1 Samuel 22:17

KJV

And the king said unto the footmen that stood about him, Turn, and slay the priests of the LORD; because their hand also [is] with David, and because they knew when he fled, and did not shew it to me. But the servants of the king would not put forth their hand to fall upon the priests of the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the king {H4428} said {H559} unto the footmen {H7323} that stood {H5324} about him, Turn {H5437}, and slay {H4191} the priests {H3548} of the LORD {H3068}; because their hand {H3027} also is with David {H1732}, and because they knew {H3045} when he fled {H1272}, and did not shew {H1540}{H241} it to me. But the servants {H5650} of the king {H4428} would {H14} not put forth {H7971} their hand {H3027} to fall {H6293} upon the priests {H3548} of the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then the king told the guards standing around him, "Go around, and kill the cohanim of ADONAI, because they are siding with David, and because they knew he was escaping, yet they didn't tell me." But the king's servants refused to lift their hands against the cohanim of ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

Then the king ordered the guards at his side, “Turn and kill the priests of the LORD, because they too sided with David. For they knew he was fleeing, but they did not tell me.” But the king’s servants would not lift a hand to strike the priests of the LORD.

American Standard Version

And the king said unto the guard that stood about him, Turn, and slay the priests of Jehovah; because their hand also is with David, and because they knew that he fled, and did not disclose it to me. But the servants of the king would not put forth their hand to fall upon the priests of Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 22:17 records a pivotal moment in King Saul's descent into tyranny, where he commands his personal guard, the footmen, to execute the priests of the LORD in Nob. His justification is their perceived complicity with David, whom Saul views as a traitor. However, in a profound act of moral courage and defiance, the king's own servants refuse to lay a hand on the consecrated priests, highlighting a stark contrast between Saul's unrighteous command and the conscience of those who served him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the escalating narrative of Saul's relentless pursuit of David. Immediately preceding this, David, in his desperate flight from Saul, sought refuge and provisions from Ahimelech the priest in Nob, unwittingly receiving holy bread and Goliath's sword ([1 Samuel 21](/1_samuel/21 "1 Samuel 21 - David at Nob")). Doeg the Edomite, a servant of Saul, witnessed this interaction and later reported it to the king ([1 Samuel 22:9-10](/1_samuel/22-9 "1 Samuel 22:9-10 - Doeg Informs Saul")). Consumed by paranoia and jealousy, Saul summoned Ahimelech and the entire priestly family, accusing them of conspiracy with David. Despite Ahimelech's earnest defense, explaining his ignorance of David's plight or flight from Saul, the king, in a fit of rage and unchecked power, issued a death sentence upon the entire priestly household of Nob ([1 Samuel 22:16](/1_samuel/22-16 "1 Samuel 22:16 - Saul's Command to Execute the Priests")). Verse 17 captures the immediate, shocking aftermath of this command, showcasing the moral dilemma faced by Saul's most trusted personal guards.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, priests held a sacred and revered position, set apart by God for mediating between Him and His people, performing sacrifices, and teaching the Law. An attack on priests was not merely an act of murder but a profound sacrilege, an assault on God's appointed ministers and the very institutions of the covenant. Kings, though possessing immense authority, were expected to rule justly and uphold God's law, not to violate it so egregiously. The "footmen" (Hebrew: _ratsim_) were typically the king's elite personal guard, often serving as runners and enforcers of royal decrees. Their loyalty was expected to be absolute, making their refusal in this instance exceptionally significant. This act demonstrates a profound moral conviction that transcended their sworn duty to the king, suggesting a recognition of a higher authority—God's.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes. Firstly, it highlights **Saul's accelerating moral and spiritual decay**, showcasing a king completely detached from justice, righteousness, and the fear of God. His actions reveal the dangers of unchecked power and paranoia, leading to tyrannical abuse. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **conscience and moral courage**, as the footmen choose to defy a direct royal order, risking their own lives, rather than participating in an act they recognized as profoundly evil and blasphemous against the priests of the LORD. This exemplifies the biblical principle of [obeying God rather than men](/acts/5-29 "Acts 5:29 - Obeying God Rather Than Men"). Thirdly, it emphasizes the **sanctity of the priesthood** and, by extension, God's anointed servants; Saul's order was not just murder but an attack on divine authority. Finally, the footmen's refusal, while not explicitly divine intervention, can be seen as God's providential hand at work, preventing the immediate execution of His servants by Saul's own loyal guards and setting the stage for [the tragic fulfillment of Saul's command by Doeg the Edomite](/1_samuel/22-18 "1 Samuel 22:18 - Doeg's Massacre of the Priests").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Footmen (Hebrew, _ratsim'_):** This term refers to the king's personal guard or runners, who were typically the closest and most trusted servants, expected to carry out the king's orders without question. Their refusal to obey Saul's command is therefore highly significant, indicating a deep moral conviction that even outweighed their sworn duty or fear of the king. It speaks to a conscience that recognized a higher law than the king's decree.
* **Priests of the LORD (Hebrew, _kohanei YHWH'_):** This designation emphasizes their sacred office and their direct service to God. Saul's command to slay them was not merely an act of murder but an act of sacrilege against those consecrated to the divine, underscoring his profound disrespect for God's covenant and institutions.
* **Would not put forth their hand (Hebrew, _lo' avu lishloach et-yadam'_):** The Hebrew phrase conveys a strong, active refusal, indicating a deliberate and principled decision not to participate in the heinous act. It is not merely a passive unwillingness but a resolute stance against an unrighteous command.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the king said unto the footmen that stood about him, Turn, and slay the priests of the LORD;":** This opening clause reveals Saul's absolute authority and his chilling, direct command. The phrase "Turn, and slay" is an immediate, unhesitating order for a massacre, demonstrating the king's unbridled rage and paranoia. The target, "the priests of the LORD," highlights the sacrilegious nature of his command.
* **"because their hand also [is] with David, and because they knew when he fled, and did not shew it to me.":** Saul's justification for this horrific command is rooted in his distorted perception of loyalty and a deep-seated paranoia. He accuses the priests of complicity with David, viewing their unwitting aid and lack of immediate disclosure as an act of treason. This reveals Saul's inability to distinguish between innocent oversight and deliberate conspiracy, driven by his obsessive jealousy of David.
* **"But the servants of the king would not put forth their hand to fall upon the priests of the LORD.":** This final clause presents the pivotal moment of defiance. Despite the immense pressure and potential personal repercussions, Saul's own trusted guards refuse to obey. This refusal is a powerful testament to their moral integrity and their recognition that the king's command was an egregious violation of divine law and human decency. It stands as a beacon of moral courage in a dark chapter of Israel's history.

