priest, and all his father's house, the priests who were at Nob; and they came all of them to the king.
- And the king sent and called Ahimelech son of Ahitub the priest, and all his father's house, the priests who were in Nob; and they all came to the king.
1 S.22.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שמע: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- נא: PART
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אחיטוב: NOUN,prop,m,sg
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- הנני: PRT+PRON,1,sg
- אדני: NOUN,m,sg,abs,1,sg
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 3:4-10 (verbal): God calls Samuel and Samuel answers 'Hineni' ('Here I am'), a direct call-and-response formula paralleling Saul's address and the priest's reply.
- Exodus 3:4 (verbal): God calls Moses from the burning bush and Moses replies 'Here I am,' using the same Hebrew response (הנני) as in 1 Samuel 22:12.
- Genesis 22:1-11 (verbal): When God calls Abraham ('Abraham!') Abraham answers 'Here I am'—another instance of the terse 'here I am' response to an address, echoing the brief exchange in 1 Samuel 22:12.
- Isaiah 6:8 (thematic): Isaiah's 'Here am I; send me' (הנני שלחני) parallels the readiness/availability expressed by the reply in 1 Samuel 22:12, reflecting the common prophetic/priestly response formula.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Saul said, "Hear now, son of Ahitub." And he said, "Here I am, my lord."
- And Saul said, "Hear now, son of Ahitub." And he said, "Here I am, my lord."
1 S.22.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אליו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- למה: ADV
- קשרתם: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,pl
- עלי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- אתה: PRON,2,m,sg
- ובן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ישי: NOUN,prop,sg,m
- בתתך: PREP+VERB,qal,inf+PRON,2,m,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- לחם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וחרב: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ושאול: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- באלהים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- לקום: VERB,qal,inf
- אלי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- לארב: INF,qal,inf
- כיום: ADV
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 21:1-9 (verbal): Narrates Ahimelech the priest giving David the consecrated bread and Goliath's sword—the concrete actions Saul accuses Ahimelech of in 22:13.
- 1 Samuel 22:9-10 (quotation): Doeg's report to Saul that he saw Ahimelech give David bread and a sword; this testimony is the immediate source of Saul's charge in 22:13.
- Mark 2:25-26 (allusion): Jesus alludes to David eating the consecrated bread and his companions—explicitly invoking the same episode of priestly provisioning cited in 1 Sam 22:13.
- Psalm 35:11 (thematic): David laments false witnesses and conspiracies against him—paralleling the theme of accusation and alleged collusion in 1 Sam 22:13.
- 1 Samuel 22:16-19 (structural): Describes Saul's execution of the priests after the accusation; shows the immediate, violent consequence of the charge made in 22:13.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Saul said to him, "Why have you conspired against me, you and the son of Jesse, in giving him bread, in giving him the sword, and in inquiring of God for him, that he should rise up against me to lie in wait, as at this day?"
- And Saul said to him, "Why have you conspired against me, you and the son of Jesse, giving him bread and the sword, and inquiring of God for him, that he should rise up against me this day?"
1 S.22.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויען: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אחימלך: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ומי: PRON,interr
- בכל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עבדיך: NOUN,m,pl,abs,2ms
- כדוד: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נאמן: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- וחתן: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- וסר: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- משמעתך: NOUN,f,sg,poss,2ms
- ונכבד: VERB,niphal,impf,1,pl
- בביתך: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,2,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Sam 18:1-5 (verbal): Describes David’s rise in Saul’s court—Saul loves him, makes him captain of the men—parallels Ahimelech’s claim about David’s honored position and trustworthiness.
- 1 Sam 18:20-27 (verbal): Records David’s marriage to Saul’s daughter Michal (becoming the king’s son‑in‑law); directly supports the phrase “חתן המלך.”
- 1 Sam 20:14-17 (thematic): Jonathan’s covenant to protect David and his promise of loyalty emphasizes the theme of David’s faithfulness and the protective bonds around him.
- 1 Sam 21:1-9 (structural): The episode at Nob where Ahimelech helps David provides the immediate narrative context for Ahimelech’s defense of David in 22:14—showing Ahimelech’s favorable disposition and knowledge of David’s needs.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Ahimelech answered the king, and said, "And who among all your servants is like David, faithful, the king's son-in-law, commander over your bodyguard, and honored in your house?
