Background:
King Saul, the first king of Israel, was anointed by the prophet Samuel. His reign was marked by initial successes but later marred by disobedience to God and a growing paranoia, particularly concerning David, whom he perceived as a threat to his throne. This paranoia led to a series of tragic events, including the incident involving Doeg the Edomite and Ahimelech the priest.

The Incident:
The account of Saul hearing Doeg against Ahimelech is found in 1 Samuel 21-22. David, fleeing from Saul's wrath, sought refuge with Ahimelech the priest at Nob. Ahimelech, unaware of the conflict between Saul and David, provided David with consecrated bread and the sword of Goliath. This act of kindness would later have dire consequences.

Doeg the Edomite:
Doeg, an Edomite and chief of Saul's herdsmen, was present at Nob when David visited Ahimelech. His presence at the sanctuary was likely due to his duties or possibly as part of a religious observance. Doeg's role becomes pivotal as he later reports the incident to Saul, fueling the king's suspicions and anger.

Saul's Reaction:
Upon hearing Doeg's report, Saul summoned Ahimelech and all the priests of Nob. In 1 Samuel 22:11-13 , Saul accuses Ahimelech of conspiring with David against him. Despite Ahimelech's defense, asserting his ignorance of any conspiracy and his loyalty to Saul, the king's paranoia blinds him to reason.

The Tragic Outcome:
Saul orders the execution of Ahimelech and the priests of Nob. When his own guards refuse to carry out the order, Doeg steps forward and slaughters 85 priests, as recorded in 1 Samuel 22:18 : "Then the king ordered Doeg, 'You turn and strike down the priests!' So Doeg the Edomite turned and struck them down, killing on that day eighty-five men who wore the linen ephod."

Significance:
This event highlights several key themes in the biblical narrative. It underscores the destructive nature of Saul's disobedience and paranoia, which leads to the shedding of innocent blood. The massacre of the priests at Nob is a stark reminder of the consequences of turning away from God's commands and the dangers of unchecked power and jealousy.

Theological Implications:
From a theological perspective, the incident serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of forsaking divine guidance. Saul's actions contrast sharply with the biblical ideal of a king who rules in accordance with God's will. The narrative also foreshadows the eventual downfall of Saul's reign and the rise of David, a man after God's own heart, who, despite his own failings, seeks to align his leadership with God's purposes.

Legacy:
The massacre at Nob remains one of the darkest episodes in Saul's reign, illustrating the tragic consequences of a leader's failure to heed God's voice. It also sets the stage for David's continued rise and the eventual establishment of a dynasty that would lead to the coming of the Messiah, fulfilling God's covenant promises to Israel.1 Samuel 23:1
Then they told David, saying, Behold, the Philistines fight against Keilah, and they rob the threshing floors.
Nave's Topical Index

Letter Lvii. To Pammachius on the Best Method of Translating.
... fact they are not even unkind words for the public ear never hears them ... afterwards
put to death with the rest of the priests by Doeg at the command of Saul. ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter lvii to pammachius on.htm

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