1 Samuel 22:21

KJV

And Abiathar shewed David that Saul had slain the LORD'S priests.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Abiathar {H54} shewed {H5046} David {H1732} that Saul {H7586} had slain {H2026} the LORD'S {H3068} priests {H3548}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Avyatar told David that Sha'ul had killed the cohanim of ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

And Abiathar told David that Saul had killed the priests of the LORD.

American Standard Version

And Abiathar told David that Saul had slain Jehovah’s priests.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 22:21 marks a profoundly tragic and pivotal moment in David's flight from King Saul, as Abiathar, the sole survivor of the priestly massacre at Nob, arrives to inform David of Saul's horrific deed. This verse not only delivers devastating news but also signifies a critical alignment of the legitimate priesthood with David, further isolating Saul and underscoring his escalating tyranny and moral decay.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows King Saul's brutal and sacrilegious massacre of the priests of Nob, their families, and their livestock (1 Samuel 22:18-19). The preceding narrative details David's desperate flight from Saul, his visit to Nob where he received provisions and Goliath's sword from Ahimelech the priest (1 Samuel 21:1-9), and the subsequent betrayal by Doeg the Edomite (1 Samuel 22:9-10). Saul, consumed by paranoia and rage, perceived Ahimelech's innocent assistance to David as an act of treason. When his own guards refused to lay hands on the LORD's priests, Doeg, an Edomite, carried out the king's unholy command. Abiathar's escape and arrival at David's camp (1 Samuel 22:20) sets the stage for David's deep remorse and his solemn promise of protection, as recorded in [1 Samuel 22:22-23](/1_samuel/22-22 "1 Samuel 22:22-23 - David's Remorse and Promise to Abiathar"). This moment solidifies David's role as a protector and leader of the marginalized, in stark contrast to Saul's destructive reign.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The priests of Nob belonged to the lineage of Eli and served at the tabernacle, which was located there during this period. Their primary role was to mediate between God and Israel, offer sacrifices, and consult the LORD via the ephod. Saul's command to slaughter them was an unprecedented act of sacrilege, not merely an execution of perceived traitors but an attack on God's consecrated servants and the very institution of divine worship. In ancient Israel, the priesthood held immense spiritual and societal authority, separate from the monarchy. Saul's actions demonstrate a profound disregard for divine law and the sacred, further illustrating his departure from God's will. Abiathar's escape was crucial, as he carried the ephod (implied by later use in [1 Samuel 23:6](/1_samuel/23-6 "1 Samuel 23:6 - Abiathar brings the Ephod to David")), allowing for continued divine consultation, a privilege Saul had lost.

