1 Samuel 21:7

Now a certain man of the servants of Saul [was] there that day, detained before the LORD; and his name [was] Doeg, an Edomite, the chiefest of the herdmen that [belonged] to Saul.

Now a certain man {H376} of the servants {H5650} of Saul {H7586} was there that day {H3117}, detained {H6113} before {H6440} the LORD {H3068}; and his name {H8034} was Doeg {H1673}, an Edomite {H130}, the chiefest {H47} of the herdmen {H7462} that belonged to Saul {H7586}.

One of the servants of Sha'ul happened to be there that day, detained before ADONAI. His name was Do'eg the Edomi, the head of Sha'ul's shepherds.

Now one of Saulโ€™s servants was there that day, detained before the LORD. And his name was Doeg the Edomite, the chief shepherd for Saul.

Now a certain man of the servants of Saul was there that day, detained before Jehovah; and his name was Doeg the Edomite, the chiefest of the herdsmen that belonged to Saul.

Commentary

1 Samuel 21:7 introduces a seemingly minor character who plays a pivotal and tragic role in the unfolding narrative of David's flight from King Saul. This verse acts as a subtle foreshadowing, setting the stage for future events.

Context

At this point in the biblical narrative, David is desperately fleeing from King Saul, who is increasingly consumed by jealousy and paranoia. David has come to Nob, the city of priests, seeking refuge and provisions from Ahimelech, the high priest. The presence of Doeg, an Edomite, is noted almost incidentally here, but his observation of David's interaction with Ahimelech proves to be catastrophically significant. For more on David's desperate situation, see 1 Samuel 21:1.

Key Themes

  • The Unseen Witness: Doeg's presence highlights that even in moments of perceived privacy or secrecy, there can be unseen observers. His being "detained before the LORD" suggests a religious obligation, making his later actions even more ironic and reprehensible.
  • Foreshadowing of Betrayal: This verse serves as a crucial piece of dramatic irony. The reader is informed of Doeg's presence, while David and Ahimelech are unaware of the future consequences of being seen by him. Doeg's later report to Saul leads directly to the brutal massacre of the priests of Nob, as detailed in 1 Samuel 22:9-19.
  • Divine Providence and Human Malice: Doeg's presence, though seemingly coincidental, is part of God's overarching plan, even as it exposes the depths of human malice and the destructive power of a wicked heart.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Detained before the LORD": The Hebrew phrase for "detained before the LORD" (ื ึถืขึฐืฆึธืจ ืœึดืคึฐื ึตื™ ื™ึฐื”ื•ึธื” - ne'etsar lifnei Yahweh) implies that Doeg was present in the sanctuary at Nob for a religious reason. This could have been for a purification rite, a vow, or some other ritual requiring him to remain there. The irony lies in an Edomite, a descendant of Esau and traditional adversary of Israel, engaging in a Mosaic Law practice, only to use his observation for malicious purposes.
  • "Doeg, an Edomite": The designation "Edomite" (ืึฒื“ึนืžึดื™ - Edomi) is significant. The Edomites were often antagonists to Israel (see Numbers 20:14-21). Doeg's national identity might hint at a lack of loyalty to Israel or its God, further emphasizing his role as an outsider and betrayer. He was the "chiefest of the herdmen," indicating a position of responsibility within Saul's service.

Reflection and Application

1 Samuel 21:7 teaches us several important lessons:

  1. The Danger of Malicious Observation: Doeg's character serves as a stark warning about those who observe with ill intent, ready to use information for personal gain or to cause harm. It reminds us that outward religious observance does not always equate to inward righteousness.
  2. God's Awareness: Even seemingly insignificant details or individuals are known to God. Doeg's presence was not random in God's plan, though his choices were his own.
  3. Consequences of Actions: Doeg's actions stemming from this encounter led to immense suffering. The narrative underscores the ripple effect of betrayal and the severe consequences of misusing power and information. David himself later laments Doeg's actions in Psalm 52.
Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Samuel 22:9

    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.

  • Psalms 52:1

    ยถ To the chief Musician, Maschil, [A Psalm] of David, when Doeg the Edomite came and told Saul, and said unto him, David is come to the house of Ahimelech. Why boastest thou thyself in mischief, O mighty man? the goodness of God [endureth] continually.

  • Psalms 52:9

    I will praise thee for ever, because thou hast done [it]: and I will wait on thy name; for [it is] good before thy saints.

  • 1 Chronicles 27:29

    And over the herds that fed in Sharon [was] Shitrai the Sharonite: and over the herds [that were] in the valleys [was] Shaphat the son of Adlai:

  • Acts 21:26

    Then Paul took the men, and the next day purifying himself with them entered into the temple, to signify the accomplishment of the days of purification, until that an offering should be offered for every one of them.

  • Acts 21:27

    ยถ And when the seven days were almost ended, the Jews which were of Asia, when they saw him in the temple, stirred up all the people, and laid hands on him,

  • 2 Chronicles 26:10

    Also he built towers in the desert, and digged many wells: for he had much cattle, both in the low country, and in the plains: husbandmen [also], and vine dressers in the mountains, and in Carmel: for he loved husbandry.
โ† Back