1 Samuel 22:13

KJV

And Saul said unto him, Why have ye conspired against me, thou and the son of Jesse, in that thou hast given him bread, and a sword, and hast enquired of God for him, that he should rise against me, to lie in wait, as at this day?

KJV (with Strong's)

And Saul {H7586} said {H559} unto him, Why have ye conspired {H7194} against me, thou and the son {H1121} of Jesse {H3448}, in that thou hast given {H5414} him bread {H3899}, and a sword {H2719}, and hast enquired {H7592} of God {H430} for him, that he should rise {H6965} against me, to lie in wait {H693}, as at this day {H3117}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Sha'ul said to him, "Why did you conspire against me, you and Yishai's son? By giving him bread and a sword and consulting God for him, you helped him rebel against me and become my enemy, which he now is!"

Berean Standard Bible

And Saul asked him, “Why have you and the son of Jesse conspired against me? You gave him bread and a sword and inquired of God for him so that he could rise up against me to lie in wait, as he is doing today.”

American Standard Version

And Saul said unto him, Why have ye conspired against me, thou and the son of Jesse, in that thou hast given him bread, and a sword, and hast inquired of God for him, that he should rise against me, to lie in wait, as at this day?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 22:13 captures King Saul's venomous accusation against Ahimelech the priest, whom he falsely charges with conspiring alongside David, "the son of Jesse." This pivotal moment vividly exposes Saul's escalating paranoia, deep-seated fear, and profound spiritual decline, setting the stage for the horrific massacre of the priests of Nob and tragically illustrating the destructive power of unchecked suspicion and abused authority.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a deeply turbulent period of King Saul's reign, characterized by his relentless and increasingly irrational pursuit of David. Immediately prior, David, fleeing Saul's murderous intent, had sought refuge at Nob, the city of priests, where Ahimelech innocently provided him with consecrated bread and Goliath's sword, believing David was on a secret royal mission ([1 Samuel 21:1-9](/1_samuel/21-1 "1 Samuel 21:1-9 - David at Nob")). Unbeknownst to Ahimelech, Doeg the Edomite, Saul's chief herdsman, was present and witnessed this interaction. Saul's accusation in 1 Samuel 22:13 is a direct consequence of Doeg's report ([1 Samuel 22:9-10](/1_samuel/22-9 "1 Samuel 22:9-10 - Doeg's Accusation to Saul")), which twisted Ahimelech's acts of hospitality and priestly duty into acts of treason, fueling Saul's already intense jealousy and paranoia towards David, which had been festering since David's victory over Goliath ([1 Samuel 18:7-9](/1_samuel/18-7 "1 Samuel 18:7-9 - Saul's Jealousy of David")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The accusation takes place at Gibeah, Saul's capital, underscoring the king's absolute power and the lack of due process for those accused. Ahimelech was the high priest, a position of immense spiritual and societal authority, responsible for maintaining the sanctuary and consulting God. The "showbread" (or "Bread of the Presence") was consecrated bread reserved for priests, and Goliath's sword was a sacred trophy kept at the sanctuary. Providing these to David, even under false pretenses, was a significant act of priestly aid. Saul's charge of "enquiring of God for him" refers to the legitimate priestly function of seeking divine guidance, likely through the Urim and Thummim. For a king to accuse his high priest of treason for performing such duties, especially based on a distorted interpretation, highlights the severe breakdown of religious and political order under Saul's rule.
* **Key Themes:** The passage powerfully illustrates several key themes. **Paranoia and False Accusation** are central, as Saul's words reveal a mind consumed by suspicion, interpreting innocent actions as deliberate rebellion. This demonstrates how fear and insecurity can profoundly twist perception, leading to unjust judgment and horrific consequences. Another dominant theme is the **Abuse of Power**, as Saul, the anointed king, tragically misuses his immense authority not to protect his subjects but to persecute them based on groundless suspicion. His actions represent a stark departure from the righteous leadership God intended. Furthermore, the narrative highlights the tension between **Human Loyalty and Divine Will**. Ahimelech's actions were consistent with his priestly duties and compassion, not disloyalty to God. Saul, however, demands absolute loyalty to himself, even when it conflicts with basic human kindness or the divine will that had already chosen David as his successor ([1 Samuel 16:13](/1_samuel/16-13 "1 Samuel 16:13 - David's Anointing")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Conspired (Hebrew, _qashar'_):** The Hebrew verb קָשַׁר (_qashar_) means "to bind together," "to conspire," or "to rebel." Saul's choice of this word is highly charged, immediately labeling Ahimelech's actions as a deliberate, organized act of treason against the crown. It implies a secret plot and a shared intent to overthrow Saul, which is a gross misrepresentation of Ahimelech's unwitting assistance to David. This word immediately sets the tone of Saul's accusation as one of severe, capital offense.
* **Son of Jesse (Hebrew, _ben-yishay'_):** This phrase, בֶּן־יִשַׁי (_ben-yishay_), is often used by Saul in a derogatory or dismissive manner to refer to David. It emphasizes David's humble, non-royal origins, deliberately avoiding any acknowledgment of David's anointing by Samuel ([1 Samuel 16:13](/1_samuel/16-13 "1 Samuel 16:13 - David's Anointing")) or his military prowess. By linking Ahimelech directly with "the son of Jesse," Saul attempts to diminish both David's legitimacy and Ahimelech's standing, painting them as common rebels rather than acknowledging David's divine appointment or Ahimelech's sacred office.
* **Enquired of God (Hebrew, _sha'al be'elohim'_):** The phrase שָׁאַל בֵּאלֹהִים (_sha'al be'elohim_) refers to the legitimate priestly function of consulting the Lord for guidance, typically through the Urim and Thummim, which were used to ascertain God's will. This was a sacred duty, not an act of rebellion. Saul's accusation twists a holy, divinely sanctioned act into an act of treason, demonstrating his profound spiritual blindness and his disregard for the sacred office of the high priest. He perceives any consultation with God that might benefit David as an act against himself, revealing his belief that his authority superseded even God's.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Saul said unto him, Why have ye conspired against me, thou and the son of Jesse":** This opening establishes Saul's aggressive, accusatory stance. He directly confronts Ahimelech, immediately lumping him with David as co-conspirators. The use of "ye" (plural) suggests Saul views Ahimelech as part of a broader, organized plot, intensifying the gravity of the false accusation.
* **"in that thou hast given him bread, and a sword":** Saul specifies the concrete actions Ahimelech performed. Providing consecrated bread and Goliath's sword were indeed acts of material aid, but Ahimelech had done so innocently, believing David was on a mission for the king. Saul, however, interprets these as deliberate provisions to arm and sustain a rebel, twisting acts of compassion and priestly duty into evidence of treason.
* **"and hast enquired of God for him":** This clause highlights the spiritual dimension of Saul's accusation. Ahimelech's consultation of God on David's behalf, a legitimate priestly function, is here presented as a sacrilegious act of aiding a rebel by seeking divine sanction for his supposed rebellion. This reveals Saul's spiritual decline, where even seeking God's will is viewed through the lens of his own paranoia and self-preservation.
* **"that he should rise against me, to lie in wait, as at this day?":** This final clause articulates Saul's ultimate conclusion and the perceived motive behind the "conspiracy." He believes Ahimelech's actions were intended to empower David to actively rebel, ambush, and usurp his throne. "As at this day" suggests Saul feels David's threat is immediate and ongoing, justifying his extreme reaction and the subsequent violence against the priests.

