1 Samuel 22:15

Was that day the first time I inquired of God for him? Far be it from me! Let not the king accuse your servant or any of my father’s household, for your servant knew nothing of this whole affair—not in part or in whole.”

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — Ahimelech speaks to King Saul during his trial for allegedly aiding David. He responds to Saul's accusation by denying prior knowledge of David's flight.

The words — חָלִ֣ילָה (cha.Lilah) literally means "far be it" and expresses strong denial. אַל־יָשֵׂם (al-yasem) translates to "may not put" or "let not accuse," forming a plea for Saul to refrain from judgment.

The thread — The plea for innocence and protection from false accusation echoes Abraham’s defense in Genesis 20:5 and the call to maintain a clear conscience against slander in 1 Peter 3:16.

Why it lands — The verse demands readers examine whether they defend themselves with factual denial or rely on divine justice when falsely accused. It requires honest accountability before authority while rejecting unwarranted guilt.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Hebrew words

King James Version

Did I then begin to enquire of God for him? be it far from me: let not the king impute any thing unto his servant, nor to all the house of my father: for thy servant knew nothing of all this, less or more.

Cross-references

1 Samuel 25:36 When Abigail returned to Nabal, there he was in the house, holding a feast fit for a king, in high spirits and very drunk. So she told him nothing until morning light.
1 Peter 3:16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who slander you may be put to shame by your good behavior in Christ.
Genesis 20:5 Didn’t Abraham tell me, ‘She is my sister’? And she herself said, ‘He is my brother.’ I have done this in the integrity of my heart and the innocence of my hands.”
2 Samuel 15:11 Two hundred men from Jerusalem accompanied Absalom. They had been invited as guests and they went along innocently, for they knew nothing about the matter.
2 Corinthians 1:12 For this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in relation to you, in the holiness and sincerity that are from God—not in worldly wisdom, but in the grace of God.