The Slaughter of the Priests at Nob

During the United Monarchy around 1017 BC, Saul held court under a tamarisk tree in Gibeah while David remained at the cave of Adullam and later moved to the forest of Hereth. Saul accused his servants and his son Jonathan of conspiring against him by aiding David (1 Samuel 22:8). Doeg the Edomite, who was present, informed Saul that he had seen David at Nob, where Ahimelech the priest gave David bread and the sword of Goliath. Saul subsequently summoned Ahimelech and his entire father's house to appear before him to answer for these actions.

Ahimelech answered the king, stating that David was a faithful servant and the king's son-in-law, and noted that he had inquired of God for David in the past. The text does not say if Ahimelech knew David was fleeing from Saul at that time. Saul rejected this defense and commanded his guards to kill the priests because they had supported David. The king’s servants refused to raise their hands against the priests of the Lord (1 Samuel 22:17). Saul then commanded Doeg to perform the executions instead.

Doeg the Edomite attacked the priests and killed eighty-five men who wore the linen ephod that day. He also put the city of Nob to the sword, killing men, women, children, and livestock. One son of Ahimelech, named Abiathar, escaped the slaughter and fled to David (1 Samuel 22:20). When David heard the news, he admitted that he knew Doeg would inform Saul and stated that he was responsible for the death of Abiathar's father's house. David told Abiathar to remain with him for protection.