1 Samuel 22:10
And he enquired of the LORD for him, and gave him victuals, and gave him the sword of Goliath the Philistine.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּשְׁאַל
And he enquired
H7592
וַיִּשְׁאַל
And he enquired
Strong's:
H7592
Word #:
1 of 12
to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand
בַּֽיהוָ֔ה
of the LORD
H3068
בַּֽיהוָ֔ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
3 of 12
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
נָ֥תַן
and gave
H5414
נָ֥תַן
and gave
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
5 of 12
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
וְאֵ֗ת
H853
וְאֵ֗ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
חֶ֛רֶב
him the sword
H2719
חֶ֛רֶב
him the sword
Strong's:
H2719
Word #:
8 of 12
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
הַפְּלִשְׁתִּ֖י
the Philistine
H6430
הַפְּלִשְׁתִּ֖י
the Philistine
Strong's:
H6430
Word #:
10 of 12
a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth
Cross References
Numbers 27:21And he shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who shall ask counsel for him after the judgment of Urim before the LORD: at his word shall they go out, and at his word they shall come in, both he, and all the children of Israel with him, even all the congregation.1 Samuel 23:2Therefore David enquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go and smite these Philistines? And the LORD said unto David, Go, and smite the Philistines, and save Keilah.1 Samuel 30:8And David enquired at the LORD, saying, Shall I pursue after this troop? shall I overtake them? And he answered him, Pursue: for thou shalt surely overtake them, and without fail recover all.1 Samuel 23:4Then David enquired of the LORD yet again. And the LORD answered him and said, Arise, go down to Keilah; for I will deliver the Philistines into thine hand.
Historical Context
Priestly inquiry through the ephod containing Urim and Thummim was the authorized means of seeking divine guidance. If Ahimelech did inquire for David, he may have been unaware of the conflict between David and Saul, acting in his normal priestly capacity.
Questions for Reflection
- How can accurate facts presented without context become instruments of injustice?
- What responsibility do we bear for how our true but incomplete reports might be used?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And he enquired of the LORD for him, and gave him victuals, and gave him the sword of Goliath the Philistine.
Doeg's report adds a detail not mentioned in chapter 21—that Ahimelech 'enquired of the LORD' for David. The Hebrew 'sha'al' (enquired/asked) suggests consultation through priestly means, likely the Urim and Thummim. Whether this actually occurred or Doeg embellished to strengthen his accusation remains debated. The threefold assistance—divine guidance, food, and weapon—made Ahimelech appear thoroughly complicit in David's escape. Doeg's testimony would provide Saul legal grounds for his murderous response. The factual elements (food and sword) mixed with possible exaggeration demonstrate how truth can be weaponized when stripped of context and motive.