1 Samuel 22:14

KJV

Then Ahimelech answered the king, and said, And who [is so] faithful among all thy servants as David, which is the king's son in law, and goeth at thy bidding, and is honourable in thine house?

KJV (with Strong's)

Then Ahimelech {H288} answered {H6030} the king {H4428}, and said {H559}, And who is so faithful {H539} among all thy servants {H5650} as David {H1732}, which is the king's {H4428} son in law {H2860}, and goeth {H5493} at thy bidding {H4928}, and is honourable {H3513} in thine house {H1004}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Achimelekh answered the king, "Is there anyone among all your servants more trustworthy than David? He's the king's son-in-law, he carries out your every request, your household honors him.

Berean Standard Bible

Ahimelech answered the king, “Who among all your servants is as faithful as David, the king’s son-in-law, the captain of your bodyguard who is honored in your house?

American Standard Version

Then Ahimelech answered the king, and said, And who among all thy servants is so faithful as David, who is the king’s son-in-law, and is taken into thy council, and is honorable in thy house?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 22:14 captures the courageous defense of David by Ahimelech, the high priest, before a paranoid King Saul. In this pivotal moment, Ahimelech boldly asserts David's unimpeachable loyalty, highlighting his unique standing as the king's son-in-law, his unwavering obedience, and his honorable position within the royal household. This verse underscores the tragic depth of Saul's irrational jealousy and the integrity of Ahimelech, who risks everything to speak truth in the face of grave injustice.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a critical juncture in the narrative of Saul's decline and David's rise. David has fled Saul's murderous pursuit, seeking refuge at Nob, the city of priests. Unaware of the king's vendetta, Ahimelech provides David with consecrated bread and Goliath's sword, a seemingly innocuous act of hospitality and aid to a royal figure. Doeg the Edomite, an attendant of Saul, witnesses this interaction and, driven by malice or a desire to gain favor, reports a distorted version of events to Saul, framing it as a conspiracy. Enraged and consumed by his paranoia, Saul summons Ahimelech and the entire priestly family to Gibeah, accusing them of treason. Ahimelech's response in verse 14 is his courageous and logical defense against these baseless accusations, attempting to reason with a king whose mind is clouded by suspicion and fear, ultimately leading to the tragic slaughter of the priests of Nob, as detailed in [1 Samuel 22:18](/1-samuel/22-18 "1 Samuel 22:18 - The Slaughter of the Priests at Nob").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the king held immense authority, but the high priest also occupied a sacred and influential position, serving as a mediator between God and the people. Nob was a city designated for priests, serving as a sanctuary and a center for worship, housing the tabernacle and its sacred items. The act of providing consecrated bread (the "showbread") was highly regulated, typically reserved for priests, but a precedent for its consumption by non-priests in dire circumstances existed (as seen in [1 Samuel 21:6](/1-samuel/21-6 "1 Samuel 21:6 - David and the Consecrated Bread")). The status of "son-in-law" to the king, as David was to Saul through his marriage to Michal, was a significant mark of honor, trust, and integration into the royal family, often implying a close bond and even succession potential. Ahimelech's defense leverages these cultural understandings of David's status and loyalty, appealing to common knowledge and the king's own familial ties.

