1 Samuel 21-22 Summary
David's Flight to Nob
In 1 Samuel 21, we see David fleeing from King Saul, who is pursuing him relentlessly. David goes to the town of Nob, where he meets with the priest Ahimelech, the son of Ahitub. David tells Ahimelech that he is on a secret mission for the king and asks for food and a sword. Ahimelech gives David the holy bread, which was only meant for the priests, and the sword of Goliath, which was kept in the temple.
The Doeg the Edomite's Betrayal
However, Doeg the Edomite, who was Saul's chief herdsman, sees David taking the bread and sword. Doeg reports back to Saul, telling him that the priest Ahimelech helped David. Saul becomes angry and summons Ahimelech and the other priests to his court. Saul accuses Ahimelech of conspiring against him, but Ahimelech denies any wrongdoing.
The Massacre of the Priests
Despite Ahimelech's denial, Saul orders his guards to kill the priests. However, they refuse to obey the king's command. So, Saul orders Doeg to kill the priests instead. Doeg kills 85 priests, and then Saul's men destroy the city of Nob, killing everyone in it, including women, children, and animals.
Abiathar Escapes and Joins David
One priest, Abiathar, the son of Ahimelech, escapes and joins David. Abiathar tells David what happened to the priests of Nob and informs him that Saul has killed his father, Ahimelech. David feels responsible for the death of the priests and takes Abiathar under his protection.
David's Wisdom and Courage
David then goes to the land of Judah and gathers a group of about 400 men who are distressed, in debt, or discontented. David becomes their leader and begins to take care of them. Meanwhile, Saul is still pursuing David, but David's men are loyal to him and protect him.
This summary highlights the growing tension between David and King Saul, as well as the loyalty and courage of David in the face of adversity.
