Lexical Summary Doeg: Doeg Original Word: דֹּאֵג Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Doeg Or (fully) Dowoeg {do-ayg'}; active participle of da'ag; anxious; Doeg, an Edomite -- Doeg. see HEBREW da'ag NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom daag Definition an Edomite NASB Translation Doeg (5). Brown-Driver-Briggs דֹּאֵג proper name, masculine an Edomite, servant of Saul 1 Samuel 21:8; 1 Samuel 22:9,18 (twice in verse); 1 Samuel 22:22 (1 Samuel 22:18; 1 Samuel 22:18; 1 Samuel 22:22 Kt דויג compare Dr) דּוֺאֵג Psalm 52:2 (title). Topical Lexicon OverviewDoeg, identified in the narrative as “the Edomite,” appears six times in the Old Testament (1 Samuel 21:8; 1 Samuel 22:9; 1 Samuel 22:18 [twice]; 1 Samuel 22:22; Psalm 52:1). Though his footprint is small, his actions leave a deep imprint on Israel’s history and ethics, furnishing an enduring example of malicious opportunism, misplaced loyalty, and the devastating power of an unbridled tongue. Historical Setting • Period: The latter days of Saul’s reign, when the king was increasingly estranged from the will of God and from the prophet Samuel. Role in the Court of Saul Doeg is called “chief of Saul’s shepherds” (1 Samuel 21:7). The term suggests administrative authority over the royal herds, placing him in frequent proximity to Saul. Rather than being a casual observer, he is a trusted insider—yet his trust is wielded destructively. Catalyst at Nob 1 Samuel 21:8 records Doeg’s silent presence when David, fleeing Saul, receives provisions from Ahimelech the priest. His silence is temporary; he later weaponizes his knowledge. Denunciation and Bloodshed When Saul laments that no one discloses David’s whereabouts, Doeg seizes the moment: 1 Samuel 22:9—“‘I saw the son of Jesse come to Nob, to Ahimelech son of Ahitub.’” Doeg’s report is accurate, but his motives are self-serving. Seeing Saul’s wrath unmoved by Israelite officers, Doeg volunteers to execute divine servants: 1 Samuel 22:18—“Then the king said to Doeg, ‘You turn and strike down the priests!’ So Doeg the Edomite turned and struck them down, and that day he killed eighty-five men who wore the linen ephod.” He follows the massacre at Nob by putting the city “to the sword, both men and women, children and infants, oxen, donkeys, and sheep” (1 Samuel 22:19). Thus an Edomite fulfills the role Saul’s own soldiers refuse, illustrating how compromised leadership invites unrighteous agents. David’s Lament and Responsibility David recognizes the chain of causality: 1 Samuel 22:22—“I knew on that day, when Doeg the Edomite was there, that he would surely tell Saul. I am responsible for the lives of all your father’s house.” David’s admission magnifies the tragedy: the righteous suffer; the wicked appear to prosper; yet the covenant King accepts culpability—a foreshadowing of the greater Son of David bearing guilt not His own. Psalmic Reflection Psalm 52 bears the inspired superscription, “when Doeg the Edomite went and reported to Saul, ‘David has gone to the house of Ahimelech.’” The psalm unpacks Doeg’s character: • “Why do you boast of evil, O mighty man?” (Psalm 52:1). Yet the psalm ends with confident hope: “But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in the loving devotion of God forever and ever” (52:8). The contrast between the uprooted evildoer and the steadfast covenant-keeper underscores divine justice. Character Analysis Strengths Flaws Theological Significance 1. Divine Sovereignty and Human Agency God permits Doeg’s atrocity yet turns it into part of His redemptive tapestry: the priestly line of Ithamar ends at Nob, but the surviving Abiathar flees to David, integrating priesthood with the future king. 2. The Danger of Misaligned Loyalties Doeg’s highest allegiance lies with a deteriorating monarchy rather than with covenant truth. Scripture warns against staking one’s future on power structures instead of on the God of Israel (Psalm 118:8–9). 3. Speech Ethics Doeg’s tongue incites royal rage and unleashes communal disaster. James 3:6 echoes the Old Testament lesson: “The tongue is a fire.” Pastoral and Ministry Applications • Integrity in Reporting: Believers entrusted with sensitive information must weigh truth against mercy and righteousness. Typological and Prophetic Echoes • Doeg’s betrayal anticipates Judas Iscariot’s. Both observe the righteous, deliver incriminating reports, and catalyze innocent bloodshed. Lessons for Leadership • Vet loyalists for character, not merely competence. Summary Doeg stands as Scripture’s archetype of the malicious informant—astute, ambitious, and ultimately doomed. His narrative warns against self-serving speech and violence, assuring the faithful that God’s steadfast love outlasts every boast of evil. Forms and Transliterations דֹּאֵ֣ג דֹּואֵ֣ג דּוֹאֵ֣ג דאג דואג לְדֹואֵ֔ג לדואג dō’êḡ dō·’êḡ dō·w·’êḡ doEg dōw’êḡ lə·ḏō·w·’êḡ ledoEg ləḏōw’êḡLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Samuel 21:8 HEB: יְהוָ֔ה וּשְׁמ֖וֹ דֹּאֵ֣ג הָאֲדֹמִ֑י אַבִּ֥יר INT: God base Doeg the Edomites strong 1 Samuel 22:9 1 Samuel 22:18 1 Samuel 22:18 1 Samuel 22:22 Psalm 52:1 6 Occurrences |
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