1 Samuel 22 22

1 Samuel 22:22 kjv

And David said unto Abiathar, I knew it that day, when Doeg the Edomite was there, that he would surely tell Saul: I have occasioned the death of all the persons of thy father's house.

1 Samuel 22:22 nkjv

So David said to Abiathar, "I knew that day, when Doeg the Edomite was there, that he would surely tell Saul. I have caused the death of all the persons of your father's house.

1 Samuel 22:22 niv

Then David said to Abiathar, "That day, when Doeg the Edomite was there, I knew he would be sure to tell Saul. I am responsible for the death of your whole family.

1 Samuel 22:22 esv

And David said to Abiathar, "I knew on that day, when Doeg the Edomite was there, that he would surely tell Saul. I have occasioned the death of all the persons of your father's house.

1 Samuel 22:22 nlt

David exclaimed, "I knew it! When I saw Doeg the Edomite there that day, I knew he was sure to tell Saul. Now I have caused the death of all your father's family.

1 Samuel 22 verses

1 Samuel 22 22 Meaning

In 1 Samuel 22:22, King David confesses his sorrowful understanding and responsibility regarding the massacre of the priests of Nob. He expresses that upon seeing Doeg the Edomite at the sanctuary that day, he instantly perceived that Doeg would undoubtedly inform Saul, leading to disastrous consequences for Ahimelech's priestly household. David acknowledges his indirect yet pivotal role in causing their deaths, taking the burden of blame for the loss of Abiathar's entire paternal line due to his desperate actions that inadvertently exposed them to Saul's murderous paranoia.

1 Samuel 22 22 Context

The events surrounding 1 Samuel 22:22 occur during a dark and desperate period in David's life, as he flees from Saul's relentless persecution. Chapter 21 details David's flight to Nob, where he receives holy bread and Goliath's sword from Ahimelech, the high priest, under the pretense of being on a secret royal mission. Present at this interaction is Doeg the Edomite, Saul's chief herdsman, an informant and enemy of David (Ps 52). Saul's paranoia intensifies, leading him to believe everyone is conspiring with David. In 1 Samuel 22:9-10, Doeg exploits Saul's suspicion by informing him of Ahimelech's assistance to David. Saul, enraged, commands his guards to kill the priests, but they refuse. It is then Doeg who, obeying Saul, mercilessly massacres eighty-five priests of the LORD, including Ahimelech, and destroys Nob, the priestly city. Abiathar, Ahimelech's son, is the only priest who escapes the slaughter and flees to David, bringing the ephod (used for divine consultation). It is to this Abiathar that David makes the statement in verse 22, expressing his profound regret and acceptance of indirect responsibility for the horrific event that devastated the priestly line. This incident serves as a stark testament to Saul's descent into tyranny and God's sovereign hand, as the massacre also contributed to the ongoing fulfillment of the prophecy against Eli's house (1 Sam 2:31-34).

1 Samuel 22 22 Word analysis

• And David said: Signifies a solemn declaration, an emotional moment of confession.
• to Abiathar: The sole survivor of the priestly massacre, emphasizing David's personal lament and apology to the one most directly affected.
• I knew it that day: Hebrew yādaʿtî (ידעתי), "I knew," "I understood," "I perceived." This isn't just hindsight; David suggests a chilling intuition or acute awareness at the time. His perception was that a wicked person (Doeg) in that sacred place boded ill, knowing Saul's destructive nature.
• when Doeg the Edomite was there: Refers to 1 Samuel 21:7. Doeg's presence at Nob, an Edomite in the house of God, represented a significant threat. Edomites were often viewed with hostility by Israelites, linking them with treachery and opposition (cf. Obadiah). His presence alone was an ominous sign of danger, given his notorious reputation in Saul's service.
• that he would surely tell Saul: Hebrew naggēd yaḡîḏ (הַגֵּד יַגִּיד). This is an emphatic infinitive absolute construction, conveying absolute certainty: "he would certainly tell," "he would truly tell." David understood Doeg's character and his role as Saul's informant and enforcer. There was no doubt in David's mind that Doeg would betray Ahimelech.
• I have occasioned the death: Hebrew ʾānōḵî sababtî (אָנֹכִי סַבֹּתִי), "I surrounded," "I caused to turn around," or "I occasioned," "I caused to happen." This phrase emphasizes David's profound acceptance of moral, though not direct, responsibility. While Doeg murdered the priests and Saul ordered it, David recognizes his actions (seeking help at Nob) put the priests in harm's way. This demonstrates a deep sense of humility and ownership, a hallmark of David's repentant heart compared to Saul's blame-shifting.
• of all the persons of thy father's house: This refers to the entire household, lineage, and servants associated with Ahimelech the priest in Nob (1 Sam 22:18-19). This collective destruction deeply pains David, who likely recognized the significant spiritual loss for Israel. This also marks a critical step in the fulfillment of the curse against the house of Eli, to which Ahimelech belonged.

1 Samuel 22 22 Bonus section

The Hebrew word sababtî can also carry the nuance of "to be the indirect cause." This is crucial for understanding David's confession. He's not saying he murdered them directly, but that his actions created the circumstances that led to their demise. This understanding of indirect culpability shows a profound moral depth and leadership quality in David. Contrast this with King Saul's consistent refusal to take responsibility for his own clear and direct disobedience (1 Sam 13:11-12, 1 Sam 15:20-21), demonstrating a fundamental difference in character between God's anointed and one who was rejected. David's reception of Abiathar, the lone survivor, not only deepens David's burden of grief but also marks Abiathar's joining of David's cause, ensuring the continuation of a priestly line loyal to God's chosen king. Abiathar, carrying the ephod, becomes a spiritual anchor for David in his wilderness wanderings, signifying God's continued presence with His true anointed one. This verse thus solidifies a key turning point, highlighting Saul's escalating evil and David's growing kingly virtue, marked by contrition and care for the righteous remnant.

1 Samuel 22 22 Commentary

1 Samuel 22:22 encapsulates David's profound guilt and sorrow, yet also highlights his moral character in accepting responsibility. Even though his actions at Nob were driven by desperation, and the direct perpetrators were Saul and Doeg, David internalizes the tragedy, understanding that his presence and request for aid inadvertently exposed the priests to Saul's madness. This admission sets David apart from Saul, who consistently avoided responsibility for his own sins. David's willingness to acknowledge his part, however indirect, showcases his righteous and contrite heart, preparing him for true kingship. The verse emphasizes the devastating consequences of Saul's wicked rule and Doeg's treacherous informant nature, portraying the inherent dangers for the innocent when evil governs. Furthermore, the death of the priests serves as a harsh fulfillment of God's earlier judgment on the house of Eli.