- And Ahimelech answered the king, and said, "Who among all your servants is like David, faithful, the king's son-in-law, a chief in your house, highly honored in your household?"
1 S.22.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- היום: NOUN,m,sg,def
- החלתי: VERB,hiph,perf,1,_,sg
- לשאל: VERB,qal,inf
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- באלהים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- חלילה: INTJ
- לי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- אל: NEG
- ישם: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- בעבדו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+3ms
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בכל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אבי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- כי: CONJ
- לא: PART_NEG
- ידע: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- עבדך: NOUN,m,sg,abs,2,ms
- בכל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- זאת: DEM,f,sg
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- קטן: ADJ,m,sg
- או: CONJ
- גדול: ADJ,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Sam.21.1-9 (thematic): The incident Doeg reports (David's visit to Ahimelech at Nob, receipt of bread and Goliath's sword) is narrated here — the factual background to Doeg's statement before the king.
- 1 Sam.22.16-19 (structural): Immediate narrative outcome of Doeg's testimony: Saul orders the execution of the priests and Doeg carries it out. Shows the lethal consequences of the report and the claim in v.15.
- 1 Sam.28.6 (verbal): Uses the same language of 'inquiring of the LORD' (שָׁאַל אַתָּה/שָׁאַלְתִּי אֶת־יְהוָה). Offers a verbal parallel for the practice of seeking divine counsel, here ascribed by Doeg.
- 1 Sam.23.2-4 (thematic): David's recurrent pattern of 'inquiring of the LORD' before action; contrasts David's legitimate consultation of God with Doeg's asserted inquiry and claim of ignorance before the king.
Alternative generated candidates
- From the day that you inquired of the LORD for him, have I ever failed to inquire for him in any matter, small or great? Let not the king impute anything to his servant in all the house of my father; for your servant knew nothing of all this."
- "I inquired of the LORD for him today; far be it from me—may the king not impute anything to his servant from all that the king might lay upon his house— for your servant did not know of any of this, whether small or great."
1 S.22.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- מות: VERB,qal,infabs
- תמות: VERB,qal,yiqtol,2,m,sg
- אחימלך: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אתה: PRON,2,m,sg
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אביך: NOUN,m,sg,suff+2ms
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 22:19 (structural): Immediate narrative continuation: Doeg carries out Saul’s order and slaughters the priests at Nob, showing the execution of the king’s decree to kill Ahimelech and his household.
- 1 Samuel 15:3 (thematic): Saul’s earlier divinely‑authorized command to ‘utterly destroy’ Amalek parallels the theme of a ruler ordering total destruction of a people/household.
- Matthew 2:16 (thematic): Herod’s order to massacre the male children of Bethlehem echoes the motif of a monarch commanding the killing of a defined group/family for political reasons.
- 2 Kings 9:7–10 (thematic): Jehoshaphat/Jehu‑era command to cut off the house of Ahab parallels the idea of a royal injunction to destroy an entire household as punishment or purge of rivals.
- 1 Kings 2:28–34 (thematic): Solomon’s subsequent executions (Joab, Adonijah’s fate, etc.) illustrate the recurring pattern of a king ordering the removal or death of perceived enemies and their household interests.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the king said, "You shall surely die, Ahimelech, you and all your father's house."
- And the king said, "You shall surely die, Ahimelech, you and all your father's house."
1 S.22.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- לרצים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- הנצבים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- עליו: PREP,3,m,sg
- סבו: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,pl
- והמיתו: VERB,hiph,imp,2,m,pl
- כהני: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- כי: CONJ
- גם: ADV
- ידם: NOUN,m,sg,suff,3,m,pl
- עם: PREP
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וכי: CONJ
- ידעו: VERB,qal,perf,3,pl
- כי: CONJ
- ברח: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,sg
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- ולא: CONJ
- גלו: VERB,qal,imp,2,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- אזני: NOUN,f,pl,suff
- ולא: CONJ
- אבו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- עבדי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- לשלח: VERB,qal,inf
- את: PRT,acc
- ידם: NOUN,m,sg,suff,3,m,pl
- לפגע: PREP+VERB,qal,inf
- בכהני: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,cons
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 21:1-9 (thematic): Background incident: Ahimelech the priest at Nob gives David bread and Goliath's sword, which is the action Saul charges the priests with aiding (the reason for Saul's command in 22:17).