* **Key Themes:** The massacre at Nob and Abiathar's report highlight several critical themes. Firstly, it showcases **Saul's escalating tyranny and moral degradation**. His paranoia and unholy rage lead him to commit an atrocity against innocent, consecrated individuals, revealing the depths of his spiritual decline and unfitness to rule. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **innocent suffering** at the hands of corrupt power. The priests were victims of Saul's irrational vendetta, caught in the conflict between the king and God's chosen successor. Thirdly, Abiathar's miraculous escape points to **divine preservation and sovereignty**. God ensures the continuation of the legitimate priestly line, demonstrating His faithfulness even amidst human wickedness. Finally, the verse emphasizes **David's compassionate and righteous character** in contrast to Saul's. David immediately takes responsibility for the tragedy, acknowledging his indirect role, and offers Abiathar refuge and protection, further cementing his image as a king after God's own heart, a stark contrast to the destructive path of Saul as seen throughout [1 Samuel](/1_samuel/1 "The Book of 1 Samuel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Abiathar (Heb. אֶבְיָתָר, _'Ebyatar'_):** Meaning "my father is abundance" or "father of excellence," Abiathar is identified as the son of Ahimelech, the high priest at Nob. His survival is providentially significant, as he is the sole remaining priest of the lineage of Eli, making him the legitimate heir to the high priesthood. His flight to David ensures the continuation of the priestly office and the carrying of the ephod, which was essential for consulting the LORD, a function denied to Saul.
* **shewed (Heb. הִגִּיד, _higid'_):** This verb means "to declare," "to report," or "to make known." It conveys the act of imparting crucial and often grave information. In this context, it emphasizes Abiathar's role as the bearer of tragic news, a solemn duty that carries immense weight and signifies the transfer of vital intelligence and allegiance to David.
* **LORD'S priests (Heb. כֹּהֲנֵי יְהָוָה, _kohanei YHWH'_):** This phrase explicitly identifies the victims as consecrated servants of Yahweh. It emphasizes their sacred status and their direct relationship with God. Saul's act was not merely the killing of men but a sacrilegious assault on God's appointed representatives and the very institution of divine worship. This highlights the severity of Saul's sin and his profound disrespect for the holy.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Abiathar shewed David":** This clause introduces the messenger and the recipient of the news. Abiathar's arrival is a moment of profound significance, as he represents the last vestige of the legitimate priesthood, now aligning himself with David. His act of "shewing" implies a solemn and urgent declaration, underscoring the gravity of the information he carries.
* **"that Saul had slain":** This part directly attributes the horrific act to King Saul, emphasizing his personal culpability. The use of "slain" (הָרַג, _harag_) is a strong verb, indicating a violent and deliberate killing. This highlights Saul's unchecked rage and his descent into tyranny, as he directly commanded and was responsible for the massacre.
* **"the LORD'S priests":** This final phrase identifies the innocent victims and underscores the sacrilegious nature of Saul's crime. By targeting "the LORD'S priests," Saul attacked those consecrated to God's service, demonstrating his utter disregard for divine authority and covenant. This act further alienated him from God and confirmed his unsuitability for kingship.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices. **Irony** is prominent, as Saul, the LORD's anointed king, is depicted as slaughtering the LORD's consecrated priests, a profound betrayal of his divine mandate. This creates a stark **contrast** between Saul's unrighteous, destructive leadership and David's emerging character as a compassionate and God-fearing leader. The arrival of Abiathar, the sole survivor, serves as a form of **foreshadowing**, indicating the transfer of legitimate spiritual authority and divine favor from Saul's doomed reign to David's ascendant one. The immediate impact of the news on David, as detailed in the subsequent verses, evokes **pathos**, highlighting the tragic consequences of Saul's sin and the innocent suffering it inflicts.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The event described in 1 Samuel 22:21 is a stark theological statement on the nature of unrighteous leadership and divine judgment. Saul's massacre of the priests of Nob represents the nadir of his spiritual decline, demonstrating how unchecked paranoia, fear, and a refusal to submit to God's will can lead to horrific sacrilege and innocent bloodshed. It underscores the principle that those who reject God's authority, even if divinely appointed, will ultimately face His judgment and be stripped of their power. Conversely, Abiathar's escape and his joining David illustrate God's faithfulness in preserving a remnant and ensuring the continuity of His covenantal purposes, even amidst profound human wickedness. This act of preservation is a testament to God's sovereign plan unfolding through unexpected means, aligning the legitimate priesthood with the true king after God's own heart.

* [1 Samuel 15:23](/1_samuel/15-23 "1 Samuel 15:23 - Rebellion as Witchcraft")
* [Psalm 34:19](/psalms/34-19 "Psalm 34:19 - Many are the afflictions of the righteous")
* [Exodus 28:1](/exodus/28-1 "Exodus 28:1 - Consecration of Priests")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The news brought by Abiathar to David is a powerful reminder of the devastating ripple effects of sin, particularly the sin of those in authority. Saul's actions at Nob illustrate how unchecked anger, paranoia, and a refusal to submit to divine wisdom can lead to profound injustice and suffering for the innocent. For us today, this narrative calls us to a sober reflection on the nature of leadership, whether in our homes, communities, or nations. It challenges us to examine our own hearts for tendencies towards control, fear, or resentment that might lead us to harm others or disregard God's will. Furthermore, Abiathar's flight to David, and David's subsequent embrace and protection, offer a profound lesson in compassion, responsibility, and finding refuge in righteous company. In times of injustice or persecution, we are called to seek shelter and guidance in God and His people, and to extend grace and protection to those who suffer, even when we feel indirectly responsible. This verse ultimately points to the enduring truth that God preserves His purposes and His people, even when human evil seems to prevail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Saul's action at Nob challenge our understanding of leadership and authority, especially when it conflicts with divine will?**
* **In what ways might we, like David, inadvertently contribute to suffering, and how should we respond with compassion and responsibility?**
* **What does Abiathar's escape and finding refuge with David teach us about seeking safety and alignment with God's chosen path in times of distress?**
* **How can we discern and resist the destructive patterns of paranoia and unchecked anger in our own lives or in those around us?**

