1 samuel 22:11 - Then the king sent to call Ahimelech the priest, the son of Ahitub, and all his father’s house, the priests who were in Nob; and they all came to the king.
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What does "1 samuel 22:11" mean?
This verse from 1 Samuel 22:11 is a pivotal point in a tragic story. Here's a breakdown of its meaning and significance:
Context: David is on the run from King Saul, who is increasingly paranoid and believes David is plotting to overthrow him. David had previously sought help from Ahimelech the priest in Nob, asking for food and a weapon (which happened to be Goliath's sword). Ahimelech, unaware of David's true situation and believing he was on a mission for the king, provided assistance.
"Then the king sent to call Ahimelech the priest, the son of Ahitub...": King Saul, having learned from Doeg the Edomite that Ahimelech had aided David, summons Ahimelech to him. The specification that he is "the son of Ahitub" is a way of identifying the correct Ahimelech, as family lineage was important.
"...and all his father’s house, the priests who were in Nob...": This is the critical and ominous part of the verse. Saul doesn't just want to speak to Ahimelech; he wants to bring in the entire priestly family ("his father's house"). All the priests residing in Nob, the city where the Tabernacle (a place of worship) was located, are summoned. This indicates that Saul suspects the entire priesthood of conspiring with David. "Father's house" can also mean their extended family and household, potentially including wives, children, and servants.
"...and they all came to the king.": This simple phrase highlights the priests' obedience to the king's authority. They have no reason to suspect that Saul has evil intentions towards them; they believe he is acting in his royal capacity. Their willingness to comply makes them tragically vulnerable.
In essence, this verse sets the stage for a terrible massacre. Saul, fueled by paranoia and jealousy, has decided to punish Ahimelech and his entire family for the perceived crime of helping David. The fact that all the priests are summoned foreshadows the scope of Saul's anger and the impending tragedy. This event has a devastating impact on the priestly lineage.
1 samuel 22:11 - Then the king sent to call Ahimelech the priest, the son of Ahitub, and all his father’s house, the priests who were in Nob; and they all came to the king.
What does "1 samuel 22:11" mean?
This verse from 1 Samuel 22:11 is a pivotal point in a tragic story. Here's a breakdown of its meaning and significance:
Context: David is on the run from King Saul, who is increasingly paranoid and believes David is plotting to overthrow him. David had previously sought help from Ahimelech the priest in Nob, asking for food and a weapon (which happened to be Goliath's sword). Ahimelech, unaware of David's true situation and believing he was on a mission for the king, provided assistance.
"Then the king sent to call Ahimelech the priest, the son of Ahitub...": King Saul, having learned from Doeg the Edomite that Ahimelech had aided David, summons Ahimelech to him. The specification that he is "the son of Ahitub" is a way of identifying the correct Ahimelech, as family lineage was important.
"...and all his father’s house, the priests who were in Nob...": This is the critical and ominous part of the verse. Saul doesn't just want to speak to Ahimelech; he wants to bring in the entire priestly family ("his father's house"). All the priests residing in Nob, the city where the Tabernacle (a place of worship) was located, are summoned. This indicates that Saul suspects the entire priesthood of conspiring with David. "Father's house" can also mean their extended family and household, potentially including wives, children, and servants.
"...and they all came to the king.": This simple phrase highlights the priests' obedience to the king's authority. They have no reason to suspect that Saul has evil intentions towards them; they believe he is acting in his royal capacity. Their willingness to comply makes them tragically vulnerable.
In essence, this verse sets the stage for a terrible massacre. Saul, fueled by paranoia and jealousy, has decided to punish Ahimelech and his entire family for the perceived crime of helping David. The fact that all the priests are summoned foreshadows the scope of Saul's anger and the impending tragedy. This event has a devastating impact on the priestly lineage.