#### Literary Devices
The passage is rich with literary devices that amplify its dramatic and tragic impact. **Irony** is prominent, as Ahimelech's actions, intended as innocent priestly service and compassionate aid, are twisted by Saul's paranoia into acts of high treason. The true irony lies in Saul, the anointed king, acting against God's true anointed successor, David. There is a strong element of **Foreshadowing**, as Saul's irrational rage and abuse of power here directly precede the horrific massacre of the priests of Nob, signaling the escalating violence and moral decay of Saul's reign. The text also employs **Contrast**, starkly juxtaposing Ahimelech's innocent and dutiful service with Saul's paranoid and unjust accusation. This highlights the spiritual and moral chasm between the two men. Furthermore, Saul's accusation contains elements of **Hyperbole**, exaggerating Ahimelech's unwitting assistance into a full-blown "conspiracy" and a plot to "lie in wait," which serves to justify Saul's extreme and disproportionate response.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse serves as a profound theological commentary on the dangers of unchecked power, spiritual decline, and the devastating consequences of paranoia. Saul's actions demonstrate how a leader, even one initially chosen by God, can become so consumed by fear and self-preservation that they lose sight of justice, truth, and even divine authority. His willingness to accuse and condemn an innocent high priest for performing legitimate duties underscores a tragic inversion of order: the king, meant to uphold God's law, now perverts it for his own ends. The suffering of Ahimelech and the priests of Nob, though tragic, also points to the broader theme of righteous suffering at the hands of corrupt authority, a pattern seen throughout biblical history. Ultimately, this passage reminds us that true authority is derived from God and must be exercised with justice, humility, and a clear conscience, not with suspicion and tyranny.