* **Key Themes:** Ahimelech's powerful declaration in 1 Samuel 22:14 encapsulates several profound themes that resonate throughout the books of Samuel. Firstly, it highlights **David's Proven Loyalty and Character**, portraying him as a figure of unwavering faithfulness and honor, directly contrasting with Saul's unfounded suspicions. Ahimelech's words serve as an objective testimony to David's sterling reputation within the royal court, emphasizing his obedience ("goeth at thy bidding") and esteemed position ("honourable in thine house"). Secondly, the verse implicitly underscores the destructive nature of **Saul's Consuming Paranoia and Unchecked Jealousy**. Despite overwhelming evidence of David's loyalty, Saul's mind is so distorted by fear that he perceives even innocent actions as treasonous, leading him down a path of increasing irrationality and violence, as evidenced by his subsequent command to slaughter the priests ([1 Samuel 22:18-19](/1-samuel/22-18 "1 Samuel 22:18-19 - Saul's Atrocity Against Nob")). Finally, Ahimelech's courageous act embodies the theme of **Courage to Speak Truth to Power**. He stands against an enraged and dangerous king, risking his life to defend an innocent man and uphold the truth, demonstrating remarkable integrity in the face of tyranny.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Faithful (Hebrew, _ne'eman'_):** This word (נֶאֱמָן) is derived from the root `אָמַן` (aman), meaning "to be firm," "to be established," or "to be trustworthy." When applied to a person, it conveys a deep sense of reliability, steadfastness, and unwavering loyalty. Ahimelech uses this term to describe David as someone utterly dependable, whose allegiance to Saul is beyond question. It implies a character that is solid and true, directly contradicting Saul's perception of David as a traitor. This word carries significant weight, suggesting that David's faithfulness is not merely superficial but deeply rooted in his character and actions.
* **Honourable (Hebrew, _mukbad'_):** This term (מֻכְבָּד) comes from the root `כָּבֵד` (kaved), which fundamentally means "to be heavy" or "to be weighty." In a social context, it denotes someone who is respected, esteemed, and holds a position of significant influence or dignity. Ahimelech's use of "honourable in thine house" indicates that David was not merely a servant but a highly regarded and integral member of Saul's own royal household, whose presence carried considerable weight and respect. This further highlights the absurdity of Saul's accusations, as David was someone who brought honor, not disgrace, to the king's court.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then Ahimelech answered the king, and said,"**: This opening clause sets the scene for a direct and courageous confrontation. Ahimelech, as the high priest, is responding to a direct accusation from the king, indicating a moment of high tension and significant risk. His answer is not a plea for mercy but a bold defense rooted in truth.
* **"And who [is so] faithful among all thy servants as David,"**: This is a powerful rhetorical question. Ahimelech does not expect an answer because the loyalty and trustworthiness of David were, to his mind, self-evident and unparalleled among all of Saul's retainers. It serves to highlight David's unique and exemplary character, directly challenging the king's distorted perception.
* **"which is the king's son in law,"**: This clause emphasizes David's intimate familial connection to Saul. Being the king's son-in-law (through his marriage to Michal) was a mark of deep trust and integration into the royal family, making the accusation of treason against him all the more preposterous and ironic. It implies a bond that should naturally preclude disloyalty.
* **"and goeth at thy bidding,"**: This phrase underscores David's consistent obedience and active service to Saul. It points to his military prowess and willingness to execute the king's commands, whether on the battlefield or in other capacities. This demonstrates practical, demonstrable loyalty, not just a theoretical one.
* **"and is honourable in thine house?"**: This final clause reiterates David's respected status and esteemed position within Saul's own royal court and household. It speaks to his reputation and the high regard in which he was held by those closest to the king, further cementing the absurdity of Saul's accusations and highlighting the extent of his deluded paranoia.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question**: "And who [is so] faithful among all thy servants as David...?" Ahimelech does not pose this question seeking an answer, but rather to assert David's undeniable loyalty as a self-evident truth, thereby exposing the irrationality of Saul's accusations. This question also creates a strong **Contrast** between Saul's paranoid perception of David as a traitor and David's actual, widely acknowledged character as a faithful and honorable servant. Furthermore, there is profound **Irony** in this scene: the king, who should be a protector of justice and truth, is now the accuser of his most loyal and esteemed servant, while the high priest, who should ideally be focused on spiritual matters, must now risk his life to speak basic truth to a tyrannical ruler. Ahimelech's appeal to David's status as "the king's son in law" and "honourable in thine house" also functions as an **Appeal to Common Knowledge and Authority**, leveraging David's well-known reputation and familial ties to underscore the absurdity of the charges.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly illustrates the destructive power of unchecked jealousy and paranoia, which can blind even a king to truth and lead to horrific injustice. Ahimelech's courageous stand, speaking truth to an enraged monarch, highlights the moral imperative to defend the innocent and uphold righteousness, even at great personal cost. Theologically, it reminds us that God's purposes often unfold amidst human folly and wickedness. Despite Saul's escalating madness and the subsequent tragedy at Nob, God's sovereign plan for David's life and the establishment of his kingdom remains unhindered, demonstrating divine faithfulness even when human leaders fail spectacularly. This narrative serves as a powerful testament to the enduring value of integrity and the ultimate triumph of God's will over human sin and opposition.

