1 Samuel 22:22

And David said unto Abiathar, I knew [it] that day, when Doeg the Edomite [was] there, that he would surely tell Saul: I have occasioned [the death] of all the persons of thy father's house.

And David {H1732} said {H559} unto Abiathar {H54}, I knew {H3045} it that day {H3117}, when Doeg {H1673} the Edomite {H130} was there, that he would surely {H5046} tell {H5046} Saul {H7586}: I have occasioned {H5437} the death of all the persons {H5315} of thy father's {H1} house {H1004}.

David said to Avyatar, "I knew it! That day, when Do'eg the Edomi was there, I knew he would tell Sha'ul. I caused the death of every person in your father's family.

Then David said to Abiathar, “I knew that Doeg the Edomite was there that day, and that he was sure to tell Saul. I myself am responsible for the lives of everyone in your father’s house.

And David said unto Abiathar, I knew on that day, when Doeg the Edomite was there, that he would surely tell Saul: I have occasioned the death of all the persons of thy father’s house.

Commentary

1 Samuel 22:22 captures a moment of deep remorse and confession from David, as he acknowledges his indirect role in the tragic massacre of the priests of Nob. This verse is a poignant display of David's character, highlighting his burden of responsibility and his empathetic connection with Abiathar, the sole survivor of the priestly family.

Context

This powerful statement from David comes after a series of tumultuous events. David, fleeing from King Saul's relentless pursuit, had sought refuge and sustenance at Nob, the city of priests, where he encountered Ahimelech the high priest (1 Samuel 21:1). Unbeknownst to Ahimelech, David was a fugitive, and the priest generously provided him with the showbread and Goliath's sword. However, an unexpected and dangerous witness was present: Doeg the Edomite, Saul's chief herdsman, who was "detained before the LORD."

Doeg, driven by malice or a desire to gain favor with Saul, later reported David's interaction with Ahimelech to the king. Saul, in a fit of paranoid rage, ordered the execution of Ahimelech and all the priests of Nob. When his own guards refused, Doeg himself carried out the horrific massacre, killing eighty-five priests and their families, and destroying the city (1 Samuel 22:18-19). Abiathar, one of Ahimelech's sons, miraculously escaped and fled to David (1 Samuel 22:20-21). It is to Abiathar that David speaks these words, taking responsibility for the chain of events that led to the tragedy.

Key Themes

  • David's Guilt and Responsibility: David openly admits his foresight of Doeg's treachery ("I knew it that day... that he would surely tell Saul") and takes the burden of the consequences upon himself ("I have occasioned the death of all the persons of thy father's house"). This demonstrates a profound sense of accountability, even for events directly perpetrated by others.
  • The Ripple Effect of Actions: The verse powerfully illustrates how one's actions, even if taken out of necessity or desperation, can have unforeseen and tragic consequences for others. David's visit to Nob, intended for survival, inadvertently led to the slaughter of an entire priestly community.
  • The Malice of Doeg and Saul: While David accepts responsibility, the verse also implicitly underscores the extreme cruelty and wickedness of Doeg, who acted as Saul's executioner, and Saul, who commanded such an atrocity against the Lord's priests. Their actions were the direct cause, exploiting David's vulnerable situation.
  • Compassion and Protection: David's confession is immediately followed by a promise to protect Abiathar, showing his compassionate nature and commitment to those who suffer because of his circumstances.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "I have occasioned [the death] of all the persons of thy father's house" is key. The KJV's use of "occasioned" (from the Hebrew סַבּוֹתִי, savoti) means "I caused," "I brought about," or "I was the reason for." It doesn't imply direct murder but rather acknowledges that David's presence and actions at Nob provided the opportunity or context for Doeg's betrayal and Saul's subsequent command. It highlights David's acceptance of indirect, yet significant, responsibility for the tragedy.

Practical Application

This verse offers several valuable lessons for modern readers:

  • Embrace Responsibility: David's willingness to acknowledge his role in a tragic outcome, even when others were the direct perpetrators, sets a powerful example. It teaches us the importance of taking responsibility for the consequences of our actions, even unintended ones.
  • Understand Consequences: Our choices, particularly in times of desperation or pressure, can have far-reaching effects on others. This verse encourages us to consider potential ramifications and to act with wisdom and discernment.
  • Compassion for the Suffering: David's immediate empathy and promise of protection for Abiathar reminds us to respond with compassion and support to those who have suffered, especially if our actions have contributed to their plight.
  • The Weight of Leadership: For those in positions of leadership, this verse underscores the immense weight of decisions and the potential for their impact to extend beyond immediate intentions, affecting many innocent lives.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Samuel 21:1

    ¶ Then came David to Nob to Ahimelech the priest: and Ahimelech was afraid at the meeting of David, and said unto him, Why [art] thou alone, and no man with thee?

  • 1 Samuel 21:9

    And the priest said, The sword of Goliath the Philistine, whom thou slewest in the valley of Elah, behold, it [is here] wrapped in a cloth behind the ephod: if thou wilt take that, take [it]: for [there is] no other save that here. And David said, [There is] none like that; give it me.

  • Psalms 44:22

    Yea, for thy sake are we killed all the day long; we are counted as sheep for the slaughter.
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