1 Samuel 22:9
Then answered Doeg the Edomite, which was set over the servants of Saul, and said, I saw the son of Jesse coming to Nob, to Ahimelech the son of Ahitub.
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּ֜עַן
Then answered
H6030
וַיַּ֜עַן
Then answered
Strong's:
H6030
Word #:
1 of 19
properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,
הָֽאֲדֹמִ֗י
the Edomite
H130
הָֽאֲדֹמִ֗י
the Edomite
Strong's:
H130
Word #:
3 of 19
an edomite, or descendants from (or inhabitants of) edom
וְה֛וּא
H1931
וְה֛וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
4 of 19
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
נִצָּ֥ב
which was set
H5324
נִצָּ֥ב
which was set
Strong's:
H5324
Word #:
5 of 19
to station, in various applications (literally or figuratively)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
6 of 19
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
רָאִ֙יתִי֙
I saw
H7200
רָאִ֙יתִי֙
I saw
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
10 of 19
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
11 of 19
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בֶּן
the son
H1121
בֶּן
the son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
12 of 19
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
אֲחִימֶ֖לֶךְ
to Ahimelech
H288
אֲחִימֶ֖לֶךְ
to Ahimelech
Strong's:
H288
Word #:
17 of 19
achimelek, the name of an israelite and of a hittite
Historical Context
Doeg had been promoted to oversee Saul's servants, indicating his trusted position. Edomites, descendants of Esau, had a complex relationship with Israel—sometimes allied, often hostile. Doeg's willingness to inform against Israelite priests may reflect cultural distance from Yahweh worship.
Questions for Reflection
- How can religious knowledge and access be misused for selfish or harmful purposes?
- What does Doeg's advancement through betrayal teach about the character flaws corrupt leaders reward?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Then answered Doeg the Edomite, which was set over the servants of Saul, and said, I saw the son of Jesse coming to Nob, to Ahimelech the son of Ahitub.
Doeg's opportunistic report fulfills the ominous foreshadowing of 21:7. The Hebrew construction emphasizes his foreign identity—'Doeg the Edomite'—suggesting his willingness to betray where Israelite servants hesitated. His reference to David as 'son of Jesse' mirrors Saul's contemptuous language, ingratiating himself with the king. The detail about Ahimelech's lineage ('son of Ahitub') demonstrates careful observation that would later prove lethal. Doeg had been 'detained before the LORD' (21:7) for religious purposes, yet used information gained at the sanctuary for treachery. This chilling example shows how religious observance without heart transformation produces only more effective wickedness.