1 samuel 22:21 - Abiathar told David that Saul had slain Yahweh’s priests.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "1 samuel 22:21" mean?
This verse, 1 Samuel 22:21, is a direct consequence of Saul's massacre of the priests of Nob, and it's key to understanding the developing relationship between Abiathar and David. Let's break it down:
"Abiathar": He was the son of Ahimelech, the high priest at Nob. He was the only survivor of Saul's brutal attack on Nob (1 Samuel 22:19).
"told David": Abiathar sought refuge with David after escaping the massacre. He brought with him the ephod (a priestly garment used for seeking God's guidance), which would later prove vital for David.
"Saul had slain Yahweh's priests": This is the crux of the verse. Saul, in a fit of paranoia and anger, ordered the execution of 85 priests of Yahweh who were wearing linen ephods (1 Samuel 22:18). Saul believed they had aided David, who he saw as a threat to his kingship.
Meaning and Significance:
Confirmation of Saul's Transgression: Abiathar's report confirmed for David the enormity of Saul's actions. Saul, the King, had attacked and murdered God's appointed representatives, a profound act of defiance and sacrilege.
David's Increasing Legitimacy: Saul's actions further delegitimized his rule. By attacking the priesthood, Saul violated the covenant and showed himself to be unfit to lead God's people. This indirectly strengthened David's position as the one truly aligned with Yahweh's will.
David's Responsibility: David felt a sense of responsibility for the massacre. He knew that his visit to Nob had inadvertently led to Saul's suspicions. This added to David's burdens as he was already being hunted by Saul. David acknowledges his responsibility in 1 Samuel 22:22, saying to Abiathar, "I knew on that day, when Doeg the Edomite was there, that he would be sure to tell Saul. I am responsible for the death of all your father’s family."
The Beginning of Abiathar and David's Relationship: Abiathar's arrival marked the beginning of a loyal and important partnership. Abiathar became David's personal priest and advisor, providing him with divine guidance through the ephod. This relationship was essential for David's rise to power and his reign as king.
Religious Implication: The attack on the priests was also an attack on the religious structure and spiritual wellbeing of Israel. It highlights the chaos and instability that Saul's reign brought to the nation.
In short, this verse is not just a piece of information; it's a pivotal moment that highlights Saul's descent into tyranny, strengthens David's claim to the throne, and establishes a crucial relationship that would shape the future of Israel. It shows the severity of Saul's sin and emphasizes the importance of remaining faithful to God.
1 samuel 22:21 - Abiathar told David that Saul had slain Yahweh’s priests.
What does "1 samuel 22:21" mean?
This verse, 1 Samuel 22:21, is a direct consequence of Saul's massacre of the priests of Nob, and it's key to understanding the developing relationship between Abiathar and David. Let's break it down:
"Abiathar": He was the son of Ahimelech, the high priest at Nob. He was the only survivor of Saul's brutal attack on Nob (1 Samuel 22:19).
"told David": Abiathar sought refuge with David after escaping the massacre. He brought with him the ephod (a priestly garment used for seeking God's guidance), which would later prove vital for David.
"Saul had slain Yahweh's priests": This is the crux of the verse. Saul, in a fit of paranoia and anger, ordered the execution of 85 priests of Yahweh who were wearing linen ephods (1 Samuel 22:18). Saul believed they had aided David, who he saw as a threat to his kingship.
Meaning and Significance:
Confirmation of Saul's Transgression: Abiathar's report confirmed for David the enormity of Saul's actions. Saul, the King, had attacked and murdered God's appointed representatives, a profound act of defiance and sacrilege.
David's Increasing Legitimacy: Saul's actions further delegitimized his rule. By attacking the priesthood, Saul violated the covenant and showed himself to be unfit to lead God's people. This indirectly strengthened David's position as the one truly aligned with Yahweh's will.
David's Responsibility: David felt a sense of responsibility for the massacre. He knew that his visit to Nob had inadvertently led to Saul's suspicions. This added to David's burdens as he was already being hunted by Saul. David acknowledges his responsibility in 1 Samuel 22:22, saying to Abiathar, "I knew on that day, when Doeg the Edomite was there, that he would be sure to tell Saul. I am responsible for the death of all your father’s family."
The Beginning of Abiathar and David's Relationship: Abiathar's arrival marked the beginning of a loyal and important partnership. Abiathar became David's personal priest and advisor, providing him with divine guidance through the ephod. This relationship was essential for David's rise to power and his reign as king.
Religious Implication: The attack on the priests was also an attack on the religious structure and spiritual wellbeing of Israel. It highlights the chaos and instability that Saul's reign brought to the nation.
In short, this verse is not just a piece of information; it's a pivotal moment that highlights Saul's descent into tyranny, strengthens David's claim to the throne, and establishes a crucial relationship that would shape the future of Israel. It shows the severity of Saul's sin and emphasizes the importance of remaining faithful to God.