1 Samuel 22:19

KJV

And Nob, the city of the priests, smote he with the edge of the sword, both men and women, children and sucklings, and oxen, and asses, and sheep, with the edge of the sword.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Nob {H5011}, the city {H5892} of the priests {H3548}, smote {H5221} he with the edge {H6310} of the sword {H2719}, both men {H376} and women {H802}, children {H5768} and sucklings {H3243}, and oxen {H7794}, and asses {H2543}, and sheep {H7716}, with the edge {H6310} of the sword {H2719}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He also attacked Nov, the city of the cohanim, with the sword; he put to the sword both men and women, children and babies, cattle, donkeys and sheep.

Berean Standard Bible

He also put to the sword Nob, the city of the priests, with its men and women, children and infants, oxen, donkeys, and sheep.

American Standard Version

And Nob, the city of the priests, smote he with the edge of the sword, both men and women, children and sucklings, and oxen and asses and sheep, with the edge of the sword.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 22:19 records one of the most chilling and tragic events in King Saul's reign: the complete and indiscriminate massacre of Nob, "the city of the priests." This horrific act, carried out at Saul's command, represents the apex of his paranoia and spiritual decline, extending his wrath from the priests themselves to every living thing within their city – men, women, children, infants, and all their livestock – illustrating the devastating consequences of unchecked tyrannical power and a king's profound departure from divine principles.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the culmination of a rapid descent into tyranny by King Saul, driven by his consuming jealousy and fear of David. The preceding narrative details David's flight from Saul, his desperate visit to Nob where Ahimelech the priest unknowingly provided him with consecrated bread and Goliath's sword, as recounted in [1 Samuel 21:1-9](/1_samuel/21-1-9 "1 Samuel 21:1-9 - David's Visit to Nob"). Doeg the Edomite, Saul's chief herdsman, witnessed this interaction and, seeking to curry favor, maliciously reported it to Saul, twisting the facts to imply a conspiracy between the priests and David, as detailed in [1 Samuel 22:9-10](/1_samuel/22-9-10 "1 Samuel 22:9-10 - Doeg's Treachery"). Enraged, Saul summoned Ahimelech and the entire priestly family, accusing them of treason. When Saul's own loyal guards refused to harm the Lord's priests, Saul commanded Doeg to execute them, resulting in the slaughter of eighty-five priests, as described in [1 Samuel 22:18](/1_samuel/22-18 "1 Samuel 22:18 - Doeg Slays the Priests"). Verse 19 then describes the extension of this unholy wrath to the entire city of Nob, ensuring no one was left alive to bear witness or pose any perceived threat. This act stands in stark contrast to David's later actions of mercy and justice, further highlighting the spiritual chasm between the two kings.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Nob was a city of priests, likely a Levitical city and a significant cultic center where the tabernacle and its sacred implements, including the ephod, were housed after the destruction of Shiloh. Its status as a priestly city made it a place of sanctuary and spiritual authority, adding a profound layer of sacrilege to Saul's actions. The concept of "holy war" (herem), where an enemy population and their possessions were utterly destroyed, was known in ancient Israel, typically reserved for God's judgment against utterly wicked nations, such as the Amalekites in [1 Samuel 15](/1_samuel/15 "1 Samuel 15 - Saul's Disobedience Regarding Amalek"). For an Israelite king to apply such a devastating decree to an Israelite city, especially one dedicated to the Lord, was an unprecedented act of internal violence and a gross perversion of justice. It signaled Saul's complete disregard for divine law and the sanctity of life, even within his own kingdom, reflecting a tyrannical mindset more akin to pagan rulers than a king chosen by Yahweh.
* **Key Themes:** The massacre at Nob powerfully illustrates several critical themes within [1 Samuel](/1_samuel/1 "The Book of 1 Samuel") and the broader Old Testament narrative. Foremost is **Saul's Spiritual Degeneration**, showcasing how far he had fallen from God's favor and the principles of righteous leadership. His paranoia, jealousy, and disobedience, which began much earlier (e.g., [1 Samuel 13:13-14](/1_samuel/13-13-14 "1 Samuel 13:13-14 - Saul's Rejection as King") and [1 Samuel 15:23](/1_samuel/15-23 "1 Samuel 15:23 - Saul's Rejection for Disobedience")), culminate in this abhorrent act. The event also underscores the **Consequences of Unchecked Anger and Fear**, demonstrating how these destructive emotions, especially in a leader, can lead to widespread innocent suffering. The theme of **Innocent Suffering** is tragically highlighted by the inclusion of "children and sucklings" among the victims, emphasizing the indiscriminate nature of Saul's wrath. Finally, the role of **Betrayal and Malice** is evident in Doeg the Edomite's actions, who willingly carried out Saul's heinous command when others refused, serving as a chilling example of complicity in evil.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Nob (Hebrew, _Nôb_):** (H5011) Not merely a geographical location, but specifically identified as "the city of the priests." This designation is crucial, highlighting the sacred nature of the target and emphasizing the profound sacrilege of Saul's act. It was a Levitical city, a sanctuary, and likely a place where the tabernacle was housed, making its destruction an attack on the very heart of Israelite worship and divine order.
* **Smote (Hebrew, _nâkâh_):** (H5221) This primitive root means "to strike" (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively), and in this context, it signifies a violent, decisive, and often lethal blow. When combined with "with the edge of the sword," it forms a powerful idiom denoting utter destruction or "putting to the sword." The choice of this verb underscores the intentionality and totality of the annihilation, leaving no survivors.
* **Sucklings (Hebrew, _yânaq_):** (H3243) This word, meaning "to suck" or "suckling," explicitly refers to infants. Its inclusion in the list of victims ("children and sucklings") emphasizes the extreme brutality and indiscriminate nature of the massacre. It highlights the total lack of mercy and the extent of Saul's irrational rage, which spared no one, not even the most defenseless members of society. This detail serves to evoke profound horror and underscores the moral bankruptcy of Saul's command.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Nob, the city of the priests,"**: This opening clause establishes the specific target of Saul's wrath. The identification of Nob as "the city of the priests" immediately signals the gravity and sacrilege of the impending act, as it was a place dedicated to the Lord and inhabited by His consecrated servants.
* **"smote he with the edge of the sword,"**: This phrase describes the method of destruction, signifying a violent, complete, and merciless slaughter. It implies a military-style execution, leaving no room for escape or surrender, and underscores the intentionality and totality of the annihilation. The repetition of this phrase later in the verse further emphasizes the thoroughness of the destruction.
* **"both men and women, children and sucklings,"**: This enumeration details the human victims, emphasizing the indiscriminate nature of the massacre. The explicit inclusion of "children and sucklings" (infants) is particularly horrifying, highlighting the extreme brutality and the complete absence of compassion or moral restraint in Saul's command.
* **"and oxen, and asses, and sheep, with the edge of the sword."**: The final part of the verse extends the destruction to all livestock, mirroring the comprehensive nature of the _herem_ command typically reserved for God's judgment against foreign enemies. The repetition of "with the edge of the sword" reinforces the thoroughness and finality of the annihilation, ensuring that nothing living remained in Nob.

