Topical Bible: Slander: Doeg

◄ Slander: Doeg ►

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Introduction

Slander, a grievous sin condemned throughout Scripture, is the act of making false and damaging statements about someone. It is a violation of the commandment against bearing false witness (Exodus 20:16) and is often associated with malice, deceit, and betrayal. One of the most notorious biblical examples of slander is found in the actions of Doeg the Edomite, whose deceitful report led to tragic consequences.

Biblical Account

Doeg the Edomite appears in the narrative of 1 Samuel 21-22. He was a servant of King Saul, described as "the chief of Saul’s shepherds" (1 Samuel 21:7). His role in the biblical narrative is pivotal due to his act of slander against Ahimelech the priest and the priests of Nob.

The context of Doeg's slander begins when David, fleeing from King Saul, seeks refuge with Ahimelech the priest at Nob. David requests provisions and a weapon, and Ahimelech, unaware of David's fugitive status, assists him. Doeg, who was present at Nob, witnesses this interaction.

Later, when Saul accuses his servants of conspiring with David, Doeg seizes the opportunity to gain favor with the king by reporting what he saw. He tells Saul, "I saw the son of Jesse come to Ahimelech son of Ahitub at Nob. Ahimelech inquired of the LORD for him, gave him provisions, and gave him the sword of Goliath the Philistine" (1 Samuel 22:9-10). Doeg's report, while containing elements of truth, is presented in a manner that suggests Ahimelech's complicity in a conspiracy against Saul.

Consequences of Slander

Doeg's slanderous report incites Saul's wrath, leading to a horrific massacre. Saul orders the execution of Ahimelech and the priests of Nob. When Saul's guards refuse to carry out the order, Doeg himself slaughters eighty-five priests and attacks the city of Nob, killing men, women, children, and livestock (1 Samuel 22:18-19). This atrocity underscores the destructive power of slander and the devastating impact of false testimony.

Moral and Theological Implications

The account of Doeg serves as a stark warning against the sin of slander. It illustrates how deceitful words can lead to violence and injustice, highlighting the importance of truthfulness and integrity. The narrative also reflects the broader biblical theme of divine justice. Although Doeg's actions appear to go unpunished in the immediate context, the Psalms provide insight into the ultimate fate of the wicked. David, in Psalm 52, reflects on Doeg's treachery, expressing confidence that God will bring judgment upon those who love evil more than good and falsehood more than truth (Psalm 52:3-5).

Conclusion

The account of Doeg the Edomite is a sobering reminder of the destructive power of slander and the importance of guarding one's tongue. It calls believers to uphold truth and righteousness, trusting in God's justice to prevail over deceit and malice.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Samuel 22:9-11
Then answered Doeg the Edomite, which was set over the servants of Saul, and said, I saw the son of Jesse coming to Nob, to Ahimelech the son of Ahitub.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Dilemma and Deliverance
... "Ah!" saith he "from the first day when I went forth to fight Goliath even to the
end of my life I was the subject of shame and slander. Doeg the Edomite, Saul ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/dilemma and deliverance.htm

The Folly of Slander. Part 2.
... His words are, as the psalmist saith of Doeg, devouring words: "Thou lovest all ... and
ill opinion will stick in the minds of those who have given ear to slander. ...
/.../barrow/sermons on evil-speaking by isaac barrow/the folly of slander part 2.htm

The Folly of Slander. Part 1.
... These are the chief and most common kinds of slander; and there are several ways
of ... As it is said of Doeg, "Thy tongue deviseth mischief;" and of another like ...
/.../barrow/sermons on evil-speaking by isaac barrow/the folly of slander part.htm

Seasonable Counsel: Or, Advice to Sufferers.
... Up, said Saul to Doeg, the Edomite, and slay the priests of the Lord (1
Samuel 22:11,18,19). Here was sudden work: fall on, said ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/seasonable counsel or advice to.htm