or (fully) דּוֹאֵג; active participle of דָּאַג; anxious; Doeg, an Edomite; Doeg.
Transliteration:Dôʼêg
Pronunciation:do-ayg'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word דֹּאֵג (Dôʼêg), transliterated as Doeg (`{{H1673}}`), is a proper noun, specifically the name of an individual. Its etymological root is found in the verb דָּאַג (daʼag, `{{H1672}}`), which signifies "to be anxious," "to worry," or "to fear." As an active participle, the name Doeg literally conveys the sense of "the anxious one" or "the fearful one." While a proper noun, the inherent meaning of the name provides a subtle layer of insight, potentially hinting at a characteristic trait or even serving as an ironic or prophetic descriptor given the individual's actions.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Doeg the Edomite is a figure prominently featured in the narratives of 1 Samuel, primarily during the period of King Saul's decline and David's flight. He is first introduced in [[1 Samuel 21:7]], identified as "chief of Saul's herdsmen," and notably "detained before the Lord" at Nob, the city of priests. This detail places him as an eyewitness to Ahimelech the priest providing aid to David.
His most infamous role occurs in [[1 Samuel 22:9-10]], where he volunteers information to a paranoid King Saul, accusing Ahimelech of conspiracy with David. Doeg's testimony is characterized by malicious exaggeration and a clear intent to incriminate. When Saul's own guards refuse to execute the priests of Nob, it is Doeg who, upon Saul's command, ruthlessly slaughters eighty-five priests and then proceeds to destroy Nob, including women, children, infants, oxen, donkeys, and sheep ([[1 Samuel 22:18-19]]). This act of unparalleled brutality against the priestly city marks Doeg as a willing instrument of Saul's tyranny and a perpetrator of immense evil.
The tragic events involving Doeg are directly referenced in the superscription of [[Psalm 52]], which attributes the psalm to David "when Doeg the Edomite came and told Saul, 'David has gone to the house of Ahimelech.'" This psalm, a *maskil* (instructional psalm), condemns the boastful, deceitful tongue and the one who trusts in wickedness rather than God, directly reflecting Doeg's character and actions.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the verbal root דָּאַג (daʼag, `{{H1672}}`), "to be anxious, to worry, to fear." This etymological connection underscores the potential psychological or dispositional aspect implied by Doeg's name.
Beyond the linguistic connection, Doeg's identity as an Edomite is significant. Edomites, descendants of Esau, were often antagonists of Israel (e.g., [[Numbers 20:14-21]], [[Amos 1:11]]). Doeg's ruthlessness and lack of compunction in massacring Israelite priests align with a broader biblical portrayal of Edomite hostility and a lack of covenant loyalty.
The narrative involving Doeg also brings into focus concepts such as:
* **Treachery and Betrayal:** Doeg betrays the trust placed in him by his position and acts as an informant against innocent parties.
* **Malicious Speech:** His words to Saul are not merely factual but are crafted to incite anger and violence, highlighting the destructive power of the tongue, a theme echoed in [[Psalm 52]].
* **Cruelty and Bloodshed:** The massacre at Nob demonstrates extreme inhumanity and a willingness to commit heinous acts on behalf of an unrighteous king.
* **Obedience to Unrighteous Authority:** Doeg's immediate compliance with Saul's command, when others refused, underscores a dangerous submission to tyrannical power without moral restraint.
### Theological Significance
Doeg's actions carry profound theological weight, serving as a stark biblical illustration of several key themes:
Firstly, Doeg embodies the **nature of human depravity and wickedness**. His willingness to betray, inform, and execute innocent priests and an entire city without apparent remorse highlights the depths to which the human heart can descend when devoid of moral compass and divine fear. He serves as a cautionary figure, demonstrating the destructive potential of an individual who prioritizes self-interest and allegiance to an unrighteous authority over truth, justice, and the sanctity of life.
Secondly, the narrative involving Doeg underscores the **consequences of sin and the certainty of divine judgment**. While Doeg's actions are immediately successful in bringing about the massacre, David's response in [[Psalm 52]] confidently anticipates God's judgment upon the "mighty man" who boasts in evil and trusts in riches rather than God's unfailing love. This psalm provides a theological framework for understanding that even in the face of apparent triumph by the wicked, God's justice will ultimately prevail. It affirms the belief that God sees and will hold accountable those who commit such atrocities.
Finally, Doeg's role highlights the **danger of unchecked power and the corruption it can breed**. Saul's descent into paranoia and tyranny finds a willing accomplice in Doeg, illustrating how unrighteous leadership can draw out and exploit the moral weaknesses of those around them. Doeg's actions stand in stark contrast to the faithfulness of the priests of Nob and the righteousness that David seeks to uphold, emphasizing the ongoing spiritual battle between good and evil, and the importance of choosing allegiance to God over earthly power.
### Summary
Doeg (`{{H1673}}`), an Edomite whose name etymologically suggests "the anxious one" (from `{{H1672}}`), is a notorious figure in the biblical narrative of 1 Samuel. As chief of Saul's herdsmen, he became a key participant in King Saul's persecution of David. Doeg is primarily remembered for his treacherous informing on Ahimelech the priest, leading to the massacre of the priests of Nob and their families, as well as the destruction of their city ([[1 Samuel 22:9-19]]). His actions exemplify extreme cruelty, deceit, and a willingness to execute an unrighteous command, making him a biblical archetype of the wicked individual whose boastful and destructive tongue is condemned in [[Psalm 52]]. The story of Doeg serves as a powerful theological commentary on the nature of human depravity, the far-reaching consequences of sin, and the ultimate triumph of divine justice over evil.
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