#### Literary Devices
The author of 1 Samuel employs several potent **Literary Devices** in this verse to convey the horror and significance of the event. **Enumeration** or **Cataloging** is prominently used through the detailed list of victims ("men and women, children and sucklings, and oxen, and asses, and sheep"). This exhaustive list emphasizes the absolute totality and indiscriminate nature of the destruction, leaving no doubt that nothing was spared. The **Repetition** of the phrase "with the edge of the sword" serves to underscore the brutal method of execution and the finality of the act, driving home the merciless efficiency of the slaughter. Furthermore, there is a profound **Irony** and **Contrast** at play: a king of Israel, chosen by God, applies a form of "holy war" (total destruction) against a sacred Israelite city, "the city of the priests." This stark juxtaposition highlights the perversion of divine justice and the extent of Saul's spiritual and moral decay, turning a concept meant for God's judgment on wicked nations into an instrument of his own paranoid vengeance against his own people. The sheer scale of the atrocity, especially the inclusion of infants and animals, also functions as a form of **Hyperbole**, not in the sense of exaggeration of fact, but in its dramatic portrayal to evoke maximum shock and condemnation of Saul's actions.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The massacre of Nob stands as a chilling testament to the dangers of unchecked power, the corrosive effects of paranoia, and the tragic consequences when a leader abandons divine principles. It serves as a stark reminder that even those in positions of authority are accountable to God and that their deviation from righteousness can lead to immense suffering for the innocent. This event marks a profound low point in Saul's reign, illustrating the complete spiritual degeneration of a king who, once anointed by God, became consumed by jealousy and fear, ultimately acting with a cruelty that surpassed even the enemies of Israel. The destruction of a priestly city, a place of sanctuary and worship, underscores the sacrilegious nature of Saul's act and his utter disregard for divine law and the sanctity of life.

