Old Testament

New Testament

1 Samuel 22:14-23 Catholic Public Domain Version (CPDV)

14. And responding to the king, Ahimelech said: "But who among all your servants is as faithful as David? And he is the son-in-law of the king, and he goes forth at your order, and he is a glory within your house.

15. Did I begin to consult the Lord for him today? May this be far from me! Let not the king suspect this kind of thing against his servant, nor against anyone in all my father's house. For your servant did not know anything about this matter, either small or great."

16. And the king said, "You shall die a death, Ahimelech, you and all your father's house!"

17. And the king said to the emissaries who were standing around him: "You shall turn, and put to death the priests of the Lord. For their hand is with David. They knew that he had fled, and they did not reveal it to me." But the servants of the king were not willing to extend their hands against the priests of the Lord.

18. And the king said to Doeg, "You shall turn and rush against the priests." And Doeg, the Edomite, turned and rushed against the priests. And he massacred, on that day, eighty-five men, vested with the linen ephod.

19. Then he struck Nob, the city of the priests, with the edge of the sword; he struck down men and women, little ones and infants, as well as ox and donkey and sheep, with the edge of the sword.

20. But one of the sons of Ahimelech, the son of Ahitub, whose name was Abiathar, escaping, fled to David.

21. And he reported to him that Saul had slain the priests of the Lord.

22. And David said to Abiathar: "I knew, on that day when Doeg, the Edomite was there, that without doubt he would report it to Saul. I am guilty of all the souls of your father's house.

23. You should remain with me. Do not be afraid. For he who seeks my life, seeks your life also, but with me you shall be saved."

Read complete chapter 1 Samuel 22