1 samuel 22:15 - Have I today begun to inquire of God for him? Be it far from me! Don’t let the king impute anything to his servant, nor to all the house of my father; for your servant knows nothing of all this, less or more.”
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What does "1 samuel 22:15" mean?
This verse is spoken by Ahimelech the priest to King Saul in 1 Samuel 22:15. To understand it, we need to consider the context of the entire chapter.
Context:
Saul suspects his own tribe of Benjamin of conspiring against him and helping David, whom he sees as a threat to his throne.
Saul accuses his servants of conspiring with David and betraying him.
Doeg the Edomite informs Saul that he saw Ahimelech helping David by giving him food and Goliath's sword.
Saul summons Ahimelech and accuses him of treason.
Explanation of the Verse:
Let's break down Ahimelech's words:
"Have I today begun to inquire of God for him?" This is a rhetorical question implying that Ahimelech has regularly inquired of God (using the Urim and Thummim, a form of divination) for David in the past. He's arguing that his helping David on this occasion was not unusual or suspicious, but part of their established relationship. Ahimelech is trying to downplay the significance of his actions.
"Be it far from me!" This is an emphatic declaration of innocence. Ahimelech is saying, "May it never be! I would never do such a thing as to conspire against you!" He's vehemently denying any disloyalty to Saul.
"Don’t let the king impute anything to his servant, nor to all the house of my father; for your servant knows nothing of all this, less or more.” This is the crux of his defense.
"Don't let the king impute anything..." Ahimelech begs Saul not to accuse him or his entire family (the priesthood) of wrongdoing. The word "impute" means to attribute or assign blame.
"...for your servant knows nothing of all this, less or more." This is Ahimelech's claim of ignorance. He's saying he was unaware of any conflict between Saul and David. He did not know David was fleeing from Saul or considered an enemy. He thought he was simply helping a loyal servant of the king on a mission. He claims he had no knowledge of any conspiracy, whether large or small ("less or more").
In essence, Ahimelech is arguing:
He often inquires of God for David, so helping him wasn't suspicious.
He would never betray Saul.
He was completely ignorant of any conflict between Saul and David. He thought he was helping a loyal servant of the king.
Important Considerations:
Ahimelech's Plea of Ignorance: The truth of Ahimelech's claim of ignorance is debatable. While he might not have been aware of the depth of Saul's paranoia or the extent of his anger toward David, it's possible he suspected something was amiss.
Saul's Paranoia: Saul's paranoia and insecurity are key factors in this situation. He's desperately trying to hold onto his power and sees threats everywhere.
Tragic Outcome: Despite Ahimelech's plea, Saul, in his rage, orders the execution of Ahimelech and 85 other priests. This is a brutal and unjustified act. Doeg the Edomite carries out Saul's command.
In conclusion, 1 Samuel 22:15 is a pivotal verse where Ahimelech attempts to defend himself and his family against Saul's accusations of treason. He claims innocence based on his regular interaction with David and his supposed ignorance of the conflict between Saul and David. This plea ultimately fails, leading to a tragic massacre.
1 samuel 22:15 - Have I today begun to inquire of God for him? Be it far from me! Don’t let the king impute anything to his servant, nor to all the house of my father; for your servant knows nothing of all this, less or more.”
What does "1 samuel 22:15" mean?
This verse is spoken by Ahimelech the priest to King Saul in 1 Samuel 22:15. To understand it, we need to consider the context of the entire chapter.
Context:
Saul suspects his own tribe of Benjamin of conspiring against him and helping David, whom he sees as a threat to his throne.
Saul accuses his servants of conspiring with David and betraying him.
Doeg the Edomite informs Saul that he saw Ahimelech helping David by giving him food and Goliath's sword.
Saul summons Ahimelech and accuses him of treason.
Explanation of the Verse:
Let's break down Ahimelech's words:
"Have I today begun to inquire of God for him?" This is a rhetorical question implying that Ahimelech has regularly inquired of God (using the Urim and Thummim, a form of divination) for David in the past. He's arguing that his helping David on this occasion was not unusual or suspicious, but part of their established relationship. Ahimelech is trying to downplay the significance of his actions.
"Be it far from me!" This is an emphatic declaration of innocence. Ahimelech is saying, "May it never be! I would never do such a thing as to conspire against you!" He's vehemently denying any disloyalty to Saul.
"Don’t let the king impute anything to his servant, nor to all the house of my father; for your servant knows nothing of all this, less or more.” This is the crux of his defense.
"Don't let the king impute anything..." Ahimelech begs Saul not to accuse him or his entire family (the priesthood) of wrongdoing. The word "impute" means to attribute or assign blame.
"...for your servant knows nothing of all this, less or more." This is Ahimelech's claim of ignorance. He's saying he was unaware of any conflict between Saul and David. He did not know David was fleeing from Saul or considered an enemy. He thought he was simply helping a loyal servant of the king on a mission. He claims he had no knowledge of any conspiracy, whether large or small ("less or more").
In essence, Ahimelech is arguing:
He often inquires of God for David, so helping him wasn't suspicious.
He would never betray Saul.
He was completely ignorant of any conflict between Saul and David. He thought he was helping a loyal servant of the king.
Important Considerations:
Ahimelech's Plea of Ignorance: The truth of Ahimelech's claim of ignorance is debatable. While he might not have been aware of the depth of Saul's paranoia or the extent of his anger toward David, it's possible he suspected something was amiss.
Saul's Paranoia: Saul's paranoia and insecurity are key factors in this situation. He's desperately trying to hold onto his power and sees threats everywhere.
Tragic Outcome: Despite Ahimelech's plea, Saul, in his rage, orders the execution of Ahimelech and 85 other priests. This is a brutal and unjustified act. Doeg the Edomite carries out Saul's command.
In conclusion, 1 Samuel 22:15 is a pivotal verse where Ahimelech attempts to defend himself and his family against Saul's accusations of treason. He claims innocence based on his regular interaction with David and his supposed ignorance of the conflict between Saul and David. This plea ultimately fails, leading to a tragic massacre.