#### Literary Devices
The passage is rich in **Contrast**, setting Saul's unholy, tyrannical command against the righteous refusal of his footmen. This highlights the moral chasm that has opened between the king and those who still possess a conscience informed by divine law. There is also profound **Irony** at play: the king, who is meant to be the protector of God's people and institutions, orders the destruction of God's consecrated priests. Furthermore, his "loyal" guards refuse to comply, while an outsider, Doeg the Edomite, later carries out the massacre, intensifying the tragic irony of Saul's reign. The footmen's refusal can also be seen as a moment of **Foreshadowing**, hinting at Saul's continued descent into madness and unrighteousness, which will ultimately lead to his rejection by God and the transfer of kingship to David, a man who, despite his flaws, generally respects God's anointed and God's institutions.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 22:17 offers a profound theological statement on the nature of authority and obedience. It teaches that human authority, even that of a king, is not absolute but is subordinate to divine command and moral law. The footmen's refusal to obey Saul's unrighteous order demonstrates a recognition that there are higher loyalties than those owed to an earthly ruler, particularly when that ruler commands evil. This act underscores the sanctity of life, the special status of God's consecrated servants, and the severe consequences of unchecked power and spiritual decay. It serves as a powerful reminder that true faithfulness may sometimes require courageous defiance of unjust human decrees, prioritizing God's will above all else.

* [Acts 5:29](/acts/5-29 "Acts 5:29 - Obeying God Rather Than Men")
* [Exodus 1:17](/exodus/1-17 "Exodus 1:17 - The Midwives' Fear of God")
* [Daniel 3:18](/daniel/3-18 "Daniel 3:18 - Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego's Refusal")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Samuel 22:17 serves as a timeless and challenging narrative for believers today, compelling us to examine the strength of our own moral compass and the depth of our commitment to righteousness. In a world where power can corrupt, and where pressures to conform or compromise are ever-present, the footmen's refusal stands as a powerful example of integrity. It calls us to cultivate a conscience sensitive to God's truth, enabling us to discern between right and wrong, even when authority figures demand otherwise. This passage encourages us to exercise moral courage, to stand firm against injustice and evil, even when it means personal risk or defying popular opinion. It reminds us that true loyalty is first and foremost to God, and that sometimes, the most faithful act is to refuse to participate in unrighteousness. We are challenged to consider the potential for unchecked power to lead to tyranny and destruction, and to pray for and uphold leaders who fear God and administer justice.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do we cultivate a moral compass strong enough to resist unjust commands, even from those in authority?**
* **What are the potential risks and rewards of choosing conscience over compliance in challenging situations, both personally and communally?**
* **In what ways might we be tempted to compromise our values for personal safety, advancement, or social acceptance, and how can we guard against this?**

