And the king said to Doeg, Turn thou, and fall upon the priests. And Doeg the Edomite turned, and he fell upon the priests, and slew on that day fourscore and five persons that did wear a linen ephod.
So the king said to Doeg, 'You turn and attack the priests.' And Doeg the Edomite turned and attacked the priests, killing eighty-five men who wore the linen ephod that day.
King Saul ordered Doeg to massacre 85 priests because his own soldiers refused to kill God's servants.
📚 Historical Context
In the book of 1 Samuel, King Saul is increasingly paranoid about David, whom he sees as a threat to his throne, leading to a breakdown in his leadership and trust. When Saul learns that the priests at Nob, including Ahimelech the high priest, unknowingly aided David by giving him provisions, he accuses them of conspiracy against him. This event reflects the broader theme of Saul's moral decline and the violent consequences of his jealousy during Israel's early monarchy.
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