- 1 Samuel 22:18-19 (structural): Immediate narrative continuation: Doeg obeys Saul's command and slaughters the priests of the LORD after Saul's servants refuse to carry out the order.
- Psalm 52 (verbal): A psalm of David explicitly composed about Doeg the Edomite's treachery; laments the destruction of the righteous and reflects on the same event of the priests being betrayed and slain.
- 1 Kings 2:26-27 (thematic): Solomon's removal and punishment of Abiathar the priest for political allegiance parallels the motif of royal action against priests perceived as siding with a rival (political retribution against the priesthood).
Alternative generated candidates
- And the king said to the servants who 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."
- And the king said to the runners who stood about him, "Turn, and slay the priests of the LORD, for their hand is also with David; for they knew he had fled and did not tell me, and my servants would not send to strike the priests of the LORD."
1 S.22.18 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- לדואג: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- סב: VERB,qal,perf,2,pl
- אתה: PRON,2,m,sg
- ופגע: CONJ+VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- בכהנים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ויסב: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- דואג: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- האדמי: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ויפגע: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- בכהנים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- וימת: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ביום: PREP
- ההוא: DEM,ms,sg
- שמנים: NUM,card,pl,m,abs
- וחמשה: CONJ+NUM,m,pl
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נשא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אפוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 22:9-23 (structural): The immediate narrative context: Doeg’s testimony (vv.9–10), Saul’s command, and Doeg’s massacre of the priests (vv.19–23) are retold/expanded here — the same episode of the killing at Nob.
- 1 Samuel 21:1-9 (structural): The antecedent episode: David’s visit to Ahimelech at Nob (provision of consecrated bread and Goliath’s sword) provides the cause for Doeg’s report and Saul’s subsequent order to kill the priestly family.
- Ezekiel 9:5-6 (thematic): A divinely‑ordered slaughter that begins at the sanctuary/temple area — parallels the motif of violence directed against temple personnel and killings occurring in a sacred precinct.
- Matthew 2:16 (thematic): Herod’s royal command to massacre infants to eliminate a perceived rival echoes the theme of a ruler ordering the systematic slaughter of innocents (or targeted noncombatants) to secure his power.
Alternative generated candidates
- But the king said to Doeg, "You turn, and fall upon the priests." So Doeg the Edomite turned and fell upon the priests; and he struck them that day with the edge of the sword—eighty-five men who wore a linen ephod.
- And the king said to Doeg, "Turn aside, and fall upon the priests." And Doeg the Edomite turned aside and fell upon the priests; and he struck down that day eighty-five men who wore a linen ephod.
1 S.22.19 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואת: CONJ
- נב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עיר: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- הכהנים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- הכה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לפי: PREP
- חרב: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מאיש: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ועד: CONJ+PREP
- אשה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מעולל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ועד: CONJ+PREP
- יונק: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ושור: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וחמור: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ושה: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לפי: PREP
- חרב: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Joshua 6:21 (verbal): Uses very similar vocabulary and formula — “men and women, young and old, young children and infants” and animals devoted to the sword — a near-verbal parallel in descriptions of total destruction/herem.
- Deuteronomy 20:16-18 (structural): Legal/ideological background for commands to slaughter whole populations (men, women, children, livestock) in cases of herem; supplies the formal rubric echoed in narratives of complete annihilation.
- 1 Samuel 15:3 (verbal): Earlier command (Samuel to Saul) to put Amalek under the ban, killing men and women, children and infants; parallels the formula and theological rhetoric of divinely/officially sanctioned slaughter within the Samuel corpus.