### FAQ
**Why did Saul's footmen refuse, when Doeg later obeyed?**

Answer: The stark contrast between the footmen's refusal and Doeg the Edomite's subsequent obedience ([1 Samuel 22:18](/1_samuel/22-18 "1 Samuel 22:18 - Doeg's Massacre")) highlights differences in character, background, and moral conviction. The footmen, likely Israelites, would have been steeped in the covenant traditions and the sanctity of the priesthood, recognizing Saul's command as a profound violation of divine law. Their refusal stemmed from a conscience that feared God more than the king. Doeg, an Edomite, was an outsider, perhaps less bound by Israelite religious convictions, and more likely motivated by fear, a desire for royal favor, or a pre-existing malevolent disposition. His character is consistently portrayed negatively in the narrative, suggesting a willingness to serve Saul's darkest impulses.

**Does this verse suggest God's intervention?**

Answer: While not an explicit miraculous intervention, the footmen's refusal can certainly be interpreted as God's providential hand at work through the consciences of these men. In a moment of extreme wickedness from the king, God uses the moral courage of ordinary servants to prevent immediate sacrilege by Saul's most trusted guards. It demonstrates that even amidst human depravity and abuse of power, God can subtly influence events and preserve His purposes, even if only to delay or shift the means by which a wicked command is carried out. It is a quiet testament to God's sovereignty over human will.

**What does this event tell us about Saul's kingship?**

Answer: This event marks a profound and tragic low point in Saul's reign, confirming his complete moral and spiritual decay. His command to slaughter innocent priests, based on paranoia and a distorted sense of loyalty, demonstrates his abandonment of justice, righteousness, and reverence for God. It reveals a king consumed by jealousy and fear, operating outside the bounds of God's law and the covenant. This act of sacrilege underscores his unsuitability for kingship in God's eyes and foreshadows the ultimate demise of his dynasty, paving the way for David, a man after God's own heart, to assume the throne.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The defiant moral courage of Saul's footmen, who refused to participate in the slaughter of God's anointed priests, foreshadows the ultimate and perfect obedience of Jesus Christ in the face of unrighteous authority. Where the footmen risked their lives, Christ willingly laid down His, demonstrating supreme fidelity to God's will, even when it meant facing the unjust decrees of human powers. Jesus, the [Great High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest"), was himself attacked by unrighteous religious and political authorities, yet He did not yield to their demands for compromise or self-preservation. His refusal to call down legions of angels ([Matthew 26:53](/matthew/26-53 "Matthew 26:53 - Jesus' Refusal to Call Angels")) and His declaration that His [kingdom is "not of this world"](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World") stand in stark contrast to Saul's earthly tyranny. The footmen's glimmer of righteousness points to the perfect righteousness of Christ, who perfectly obeyed God's law and refused to succumb to the world's corrupt systems, ultimately offering Himself as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Believers are called to emulate this Christ-like obedience, prioritizing God's commands above all earthly authority, even when it leads to persecution for righteousness' sake ([Matthew 5:10](/matthew/5-10 "Matthew 5:10 - Blessed Are Those Persecuted for Righteousness' Sake")), knowing that our ultimate King, the [Prince of Peace](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - The Prince of Peace"), rules with perfect justice and righteousness.

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

Exodus 1:17

But the midwives feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the men children alive.

1 Samuel 14:45

And the people said unto Saul, Shall Jonathan die, who hath wrought this great salvation in Israel? God forbid: [as] the LORD liveth, there shall not one hair of his head fall to the ground; for he hath wrought with God this day. So the people rescued Jonathan, that he died not.

2 Kings 1:13

And he sent again a captain of the third fifty with his fifty. And the third captain of fifty went up, and came and fell on his knees before Elijah, and besought him, and said unto him, O man of God, I pray thee, let my life, and the life of these fifty thy servants, be precious in thy sight.

2 Kings 1:14

Behold, there came fire down from heaven, and burnt up the two captains of the former fifties with their fifties: therefore let my life now be precious in thy sight.

2 Samuel 15:1

¶ And it came to pass after this, that Absalom prepared him chariots and horses, and fifty men to run before him.

1 Samuel 8:11

And he said, This will be the manner of the king that shall reign over you: He will take your sons, and appoint [them] for himself, for his chariots, and [to be] his horsemen; and [some] shall run before his chariots.

1 Kings 1:5

¶ Then Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, I will be king: and he prepared him chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run before him.