The Hebrew name Dôʼêg, represented by H1673, is the name of a specific individual in the Old Testament. The word is defined as anxious, and identifies Doeg, an Edomite. It appears 6 times across 5 unique verses, exclusively in the accounts of 1 Samuel and the title of Psalm 52. His narrative role is that of an adversary to David.
In the biblical narrative, Doeg H1673 is introduced as "the chiefest of the herdmen that belonged to Saul" 1 Samuel 21:7. His defining moment comes when he reports David's visit to the priest Ahimelech at Nob 1 Samuel 22:9. After Saul orders the execution of the priests and his own servants refuse, it is Doeg who carries out the command, turning and falling upon the priests 1 Samuel 22:18. He slays eighty-five men on that day. David later laments that he knew when he saw Doeg there that he would "surely tell Saul" 1 Samuel 22:22, and the title of Psalm 52 directly links the psalm to the event of Doeg informing Saul Psalms 52:1.
Several related words are key to understanding Doeg's character and actions:
- H5046 nâgad (to announce, expose): This word is used to describe Doeg's act of informing Saul about David's location. The verb's meaning of "to expose" or "tell" is central to his role in the narrative (Psalms 52:1, 1 Samuel 22:22).
- H6293 pâgaʻ (to fall upon, impinge by violence): This verb is used specifically for the violent command given to Doeg by Saul. He was ordered to "fall upon the priests," an action he then carried out 1 Samuel 22:18.
- H1984 hâlal (to boast, celebrate): The introduction to Psalm 52 connects Doeg's actions to boasting in mischief, questioning his self-glorification in evil deeds Psalms 52:1.
The narrative significance of H1673 is tied to his role as a foil to David and an instrument of King Saul's paranoia.
- Obedience to Tyranny: Doeg's willingness to "fall upon the priests" when Saul's own men would not demonstrates a loyalty that supersedes moral or religious boundaries. He acts as the king's executioner without hesitation 1 Samuel 22:18.
- Catalyst for Tragedy: His decision to "tell" H5046 Saul what he "saw" H7200 directly leads to the massacre at Nob. David recognized this trait, stating he knew Doeg would surely report what he witnessed 1 Samuel 22:22.
- Embodiment of Mischief: Psalm 52 frames Doeg not just as an informant, but as a "mighty man" who boasts in "mischief" H7451. This portrays his actions as stemming from a malicious character, rather than simple duty Psalms 52:1.
In summary, H1673 identifies Doeg the Edomite, a figure whose name is synonymous with betrayal and ruthless violence in the service of a corrupt king. While he appears in only a few verses, his actions—informing on David and slaughtering the priests of Nob—are a pivotal and dark moment in the narrative. He serves as a powerful example of how a person's choice to "tell" H5046 and to obey an evil command can result in devastating consequences.
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