* [1 Samuel 15:23](/1_samuel/15-23 "1 Samuel 15:23 - Saul's Rejection for Disobedience")
* [Psalm 52:1-5](/psalms/52-1-5 "Psalm 52:1-5 - David's Lament Concerning Doeg")
* [Lamentations 2:20](/lamentations/2-20 "Lamentations 2:20 - Children as Victims of Judgment")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The tragic narrative of Nob compels us to reflect deeply on the nature of power, the fragility of justice, and the devastating impact of sin in leadership. Saul's descent into tyranny, fueled by paranoia and jealousy, serves as a timeless warning against the dangers of unchecked authority and the spiritual decay that can result from refusing to submit to God's will. This story challenges us to cultivate humility, seek wisdom, and maintain a steadfast commitment to righteousness, especially when entrusted with influence over others. It also calls us to recognize and resist injustice, to speak truth to power, and to protect the vulnerable who often bear the brunt of others' sin. The innocent suffering at Nob reminds us of the profound value of every life and the imperative to defend those who cannot defend themselves, fostering empathy and compassion in our own hearts and communities, and recognizing that true leadership is marked by service, not self-preservation at any cost.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Saul's actions at Nob illustrate the corrupting influence of unchecked power and paranoia in leadership?**
* **What are the spiritual lessons we can draw from the priests' and the city's innocent suffering, and how does this challenge our understanding of divine justice?**
* **In what ways might we, in our own spheres of influence, be tempted to act out of fear or jealousy, and what steps can we take to guard against such impulses?**
* **How does the story of Nob encourage us to stand up for the vulnerable and speak out against injustice, even when it is difficult or dangerous?**

### FAQ
**Why did Saul command such a horrific massacre against his own people, especially priests?**

Answer: Saul's command for the massacre of Nob was a direct consequence of his escalating paranoia, jealousy, and spiritual decline. He perceived the priests of Nob as collaborators with David, whom he viewed as a rival and a threat to his throne. This perception was fueled by Doeg the Edomite's malicious report, which twisted Ahimelech's innocent aid to David into an act of treason, as seen in [1 Samuel 22:9-10](/1_samuel/22-9-10 "1 Samuel 22:9-10 - Doeg's Deceitful Report"). Saul's deep-seated insecurity and fear of losing his kingdom led him to irrational and extreme acts of violence, demonstrating a profound departure from the righteous leadership expected of an Israelite king. The massacre was an act of vengeance and an attempt to eliminate any perceived support for David, however innocent, solidifying his tyrannical grip on power.

**What was the significance of Nob being "the city of the priests"?**

Answer: Nob was a Levitical city and a significant cultic center, likely where the tabernacle and its sacred implements were located after the destruction of Shiloh. As "the city of the priests," it was a place dedicated to the service of Yahweh and inhabited by those consecrated to Him. Its destruction was not merely an act of violence against a town but a profound sacrilege, an attack on the very heart of Israelite worship and the divine order. This detail underscores the depth of Saul's spiritual rebellion and his utter disregard for God's covenant and His servants, marking a moment of severe moral and theological transgression.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The gruesome account of Nob, a city of priests utterly destroyed by a corrupt king, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus, the ultimate King and High Priest. Saul, a king consumed by sin and paranoia, mercilessly slaughtered innocent priests and their families, embodying the destructive power of fallen humanity and the perversion of divine authority. In stark contrast, Jesus, the true King of Israel ([Matthew 2:2](/matthew/2-2 "Matthew 2:2 - Birth of the King of the Jews")), did not destroy His priests but became the perfect High Priest Himself, offering His own life as the ultimate and spotless sacrifice for humanity's sins ([Hebrews 4:14](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest") and [Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). While Nob's inhabitants, including "children and sucklings," suffered indiscriminately under Saul's rage, Jesus consistently demonstrated boundless compassion for the vulnerable, welcoming children and protecting the weak ([Matthew 19:14](/matthew/19-14 "Matthew 19:14 - Jesus Welcomes Children")). The innocent blood shed at Nob foreshadows the ultimate innocent Lamb of God, Jesus Christ, who was "smote" not by an earthly king's wrath, but by divine judgment for the sins of the world, bearing the full weight of humanity's transgression ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") and [Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - The Suffering Servant")). Unlike Saul's reign, which ended in chaos and destruction, Christ's kingdom is one of righteousness, peace, and justice, establishing a new covenant where believers become a "royal priesthood" under His eternal and benevolent rule, ministering in His name ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood") and [Revelation 1:6](/1_revelation/1-6 "Revelation 1:6 - A Kingdom of Priests")).

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 15:3

Now go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not; but slay both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass.

Isaiah 10:32

As yet shall he remain at Nob that day: he shall shake his hand [against] the mount of the daughter of Zion, the hill of Jerusalem.

Nehemiah 11:32

[And] at Anathoth, Nob, Ananiah,

1 Samuel 15:9

But Saul and the people spared Agag, and the best of the sheep, and of the oxen, and of the fatlings, and the lambs, and all [that was] good, and would not utterly destroy them: but every thing [that was] vile and refuse, that they destroyed utterly.

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.

Hosea 10:14

Therefore shall a tumult arise among thy people, and all thy fortresses shall be spoiled, as Shalman spoiled Betharbel in the day of battle: the mother was dashed in pieces upon [her] children.

James 2:13

For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.