Do'eg the Edomite is a significant yet infamous figure in the Old Testament, primarily known for his role in the events surrounding King Saul and David. His account is primarily found in the First Book of Samuel.

Background and Identity

Do'eg was an Edomite, indicating his descent from Esau, the brother of Jacob. This heritage is significant as it places him outside the Israelite community, yet he held a prominent position within King Saul's court. He is described as "the chief of Saul’s shepherds" (1 Samuel 21:7), suggesting a role of considerable responsibility and influence.

Role in the Narrative

Do'eg's most notable actions occur during David's flight from King Saul. David, fleeing for his life, sought refuge with Ahimelech the priest at Nob. During this encounter, Do'eg was present, "detained before the LORD" (1 Samuel 21:7), which implies he was fulfilling some religious obligation or was there for a specific reason related to worship or service.

Betrayal and Massacre at Nob

The pivotal moment in Do'eg's account is his betrayal of Ahimelech and the priests of Nob. After David's visit, Saul, in his paranoia and fear of David, accused his servants of conspiring against him. Do'eg seized this opportunity to inform Saul of David's interaction with Ahimelech, stating, "I saw the son of Jesse come to Ahimelech son of Ahitub at Nob" (1 Samuel 22:9).

Saul, enraged by this news, summoned Ahimelech and accused him of conspiracy. Despite Ahimelech's defense, Saul ordered the execution of the priests. When Saul's guards refused to carry out the order, Do'eg complied, killing "eighty-five men who wore the linen ephod" (1 Samuel 22:18). He then proceeded to destroy the city of Nob, killing men, women, children, and livestock.

Character and Legacy

Do'eg's actions are often viewed as a stark example of treachery and brutality. His willingness to carry out Saul's murderous command highlights his loyalty to Saul over any moral or ethical considerations. This act of violence against the priests, who were innocent of any wrongdoing, marks Do'eg as a figure of infamy in biblical history.

The Psalms also reflect on Do'eg's character. Psalm 52 is traditionally attributed to David in response to Do'eg's betrayal. The psalmist condemns the boastful and deceitful nature of Do'eg, contrasting his temporary success with the ultimate justice and righteousness of God: "Surely God will bring you down to everlasting ruin" (Psalm 52:5).

Theological Implications

Do'eg's account serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition and the moral corruption that can arise from a desire for power and favor. His actions demonstrate the destructive potential of aligning oneself with unrighteous authority and the severe consequences of betraying God's anointed servants. Through Do'eg, the narrative underscores the importance of faithfulness to God and His commandments over allegiance to human authority.Do'eg (4 Occurrences)

1 Samuel 21:7
Now a certain man of the servants of Saul was there that day, detained before Yahweh; and his name was Doeg the Edomite, the best of the herdsmen who belonged to Saul.
(See RSV)

1 Samuel 22:9
Then Doeg the Edomite, who stood by the servants of Saul, answered and said, "I saw the son of Jesse coming to Nob, to Ahimelech the son of Ahitub.
(See RSV)

1 Samuel 22:18
The king said to Doeg, "Turn and attack the priests!" Doeg the Edomite turned, and he attacked the priests, and he killed on that day eighty-five people who wore a linen ephod.
(See RSV)

1 Samuel 22:22
David said to Abiathar, "I knew on that day, when Doeg the Edomite was there, that he would surely tell Saul. I am responsible for the death of all the persons of your father's house.
(See RSV)

Do'eg (4 Occurrences)
Do'eg. Doeg, Do'eg. Doer . Multi-Version Concordance Do'eg (4 Occurrences).
1 Samuel 21:7 Now a certain man of the servants of Saul ...
/d/do'eg.htm - 7k

Doeg (6 Occurrences)
...do'-eg (do'-egh "anxious," "cared for"): "The Edomite," a servant of Saul, who watched
David's intercourse with the priest Ahimelech, then denounced the priest ...
/d/doeg.htm - 9k

Doer (25 Occurrences)

/d/doer.htm - 14k

Spiritual (42 Occurrences)
... with sympathy and insight to interpret the meaning of a picture or a piece of music,
as the genius who produced it might be quite unable to do (eg Ruskin and ...
/s/spiritual.htm - 51k

Gifts (144 Occurrences)
... with sympathy and insight to interpret the meaning of a picture or a piece of music,
as the genius who produced it might be quite unable to do (eg Ruskin and ...
/g/gifts.htm - 61k

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