* [1 Samuel 16:14](/1_samuel/16-14 "1 Samuel 16:14 - The Spirit of the Lord Departs from Saul")
* [Proverbs 18:13](/proverbs/18-13 "Proverbs 18:13 - Hasty Judgment")
* [Matthew 27:18](/matthew/27-18 "Matthew 27:18 - Pilate's Awareness of Envy")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The tragic events surrounding 1 Samuel 22:13 offer profound lessons for contemporary believers. Saul's descent into paranoia and his readiness to condemn based on suspicion serve as a sober warning against the perils of unchecked fear and insecurity in our own lives. How often do we, like Saul, misinterpret the actions of others through the distorting lens of our own anxieties, biases, or past hurts? This passage challenges us to cultivate discernment, seeking truth and understanding rather than succumbing to hasty judgments or unfounded accusations. It also speaks to the immense responsibility of leadership, reminding us that authority, whether in the church, family, or workplace, must always be exercised with humility, justice, and a commitment to protecting the innocent, not persecuting them. Ahimelech's innocent suffering underscores the importance of integrity and faithfulness, even when doing what is right carries a terrible cost. We are called to stand for truth and righteousness, trusting in God's ultimate vindication, even when faced with injustice from those in power.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How can unchecked suspicion and fear distort our perception of others' actions and lead to unjust outcomes?**
* **What are the dangers of wielding authority without humility, justice, and a commitment to discerning truth?**
* **In what ways might we, like Saul, misinterpret innocent actions or motives due to our own insecurities or biases?**
* **How does Ahimelech's tragic fate challenge us to stand for truth and integrity, even when it is costly or unpopular?**

### FAQ

**Why did Ahimelech help David if he knew David was fleeing Saul?**

Answer: Ahimelech likely did not know the full extent of the rift between Saul and David, or Saul's murderous intent. David had presented a deceptive story, claiming he was on a secret, urgent mission for the king and needed provisions quickly. Ahimelech, acting out of compassion and priestly duty, provided the consecrated showbread and Goliath's sword, believing he was aiding a loyal servant of the king. He was unaware of David's true predicament and certainly not complicit in any "conspiracy" against Saul. His innocence is affirmed in [1 Samuel 22:15](/1_samuel/22-15 "1 Samuel 22:15 - Ahimelech's Defense").

**What was "enquiring of God" and why was it significant?**

Answer: "Enquiring of God" refers to the legitimate priestly function of seeking divine guidance, typically through the Urim and Thummim, sacred objects kept in the high priest's ephod. These were used to ascertain God's will in matters of national importance or personal crisis. Saul's accusation twists this sacred act into an act of treason, implying that Ahimelech was using divine means to aid David in his supposed rebellion. This highlights Saul's profound spiritual decline and his disregard for divine authority, as he views any consultation with God that might benefit David as an act against himself. David himself would later frequently "enquire of the Lord" through a priest, as seen in [1 Samuel 23:2](/1_samuel/23-2 "1 Samuel 23:2 - David Inquires of the Lord").

**How does Saul's accusation here relate to his overall character arc?**

Answer: This accusation is a stark manifestation of Saul's escalating paranoia, jealousy, and spiritual decline, which began after the Spirit of the Lord departed from him ([1 Samuel 16:14](/1_samuel/16-14 "1 Samuel 16:14 - The Spirit of the Lord Departs from Saul")) and an evil spirit tormented him. It showcases his increasing isolation, distrust of those around him, and willingness to shed innocent blood to maintain his threatened power. This event marks a critical turning point, demonstrating how far Saul has fallen from the righteous king God initially chose, ultimately leading to his tragic demise and the end of his dynasty.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The unjust accusation leveled against Ahimelech by King Saul, driven by paranoia and a perversion of justice, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate innocent suffering of Jesus Christ. Just as Ahimelech, the high priest, was falsely accused of conspiracy and aiding an "enemy" of the king, so too was Jesus, the true High Priest and rightful King, unjustly condemned by the earthly authorities. He was accused of treason against Caesar ([John 19:12](/john/19-12 "John 19:12 - Jesus Accused of Treason")) and blasphemy against God ([Matthew 26:65-66](/matthew/26-65 "Matthew 26:65-66 - Jesus Accused of Blasphemy")), despite being utterly blameless. Saul's demand for absolute loyalty to himself, even at the cost of innocent lives, stands in stark contrast to Christ's selfless leadership, where He laid down His life for His sheep ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd")). The suffering of Ahimelech, an innocent servant of God, prefigures the perfect suffering of the Lamb of God, who bore the ultimate false accusations and injustice to take away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). In Jesus, we see the complete reversal of Saul's tyrannical rule: a king who suffers innocently, not to preserve His own earthly throne, but to establish an eternal kingdom of justice and peace, where He reigns not by force, but by love and truth ([Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - The Prince of Peace")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.