1 Samuel 22 9

1 Samuel 22:9 kjv

Then answered Doeg the Edomite, which was set over the servants of Saul, and said, I saw the son of Jesse coming to Nob, to Ahimelech the son of Ahitub.

1 Samuel 22:9 nkjv

Then answered Doeg the Edomite, who was set over the servants of Saul, and said, "I saw the son of Jesse going to Nob, to Ahimelech the son of Ahitub.

1 Samuel 22:9 niv

But Doeg the Edomite, who was standing with Saul's officials, said, "I saw the son of Jesse come to Ahimelek son of Ahitub at Nob.

1 Samuel 22:9 esv

Then answered Doeg the Edomite, who stood by the servants of Saul, "I saw the son of Jesse coming to Nob, to Ahimelech the son of Ahitub,

1 Samuel 22:9 nlt

Then Doeg the Edomite, who was standing there with Saul's men, spoke up. "When I was at Nob," he said, "I saw the son of Jesse talking to the priest, Ahimelech son of Ahitub.

1 Samuel 22 verses

1 Samuel 22 9 Meaning

This verse reveals Doeg the Edomite informing King Saul about David's visit to Nob, specifically to Ahimelech the high priest. Doeg, having witnessed this event, reports it as evidence against David and implicitly against Ahimelech, thereby fueling Saul's unfounded suspicions and paranoia. This act of malicious betrayal by an outsider within Saul's inner circle sets in motion the tragic slaughter of the priests of Nob.

1 Samuel 22 9 Context

Chapter 22 of 1 Samuel finds David on the run from King Saul, having recently sought refuge and provisions from Ahimelech the priest at Nob (1 Sam 21:1-9). Saul is consumed by paranoia, believing all his servants and even his own son Jonathan are conspiring with David (1 Sam 22:7-8). He bitterly complains that no one informs him of David's movements. It is in this atmosphere of suspicion and accusations that Doeg the Edomite, present among Saul's servants, steps forward. Doeg was described earlier as Saul's chief of the herdsmen (1 Sam 21:7), a position indicating his close proximity to the king and access to sensitive information. His report in verse 9, while factual about David's presence in Nob, weaponizes this information against the innocent Ahimelech and sets the stage for the tragic massacre of the priests, deepening Saul's moral descent.

