Bible Strands
1 Samuel 22:9
But Doeg the Edomite, who had stationed himself with Saul’s servants, answered: “I saw the son of Jesse come to Ahimelech son of Ahitub at Nob.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Doeg the Edomite, stationed among Saul’s servants, answers Saul’s accusation of conspiracy by reporting that he personally witnessed David, the son of Jesse, arrive in Nob to see Ahimelech, son of Ahitub.
The words — The Hebrew verb נִצָּב (ni.Tzav) literally means "[was] standing," denoting Doeg’s fixed position among Saul’s attendants as he prepares to speak.
The thread — This report directly follows the visit recorded in 1 Samuel 21:1 and aligns with the historical note in Psalm 52:1 where Doeg informs Saul of David’s movements. The priestly lineage mentioned connects to 1 Samuel 14:3, which traces Ahimelech’s ancestry through Eli.
Why it lands — The text states a factual observation that Saul immediately interprets as treason, demonstrating how neutral information becomes dangerous when filtered through a ruler’s suspicion.
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
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.
Cross-references
- Psalms 52:1 For the choirmaster. A Maskil of David. After Doeg the Edomite went to Saul and told him, “David has gone to the house of Ahimelech.” Why do you boast of evil, O mighty man? The loving devotion of God endures all day long.
- 1 Samuel 14:3 including Ahijah, who was wearing an ephod. He was the son of Ichabod’s brother Ahitub son of Phinehas, the son of Eli the priest of the LORD in Shiloh. But the troops did not know that Jonathan had left.
- 1 Samuel 21:1 Then David came to Nob, to Ahimelech the priest. And when Ahimelech met David, he trembled and asked him, “Why are you alone? Why is no one with you?”
- Proverbs 19:5 A false witness will not go unpunished, and one who utters lies will not escape.
- Proverbs 29:12 If a ruler listens to lies, all his officials will be wicked.
- Ezekiel 22:9 Among you are slanderous men bent on bloodshed; within you are those who eat on the mountain shrines and commit acts of indecency.
- Matthew 26:59 Now the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were seeking false testimony against Jesus in order to put Him to death.