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
This occurred when King Saul discovered that the priests at Nob had helped David by giving him food and Goliath's sword. Saul's own Israelite soldiers refused to kill the priests, so he commanded Doeg, a foreigner from Edom, to carry out this horrific massacre. The linen ephod was the sacred garment worn by priests, showing these were indeed God's consecrated servants.
Ask the AI Assistant
Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.