What does 1 Samuel 22:21 mean?

"And Abiathar shewed David that Saul had slain the LORD'S priests." - 1 Samuel 22:21

1 Samuel 22:21 - "And Abiathar shewed David that Saul had slain the LORD'S priests."

1 Samuel 22:21 (KJV) says, "And Abiathar shewed David that Saul had slain the Lord's priests."

This verse is part of a larger narrative that follows the story of David's escape from King Saul. In this particular verse, the focus is on the actions of Abiathar, a priest who escaped from Saul's massacre of the priests at Nob and sought refuge with David. The verse serves as a reminder of the tragedy that unfolded at Nob and the dire consequences of Saul's ruthless pursuit of David.

The context of this verse is crucial to understanding its significance. In 1 Samuel 21, David seeks refuge with Ahimelech the priest at Nob, where he is given provisions and the consecrated bread to eat. David also acquires Goliath's sword, which was kept at the temple in Nob. It is during this time that Doeg the Edomite, a servant of Saul, witnesses David's interaction with Ahimelech and reports it to Saul. As a result, Saul sends for Ahimelech and the other priests at Nob, accusing them of conspiring against him and helping David. Despite their protestations of innocence, Saul orders the execution of the priests at Nob, as well as their families and livestock. Abiathar, the son of Ahimelech, is the only survivor and flees to join David, seeking refuge and safety.

The theme of betrayal and the consequences of unfettered ambition are central to this verse. Saul's paranoia and insecurity drive him to commit unspeakable atrocities in his pursuit of David. In his relentless quest to maintain his hold on power, he is willing to betray and destroy those who have served him faithfully. The ruthless massacre of the priests at Nob is a stark reminder of the destructive effects of unchecked ambition and the devastating impact it can have on the innocent.

Symbolism also plays a significant role in this verse. The priests at Nob represent faithfulness, devotion, and service to God. Their murder at the hands of Saul symbolizes the perversion of power and the desecration of that which is holy and sacred. Abiathar's escape and eventual alliance with David symbolize the resilience of faith and the hope for redemption in the face of such senseless violence. Additionally, the treachery of Doeg the Edomite highlights the presence of deceit and treachery in the pursuit of personal gain, a cautionary tale of the destructive consequences of betraying one's principles.

Ultimately, 1 Samuel 22:21 serves as a powerful commentary on the corrupting nature of power and the tragedy that unfolds when it is wielded without regard for righteousness or morality. It also underscores the resilience of faith in the face of adversity and the hope for justice and restoration. The verse serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of unchecked ambition and the destructive power of betrayal, while also offering a glimmer of hope in the form of Abiathar's escape and eventual alliance with David.

1 Samuel 22:21 Artwork

1 Samuel 22:21 - "And Abiathar shewed David that Saul had slain the LORD'S priests."

Acts 1:21-22

2 Samuel 21:22 - "These four were born to the giant in Gath, and fell by the hand of David, and by the hand of his servants."

1 Samuel 8:21 - "And Samuel heard all the words of the people, and he rehearsed them in the ears of the LORD."

2 Samuel 22:21 - "The LORD rewarded me according to my righteousness: according to the cleanness of my hands hath he recompensed me."

1 Samuel 3:21 - "And the LORD appeared again in Shiloh: for the LORD revealed himself to Samuel in Shiloh by the word of the LORD."

1 Samuel 23:21 - "And Saul said, Blessed be ye of the LORD; for ye have compassion on me."

1 Samuel 8:22 - "And the LORD said to Samuel, Hearken unto their voice, and make them a king. And Samuel said unto the men of Israel, Go ye every man unto his city."

1 Samuel 17:21 - "For Israel and the Philistines had put the battle in array, army against army."

Matthew 9:21-22

1 Samuel 4:22 - "And she said, The glory is departed from Israel: for the ark of God is taken."

1 Samuel 13:21 - "Yet they had a file for the mattocks, and for the coulters, and for the forks, and for the axes, and to sharpen the goads."

1 Samuel 2:21 - "And the LORD visited Hannah, so that she conceived, and bare three sons and two daughters. And the child Samuel grew before the LORD."

1 Samuel 21:10 - "¶ And David arose, and fled that day for fear of Saul, and went to Achish the king of Gath."

1 Kings 22:21 - "And there came forth a spirit, and stood before the LORD, and said, I will persuade him."

1 Samuel 1:21 - "And the man Elkanah, and all his house, went up to offer unto the LORD the yearly sacrifice, and his vow."

1 Samuel 19:22 - "Then went he also to Ramah, and came to a great well that is in Sechu: and he asked and said, Where are Samuel and David? And one said, Behold, they be at Naioth in Ramah."

1 Samuel 22:16 - "And the king said, Thou shalt surely die, Ahimelech, thou, and all thy father's house."

1 Samuel 21:12 - "And David laid up these words in his heart, and was sore afraid of Achish the king of Gath."

1 Samuel 22:20 - "¶ And one of the sons of Ahimelech the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped, and fled after David."

1 Samuel 15:22 - "And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams."

1 Samuel 22:4 - "And he brought them before the king of Moab: and they dwelt with him all the while that David was in the hold."

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."

1 Samuel 9:22 - "And Samuel took Saul and his servant, and brought them into the parlour, and made them sit in the chiefest place among them that were bidden, which were about thirty persons."

1 Samuel 17:22 - "And David left his carriage in the hand of the keeper of the carriage, and ran into the army, and came and saluted his brethren."