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1 Samuel 21:7
Now a certain man of the servants of Saulwas there that day, detained before the LORD; and his namewas Doeg, an Edomite, the chiefest of the herdmen thatbelonged to Saul.

Psalm 52:1-5
To the chief Musician, Maschil,A Psalm of David, when Doeg the Edomite came and told Saul, and said unto him, David is come to the house of Ahimelech. Why boastest thou thyself in mischief, O mighty man? the goodness of Godendureth continually…

Proverbs 19:5
A false witness shall not be unpunished, andhe that speaketh lies shall not escape.

Ahimelech

1 Samuel 21:1
Then came David to Nob to Ahimelech the priest: and Ahimelech was afraid at the meeting of David, and said unto him, Whyart thou alone, and no man with thee?

Ahitub

who had stationed himself with Saul’s servants
Doeg's presence among Saul's servants suggests he held a position of some authority or trust. This phrase indicates that he was not merely passing by but was intentionally placed or had placed himself in a position to observe and report. This reflects the political tension and suspicion in Saul's court, as Saul was increasingly paranoid about David's rising popularity and perceived threats to his throne.

answered
Doeg's response is significant as it shows his willingness to inform on David. His answer is not just a report but a deliberate act that sets in motion a series of tragic events. This reflects the theme of speech and its power, as seen throughout the Bible, where words can lead to life or death (Proverbs 18:21).

I saw the son of Jesse
Referring to David as "the son of Jesse" rather than by his name may imply a dismissive or derogatory tone, emphasizing David's humble origins. This phrase also connects to the messianic prophecy inIsaiah 11:1, where the Messiah is referred to as a "shoot from the stump of Jesse," highlighting David's significance in the lineage of Christ.

come to Ahimelech son of Ahitub at Nob
Ahimelech was the high priest, and Nob was a city of priests, indicating its religious significance. This visit is crucial as it leads to the tragic massacre of the priests by Saul, instigated by Doeg's report. The mention of Ahimelech and Nob underscores the sacredness of the priestly line and the gravity of Saul's actions against them. This event foreshadows the eventual downfall of Saul's reign and highlights the theme of divine justice.

• Doeg is identified first, setting the tone: an outsider to Israel (Genesis 36:1) who nevertheless holds high rank in Saul’s court (1 Samuel 21:7).

• His nationality explains, in part, the hardness later displayed toward the priests; he has no covenant loyalty to them (Psalm 52, David’s reflection on Doeg).

• The verse’s “But” contrasts Doeg with the faithful servants who remained silent, highlighting Doeg’s readiness to speak (Proverbs 6:16-19).

• Doeg is “with” Saul’s men—physically inside the royal circle—yet his motives differ. He is watching, not merely serving (1 Samuel 22:6).

• Saul’s paranoia about David (1 Samuel 18:9; 19:1) sets the stage; Doeg positions himself where that fear can be exploited.

• The placement underscores accountability: he cannot claim ignorance when Saul later orders the massacre (1 Samuel 22:17-18).

• Doeg volunteers information; Saul did not call on him directly. This eagerness hints at self-interest—seeking favor through harmful disclosure (Proverbs 17:4).

• His “answer” stirs Saul’s anger further, contrasting with the silence of others who knew David’s innocence (1 Samuel 22:14).

• The statement is factually true (1 Samuel 21:1-6) yet framed to imply conspiracy: David sought priestly aid.

• Doeg omits crucial details: David’s need, Ahimelech’s ignorance of Saul’s hostility (1 Samuel 22:15). Selective truth becomes a lethal weapon.

• By labeling David “the son of Jesse,” he mirrors Saul’s contemptuous tone (1 Samuel 20:30), inflaming prejudice.

• Mentioning Nob (the priestly city) plants the idea that an entire community is complicit, paving the way for Saul’s brutal command (1 Samuel 22:19).

• The verse thus illustrates how a single malicious report can unleash tragic consequences (James 3:5-6).

Doeg’s brief testimony is a turning point: an Edomite courtier leverages Saul’s fear by offering partial truth, casting David’s visit to Nob as treason. His words, spoken from a self-serving heart, incite the slaughter of innocent priests and set David on the run once more.1 Samuel 22:9 warns of the destructive power of malicious speech and the responsibility that comes with any authority or witness we hold.

Here he is spoken of as a wicked and unscrupulous character. Jewish tradition tells us this Doeg was skilled in all the learning of his time. Doeg the Edomite, and Ahitophel (whose counsel was as the oracle of God) are represented in the Talmud as the most learned men of their time. "The Holy One, blessed be He! said to wicked Doeg, what hast thou to do to declare my statutes (Psalms 52)? When thou comest to the chapter on murderers and on spreading evil reports, what dost thou make of them?"--Sanhedrin,fol. 106, Colossians 2.

It is strange that this renowned man, whom evidently David looked upon as the evil genius of Saul at the period when he wrote the sad, bitter words of Psalms 52, and spoke of the tongue of this Doeg as being like a sharp razor, and dwelt with singular persistence on the wickedness, falsehood, and calumny of this relentless enemy, should have gone down among the noteworthy Talmudical traditions as "thegreatest Rabbinist(i.e.,the most deeply learned in the Mosaic Law, and in its interpretation) of his time.

Which was set over the servants of Saul.--This statement would be a puzzling one were it the correct rendering. It would be unlikely in the highest degree that Saul would set a foreigner--however able and devoted--over his faithful Benjamite chieftains. The accurate translation is "who stood with the servants of Saul." In1Samuel 22:6 we read, in the description of the council meeting under the tamarisk of Gibeah, all his servants (that is, his chief dignitaries) stood by (around) him (Saul), and with these, his peers, stood Doeg the Edomite, the hero of the terrible scene which followed.

(9)Then answered Doeg.--"Far better," quaintly writes Seb Schmid, "did Saul's other servants who kept silence." The Edomite's witness had the more effect on Saul because he related no hearsay evidence, but what he had absolutely seen.