Day 54 – 1 Samuel 22:21-23

Scripture Review

1 Samuel 22:21-23

"And Abiathar shewed David that Saul had slain the LORD'S priests."

(1 Samuel 22:21)

Abiathar brings the report to David. He "shewed David" what had happened. This was confirmed sorrow. "the LORD'S priests" shows that Saul had not only killed men, he had slain the Lord's priests. This was not only cruelty against people, but violence against the servants of God.

"And David said unto Abiathar, I knew it that day, when Doeg the Edomite was there, that he would surely tell Saul: I have occasioned the death of all the persons of thy father's house."

(1 Samuel 22:22)

David respond with painful honesty. He says, "I knew it that day." He had seen danger in Doeg's presence at Nob. Something in his heart told him trouble would come. Then I hear powerful words from David. "I have occasioned the death." David does not dodge nor excuse himself. He does not blame Abiathar or soften the matter. He owns his part in it. David's words are full of tender conscience. He feels the weight of what his actions set in motion.

"Abide thou with me, fear not: for he that seeketh my life seeketh thy life: but with me thou shalt be in safeguard."

(1 Samuel 22:23)

David goes from confession to compassion. "Abide thou with me, fear not." Those are strong, gentle words. Abiathar has lost everything, and David does not leave him alone in grief. David binds Abiathar's danger to his own, "he that seeketh my life seeketh thy life." David does not stand above him. He stands beside him. Their danger is now shared. Then I see the comfort, "with me thou shalt be in safeguard." David cannot undo the slaughter at Nob, but he can offer presence, protection, and peace.