### FAQ
**Why was Abiathar the only survivor of the massacre at Nob?**

Answer: Abiathar's survival is consistently understood as an act of divine providence, crucial for the continuation of the legitimate priestly line. As the son of Ahimelech, the high priest, his escape ensured that the sacred office, along with the ephod (used for divine consultation), remained active and could be transferred to David's camp (as seen in [1 Samuel 23:6](/1_samuel/23-6 "1 Samuel 23:6 - Abiathar brings the Ephod to David")). This miraculous preservation highlights God's sovereignty, ensuring His purposes would be fulfilled despite Saul's destructive rage.

**What was the significance of Nob as the location of this massacre?**

Answer: Nob was a priestly city, serving as the location of the tabernacle and the high priesthood during this period. It was a sacred place where the showbread was kept and the ephod was used for divine consultation. Saul's attack on Nob was not just a military action but a profound act of sacrilege against a holy site and God's consecrated servants. This act further demonstrated his utter disregard for the sacred and his complete alienation from God, marking a significant turning point in his reign and solidifying his unfitness to rule over Israel.

**How did this event impact Saul's reign and David's future?**

Answer: The massacre at Nob was a catastrophic event for Saul's reign. It further alienated him from God, demonstrating his complete moral and spiritual decline. By attacking God's priests, he solidified his rejection by God and lost any remaining semblance of divine favor or legitimate spiritual authority. For David, Abiathar's arrival was pivotal. It brought David a direct eyewitness to Saul's depravity, confirmed the depth of Saul's hatred, and most importantly, brought the legitimate priesthood and the means of divine consultation (the ephod) into David's camp. This event marked a de facto transfer of spiritual authority and legitimacy from Saul to David, strengthening David's position as God's chosen king and attracting more followers to him, as seen in [1 Samuel 22:2](/1_samuel/22-2 "1 Samuel 22:2 - David gathers a company").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The tragic events of 1 Samuel 22:21, particularly the slaughter of the innocent priests and Abiathar's miraculous escape to David, find profound Christ-centered fulfillment. Saul's unholy act foreshadows the world's rejection and persecution of God's true Anointed One, Jesus Christ. Just as the priests of Nob were innocent victims of a tyrannical king's paranoia, so too was Jesus, the ultimate innocent Lamb of God, unjustly condemned and slain by the powers of this world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Yet, in a greater sense, Christ is not merely a victim but the Great High Priest, who, unlike the priests of Eli's line, offers a perfect and eternal sacrifice for sin, entering the true tabernacle in heaven ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ, the High Priest of the New Covenant")). Abiathar's escape to David, bringing the ephod and ensuring the continuation of divine consultation, points to Christ as the ultimate mediator and the source of all divine revelation. He is the true King and Priest, to whom all those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake can flee for refuge and find ultimate protection and provision ([Matthew 5:10](/matthew/5-10 "Matthew 5:10 - Blessed are those who are persecuted")). In Christ, the legitimate priesthood is not merely preserved but perfected, as all believers are made a "royal priesthood" through Him ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")). Thus, the sorrowful news delivered by Abiathar ultimately points to the glorious truth of Christ's suffering, His victorious priesthood, and His sovereign reign, under which His people find eternal safety and communion with God.

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.