1 Samuel 22 9 Word analysis

• Then (וַיַּעַן - vayyaʿan): This word indicates a direct response to Saul's bitter complaint in verses 7-8 about the perceived disloyalty of his servants. It signals a shift from general accusations to a specific, named informant.
• answered (וַיַּעַן - vayyaʿan): Hebrew for "answered," but here implies not just a reply to a question, but a proactive volunteering of information, suggesting Doeg's eagerness to gain favor or fulfill Saul's desire for accusation.
• Doeg the Edomite (דּוֹאֵג הָאֲדֹמִי - Dōʾēg hāʾÄdōmî):
  • Doeg (דּוֹאֵג): Derived from a root meaning "to worry" or "to be afraid." His name ironically contrasts with his ruthless action; his act caused fear and distress, but he seemingly showed no fear or apprehension in committing it. He represents malicious informing.
  • Edomite (הָאֲדֹמִי): Identifies him as a descendant of Esau, brother of Jacob. The Edomites were historically adversaries of Israel (e.g., Num 20:14-21, Obadiah 1:10-14). His foreign origin reinforces the idea that he stood apart from the moral and religious covenant responsibilities of Israel, making him less inclined to show mercy to Israelite priests. This might also subtly reflect Saul's growing isolation and reliance on outsiders rather than trusted Israelite advisors. His "alienness" further underscores the evil of his deed, committed against those connected to the very heart of Israel's worship.
• who was standing (נִצָּב - niṣṣāḇ): Participle, meaning "stationed," "present," "attendant." This implies he was not merely passing by but was positioned among Saul's inner circle, actively observing. It shows his privileged proximity to the king, making his betrayal particularly potent.
• with the servants of Saul (עִם עַבְדֵי שָׁאוּל - ʿim ʿavdê Shāʾûl): Reinforces his integration into the royal retinue, though as an Edomite, he might have been an official or high-ranking foreign retainer rather than a native Israelite servant. This places him in a prime position to overhear, observe, and report directly to the king.
• and said (וַיֹּאמֶר - vayyōʾmer): Standard Hebrew verb for speaking. Indicates a formal and direct report.
• "I saw (רָאִיתִי - rāʾîtî):" Emphasizes an eyewitness account. This personal verification makes his testimony compelling to Saul and gives it the weight of "truth," despite its malicious intent.
• the son of Jesse (בֶּן־יִשַׁי - ben-Yishai): A derogatory term Saul used for David (1 Sam 20:27, 30-31), meant to diminish his status by referring to his lineage rather than his name or kingly anointing. Doeg's use of this phrase aligns him with Saul's hostility and validates Saul's personal bias. It avoids recognizing David's legitimacy as the chosen one and subtly dehumanizes him from Saul's perspective.
• coming to Nob (בָּא נֹבָה - bāʾ Nōvāh): Specific, accurate geographical detail. Nob was the city of priests (1 Sam 21:1, 22:19), holding the tabernacle and sacred objects. Doeg understands the significance of David seeking aid from the high priest in a holy place.
• to Ahimelech the son of Ahitub (אֶל־אֲחִימֶלֶךְ בֶּן־אֲחִיטוּב - ʾel-ʾAḥîmeleḵ ben-ʾAḥîṭûḇ): Names the specific high priest and his father, confirming Doeg's detailed knowledge of the visit. This direct naming connects David's visit directly to the high priest, providing Saul with the "evidence" he seeks for a perceived conspiracy within Israel's spiritual leadership. This precision leaves no room for doubt in Saul's paranoid mind regarding Ahimelech's alleged involvement.

1 Samuel 22 9 Bonus section

The incident of Doeg informing Saul illustrates a chilling aspect of Saul's leadership after God rejected him: his growing inability to discern loyalty and truth. Instead of seeking counsel from prophets or priests as he once did, he cultivates a circle of fear and suspicion, inviting individuals like Doeg to fulfill his desire for accusations. Doeg's willingness to inform also highlights the corrupting influence of power, where even truthful information can be weaponized. Furthermore, this verse subtly reinforces David's righteousness in God's eyes, as the attempts to discredit and destroy him, often led by figures like Doeg, only demonstrate the depths of the opposition David faced while relying on divine protection. The use of "son of Jesse" by Doeg indicates he quickly grasped and adopted Saul's contemptuous vocabulary regarding David, further showing his readiness to ingratiate himself to the king.

1 Samuel 22 9 Commentary

1 Samuel 22:9 marks a pivotal moment in the escalating conflict between King Saul and David, catalyzed by Doeg the Edomite's malicious "report." This verse exemplifies the dangers of unchecked paranoia and the destructive power of a seemingly truthful but venomous accusation. Doeg's eyewitness account of David's visit to Nob, while factually correct, was delivered with the intent to implicate Ahimelech the high priest in aiding David against Saul. He effectively twists a compassionate act by the priest into an act of disloyalty and treason.

The identity of Doeg as an "Edomite" is significant, highlighting an outsider who exploits internal conflict for personal gain or out of inherent antagonism. His position as chief herdsman gave him access and leverage, which he abused. This act sets in motion Saul's brutal massacre of the innocent priests of Nob (1 Sam 22:18), illustrating the horrific consequences of Saul's paranoid insecurity and his willingness to eliminate perceived threats without proper investigation or divine counsel. This event ultimately contributes to David's character, as he expresses regret and acknowledges his unwitting role in the priests' demise (1 Sam 22:22), and it is immortalized in Psalm 52 as a warning against such treachery. The entire episode serves as a powerful testament to the destructive path of those who oppose God's chosen and those who betray others for favor.