* [Proverbs 20:6](/proverbs/20-6 "Proverbs 20:6 - Many Claim Loyalty, But Who Can Find a Trustworthy Person?")
* [Acts 5:29](/acts/5-29 "Acts 5:29 - We Must Obey God Rather Than Men")
* [Psalm 37:32-33](/psalms/37-32 "Psalm 37:32-33 - The Wicked Watch the Righteous")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The tragic interaction in 1 Samuel 22:14 serves as a potent reminder of the dangers of allowing unchecked suspicion and fear to consume our hearts and minds. Saul's descent into paranoia distorted his reality, leading him to perceive loyalty as treason and ultimately resulting in grave injustice. This should prompt us to examine our own tendencies towards suspicion, jealousy, or the quick judgment of others, especially when fueled by insecurity. Conversely, David's established reputation for faithfulness, even when absent and falsely accused, underscores the enduring value of living a life of integrity. Our character, built on consistent faithfulness and honorable conduct, can speak volumes for us even in the face of adversity. Ahimelech's courageous willingness to speak truth to power, despite the clear danger, calls us to consider our own moral courage. Are we willing to stand for what is right, to defend the innocent, or to speak truth in difficult situations, even when it might come at a personal cost? This passage encourages us to cultivate discernment, integrity, and courage, trusting that God remains sovereign even amidst human chaos and injustice.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might unchecked suspicion or jealousy be distorting my perception of others or situations?**
* **How does my daily conduct contribute to my reputation, and what does it communicate about my character, especially when I am not present to defend myself?**
* **When faced with injustice or falsehood, what prevents me from speaking truth, and what steps can I take to cultivate greater courage?**
* **How does understanding God's sovereignty in chaotic narratives like Saul's reign strengthen my faith in the face of personal trials or societal turmoil?**

### FAQ
**Why was Ahimelech so confident in David's loyalty, despite Saul's accusations?**

Answer: Ahimelech's confidence stemmed from David's established and public reputation. As the king's son-in-law, David held a unique and trusted position within the royal family. He was a proven military leader who had consistently "gone at Saul's bidding," demonstrating unwavering obedience and service. Furthermore, David was "honourable in Saul's house," indicating he was highly respected and esteemed by those closest to the king. Ahimelech's words are an appeal to common knowledge and observable facts, directly contradicting Saul's baseless and paranoid accusations. He knew David's character and actions firsthand, unlike Saul, who was consumed by irrational jealousy.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The faithful and honorable character of David, so clearly articulated by Ahimelech, serves as a profound foreshadowing of the ultimate faithful servant and Son, Jesus Christ. Just as David was falsely accused and pursued by an earthly king, so too was Jesus, the true King of Israel, unjustly condemned by the religious and political authorities of His day ([Matthew 26:59-60](/matthew/26-59 "Matthew 26:59-60 - False Witnesses Against Jesus")). David's status as "the king's son-in-law" and "honourable in thine house" points to Christ's unique relationship with God the Father, being the eternal Son who is always "at His bidding" and is eternally "honourable" in the Father's house ([John 1:18](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - No One Has Seen God") and [Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - The Radiance of God's Glory")). While David's faithfulness was human and imperfect, Jesus demonstrated perfect obedience, even to the point of death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). The rejection of David by Saul, despite his loyalty, mirrors the world's rejection of Christ, who "came to his own, and his own people did not receive him" ([John 1:11](/john/1-11 "John 1:11 - He Came to His Own")). Ultimately, David's vindication and enthronement find their ultimate fulfillment in Christ's resurrection and exaltation, where "every knee should bow... and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord" ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation")), proving His perfect faithfulness and honor before all creation.

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.

Cross-References

1 Samuel 19:4

And Jonathan spake good of David unto Saul his father, and said unto him, Let not the king sin against his servant, against David; because he hath not sinned against thee, and because his works [have been] to thee-ward very good:

1 Samuel 19:5

For he did put his life in his hand, and slew the Philistine, and the LORD wrought a great salvation for all Israel: thou sawest [it], and didst rejoice: wherefore then wilt thou sin against innocent blood, to slay David without a cause?

1 Samuel 20:32

And Jonathan answered Saul his father, and said unto him, Wherefore shall he be slain? what hath he done?

1 Samuel 26:23

The LORD render to every man his righteousness and his faithfulness: for the LORD delivered thee into [my] hand to day, but I would not stretch forth mine hand against the LORD'S anointed.

1 Samuel 17:25

And the men of Israel said, Have ye seen this man that is come up? surely to defy Israel is he come up: and it shall be, [that] the man who killeth him, the king will enrich him with great riches, and will give him his daughter, and make his father's house free in Israel.

Proverbs 31:8

Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction.

Proverbs 31:9

Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.