- Matthew 2:16 (thematic): New Testament echo of the motif “massacre of the innocents” — killing of infants and young children by political authority — a later thematic parallel to the biblical motif of rulers ordering slaughter of noncombatants.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Nob, the city of the priests, he struck with the edge of the sword, both men and women, infants and nursing children; and oxen and donkeys and sheep he struck with the edge of the sword.
- And Nob, the city of the priests, he struck with the edge of the sword: men and women, infants and nursing children; ox and donkey and sheep—he put them to the sword.
1 S.22.20 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וימלט: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אחד: NUM,card,m,sg
- לאחימלך: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אחטוב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ושמו: CONJ,NOUN,m,sg,abs+3ms
- אביתר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויברח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- אחרי: PREP
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 21:1-9 (verbal): Introduces Ahimelech son of Ahitub (the priest who aids David) and the priestly household whose fate leads to Abiathar's prominence and flight.
- 1 Samuel 22:19-23 (structural): Immediate narrative context: Doeg's slaughter of the priests at Nob and the survival/escape of one son (Abiathar) who flees to David.
- 1 Samuel 23:6 (verbal): Records Abiathar coming to David (with the ephod), showing the direct consequence of his escape and his new role as David's priestly advisor.
- 1 Samuel 30:7-8 (thematic): Shows Abiathar functioning as David's priest (consulting God with the ephod) — a continuing result of his flight to David in 1 Sam 22:20.
- 1 Kings 2:26-27,35 (allusion): Later resolution of Abiathar's career: Solomon deposes/exiles him, connecting back to his earlier flight and political-religious role in David's court.
Alternative generated candidates
- But one of the sons of Ahimelech son of Ahitub escaped, and his name was Abiathar; and he fled after David.
- But one of the sons of Ahimelech son of Ahitub escaped, and his name was Abiathar; and he fled to David.
1 S.22.21 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויגד: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- אביתר: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- לדוד: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- כי: CONJ
- הרג: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- כהני: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Sam.22.17-19 (verbal): Immediate narrative account of Saul’s command and Doeg’s massacre of the priests at Nob — the event that verse 22:21 reports.
- 1 Sam.21.1-9 (thematic): Background episode: David’s encounter with Ahimelech the priest at Nob (giving him bread and the sword), which precipitates Saul’s suspicion and the subsequent slaughter.
- 1 Sam.22.20-23 (structural): Direct continuation: one of Ahimelech’s sons, Abiathar, escapes and comes to David, reporting the killing and later serving David as priest (connects with verse 22:21’s report).
- 1 Sam.30.7-8 (thematic): Later scene showing Abiathar’s role with David (bringing the ephod to inquire of the LORD), illustrating the outcome of Abiathar’s escape and the priestly function that continued after the massacre.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Abiathar told David that Saul had slain the priests of the LORD.
- And Abiathar told David that Saul had slain the priests of the LORD.
1 S.22.22 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לאביתר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ידעתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,?,sg
- ביום: PREP
- ההוא: DEM,ms,sg
- כי: CONJ
- שם: ADV
- דואג: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- האדמי: NOUN,m,sg,def
- כי: CONJ
- הגד: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- יגיד: VERB,hif,impf,3,m,sg
- לשאול: PREP+VERB,qal,inf
- אנכי: PRON,1,sg
- סבתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,_,sg
- בכל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נפש: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אביך: NOUN,m,sg,suff+2ms
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 21:1-9 (structural): Antecedent episode: David receives aid from Ahimelech the priest at Nob (provisions and Goliath's sword). This action is what Doeg later reports and is the background for David's remark to Abiathar.
- 1 Samuel 22:9-23 (structural): Immediate narrative consequence: Doeg the Edomite tells Saul about Ahimelech’s help to David, and Saul orders the execution of the priests. This passage records the very report David anticipates in v.22.
- Psalm 52 (allusion): A psalm explicitly linked to the same incident (“when Doeg the Edomite came and told Saul”); David attacks Doeg’s treachery and its moral/spiritual implications—poetic reflection on the event referenced in 1 Sam 22:22.
- 2 Samuel 15:12-14 (thematic): Parallel theme of betrayal from within the king’s circle and the danger posed by informers/counselors. Absalom’s conspiracy and Ahithophel’s role echo the motif of insiders causing political threat and violence.
