What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 22:21? And Abiathar told David • Abiathar, the lone survivor of the massacre at Nob (1 Samuel 22:20), seeks refuge with David, the anointed yet still-waiting king (1 Samuel 16:13; 2 Samuel 5:3). • His report is not rumor but eyewitness testimony, underscoring the factual reliability of the narrative (Proverbs 14:25). • By coming straight to David, Abiathar aligns himself with the Lord’s chosen leader, much as Jonathan earlier acknowledged David’s future rule (1 Samuel 23:17). • This moment forges a lasting partnership: Abiathar will serve as high priest alongside Zadok throughout David’s reign (2 Samuel 8:17; 1 Kings 2:27). • The scene foreshadows Christ, our true High Priest, who also suffered persecution from earthly authorities (Hebrews 13:12-13). that Saul had killed • Saul’s action fulfills Samuel’s warning that the king would take life and property when he turned from the Lord (1 Samuel 8:11-18). • His direct order to slay innocent priests (1 Samuel 22:17-19) shows how far he has drifted from earlier humility (1 Samuel 10:22). • The verb “killed” is stark: Saul becomes the very threat he once protected Israel against (1 Samuel 11:11, 13-15). • Scripture repeatedly holds leaders accountable for shedding innocent blood (Genesis 9:6; 2 Kings 21:16); Saul’s deed accelerates divine judgment that will culminate at Mount Gilboa (1 Samuel 31:1-6). • David, though often hunted, never answers evil with evil (1 Samuel 24:6-7; Romans 12:17-19). the priests of the LORD • Priests were set apart to mediate between God and His people (Exodus 28:1; Leviticus 10:11). Striking them was tantamount to striking at the Lord Himself (Numbers 16:9-11). • Nob’s priests had earlier aided David in good faith (1 Samuel 21:6), unaware of Saul’s hostility. Their death highlights the cost of associating with God’s anointed (Matthew 10:22). • This tragedy traces back to Eli’s house (1 Samuel 2:31-33). Abiathar, Eli’s descendant, alone escapes, fulfilling the prophecy that one would be spared to “weep his eyes out” (1 Samuel 2:33). • The loss of the priesthood at Nob drives David to seek God even more earnestly through Abiathar and the ephod (1 Samuel 23:9-12; 30:7-8), illustrating how God provides ongoing access to Him despite human sin. summary Abiathar’s report to David lays bare the widening gulf between Saul and the Lord. Saul’s massacre of the priests marks his final plunge into rebellion, while Abiathar’s flight to David signals God’s preservation of both priestly and royal lines. The verse reminds believers that God faithfully safeguards His purposes and His people, even when earthly powers unleash violence. |
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