9 Then Doeg the Edomite,v who was in charge of Saul’s servants, answered, “I saw Jesse’s son come to Ahimelech son of Ahitub at Nob.w 10 Ahimelech inquired of the Lord for himx and gave him provisions.y He also gave him the sword of Goliath the Philistine.”z

SLAUGHTER OF THE PRIESTS

11 The king sent messengers to summon the priest Ahimelech son of Ahitub, and his father’s whole family, who were priests in Nob. All of them came to the king. 12 Then Saul said, “Listen, son of Ahitub!”

“I’m at your service,a my lord,” he said.

13 Saul asked him, “Why did you and Jesse’s son conspire against me? You gave him bread and a sword and inquired of God for him, so he could rise up against me and wait in ambush, as is the case today.”b

14 Ahimelech replied to the king, “Who among all your servants is as faithful as David?c He is the king’s son-in-law, captain of your bodyguard, and honored in your house. 15 Was today the first time I inquired of God for him?d Of course not! Please don’t let the king make an accusation against your servant or any of my father’s family, for your servant didn’t have any ideaA about all this.”

16 But the king said, “You will die, Ahimelech—you and your father’s whole family!”

17 Then the king ordered the guards standing by him, “Turn and kill the priests of the Lorde because they sided with David. For they knew he was fleeing, but they didn’t tell me.” But the king’s servants would not lift a hand to execute the priests of the Lord.

18 So the king said to Doeg, “Go and execute the priests!” So Doeg the Edomite went and executed the priests himself. On that day, he killed eighty-five menf who wore linen ephods.g 19 He also struck down Nob, the city of the priests, with the sword—both men and women, infants and nursing babies, oxen, donkeys, and sheep.h

20 However, one of the sons of Ahimelech son of Ahitub escaped. His name was Abiathar,i and he fled to David.j 21 Abiathar told David that Saul had killed the priests of the Lord. 22 Then David said to Abiathar, “I knew that Doeg the Edomitek was there that day and that he was sure to report to Saul. I myself am responsible forC the lives of everyone in your father’s family. 23 Stay with me. Don’t be afraid, for the one who wants to take my life wants to take your life.l You will be safe with me.”