Alternative generated candidates
- And David said to Abiathar, "I knew on that day—because Doeg the Edomite was there—that he would surely tell Saul. I have occasioned the death of all the house of your father.
- And David said to Abiathar, "I knew on that day—when Doeg the Edomite was there—that he would surely tell Saul; I am responsible for the fate that has fallen upon all the house of your father."
1 S.22.23 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- שבה: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,sg
- אתי: PRON,1,sg
- אל: NEG
- תירא: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- אשר: PRON,rel
- יבקש: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- נפשי: NOUN,f,sg,abs+1cs
- יבקש: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- נפשך: NOUN,f,sg,abs,2,m
- כי: CONJ
- משמרת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אתה: PRON,2,m,sg
- עמדי: PREP+1cs
Parallels
- 1 Sam 20:14–17 (verbal): Jonathan vows to protect David and his household—‘if I remain alive, you shall be with me’—echoing David’s promise that the priest will be safe with him and linking the safety of a follower to the fate of the leader.
- 2 Sam 9:7 (thematic): David to Mephibosheth: ‘Do not fear... I will show you kindness’—a direct reassurance of protection and care by David for someone identified with his circle, paralleling the same protective assurance in 1 Sam 22:23.
- Matt 10:24–25 (thematic): Jesus teaches that a disciple is not above the teacher and that persecutors of the teacher will also persecute the disciples—paralleling the idea that those who seek the leader’s life will seek the lives of his followers.
- John 15:20 (thematic): ‘If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you’—a New Testament restatement of the principle in 1 Sam 22:23 that enemies of the leader become enemies of his companions.
Alternative generated candidates
- Return with me; do not be afraid. For whoever seeks my life seeks your life; you shall be safe with me."
- "Return with me; do not be afraid. For whoever seeks my life seeks your life also; you are a guardian with me."
And Saul heard that David and the men who were with him were known; and Saul sat on the hill under the terebinth at Ramah, his spear in his hand, and all his servants stood about him. And Saul said to his servants who stood about him, "Hear now, sons of my right hand: will the son of Jesse give you fields and vineyards, and will he appoint you all commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds?"
"For you are all conspiring against me; there is none that tells me. Has a son of Jesse given you this? Have you not kept silence toward me, that my son has risen up against me to lie in wait this day?" And Doeg the Edomite, who was standing with the servants of Saul, answered and said, "I saw the son of Jesse coming to Nob to Ahimelech the son of Ahitub."
"He inquired of God for him, and he gave him provisions and gave him the sword of Goliath the Philistine." And the king sent and called Ahimelech the son of Ahitub the priest, and all his father's house, the priests who were at Nob; and they came to the king. And Saul said, "Hear now, son of Ahitub." And he answered, "Behold, here I am, my lord." And Saul said to him, "Why have you conspired against me, you and the son of Jesse, to give him bread and the sword and to inquire of God for him, that he is risen up against me to lie in wait this day?" And Ahimelech answered the king and said, "Who among all your servants is like David, faithful, a leader in the king's household and honored in your house?"
"Today I inquired of God for him; let the king not impute this thing to his servant or to all my father's house; for your servant knew nothing of all this, small or great." And the king said, "You shall surely die, Ahimelech, you and all your father's house." And the king said to the runners who stood about him, "Turn and slay the priests of the LORD, for their hand also is with David; for they knew that he fled and did not disclose it to me, nor did my servants tell them to send and seize him."
Then the king said to Doeg, "You, turn and strike the priests." And Doeg the Edomite turned and struck the priests; and on that day he killed eighty-five men who wore a linen ephod. And Nob, the city of the priests, he struck with the edge of the sword—from man even to woman, from child even to suckling; and he smote ox and donkey and sheep with the sword. But one of the sons of Ahimelech the son of Ahitub escaped, and his name was Abiathar; and he fled to David. And Abiathar told David that Saul had slain the priests of the LORD. And David said to Abiathar, "I perceived on that day that Doeg the Edomite would surely tell it to the king; I have occasioned the death of all the household of your father."
"Abide with me; fear not: for he who seeks my life seeks your life also; you shall be safe with me."