Lectionary Calendar
Sunday, August 3rd, 2025
the Week of Proper 13 / Ordinary 18
the Week of Proper 13 / Ordinary 18
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Hebrew Names Version
1 Samuel 22:17
The king said to the guard who stood about him, Turn, and kill the Kohanim of the LORD; because their hand also is with David, and because they knew that he fled, and didn't disclose it to me. But the servants of the king wouldn't put forth their hand to fall on the Kohanim of the LORD.
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Christian Standard Bible®
Then the king ordered the guards standing by him, “Turn and kill the priests of the Lord 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.
Then the king ordered the guards standing by him, “Turn and kill the priests of the Lord 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.
King James Version
And the king said unto the footmen that stood about him, Turn, and slay the priests of the Lord : because their hand also is with David, and because they knew when he fled, and did not shew it to me. But the servants of the king would not put forth their hand to fall upon the priests of the Lord .
And the king said unto the footmen that stood about him, Turn, and slay the priests of the Lord : because their hand also is with David, and because they knew when he fled, and did not shew it to me. But the servants of the king would not put forth their hand to fall upon the priests of the Lord .
Lexham English Bible
So the king said to the runners who were stationed around him, "Turn and kill the priests of Yahweh, because they also support David and because they knew that he was fleeing and did not disclose it to me." But the servants of the king were not willing to raise their hand to attack the priests of Yahweh.
So the king said to the runners who were stationed around him, "Turn and kill the priests of Yahweh, because they also support David and because they knew that he was fleeing and did not disclose it to me." But the servants of the king were not willing to raise their hand to attack the priests of Yahweh.
English Standard Version
And the king said to the guard who stood about him, "Turn and kill the priests of the Lord , because their hand also is with David, and they knew that he fled and did not disclose it to me." But the servants of the king would not put out their hand to strike the priests of the Lord .
And the king said to the guard who stood about him, "Turn and kill the priests of the Lord , because their hand also is with David, and they knew that he fled and did not disclose it to me." But the servants of the king would not put out their hand to strike the priests of the Lord .
New Century Version
Then he told the guards at his side, "Go and kill the priests of the Lord , because they are on David's side. They knew he was running away, but they didn't tell me." But the king's officers refused to kill the priests of the Lord .
Then he told the guards at his side, "Go and kill the priests of the Lord , because they are on David's side. They knew he was running away, but they didn't tell me." But the king's officers refused to kill the priests of the Lord .
New English Translation
Then the king said to the messengers who were stationed beside him, "Turn and kill the priests of the Lord , for they too have sided with David! They knew he was fleeing, but they did not inform me." But the king's servants refused to harm the priests of the Lord .
Then the king said to the messengers who were stationed beside him, "Turn and kill the priests of the Lord , for they too have sided with David! They knew he was fleeing, but they did not inform me." But the king's servants refused to harm the priests of the Lord .
Amplified Bible
And the king said to the guards who stood around him, "Turn around and kill the priests of the LORD, because their loyalty also is with David, and because they knew that he was fleeing and did not inform me." But the servants of the king were not willing to put out their hands to attack the LORD'S priests.
And the king said to the guards who stood around him, "Turn around and kill the priests of the LORD, because their loyalty also is with David, and because they knew that he was fleeing and did not inform me." But the servants of the king were not willing to put out their hands to attack the LORD'S priests.
New American Standard Bible
And the king said to the guards who were attending him, "Turn around and put the priests of the LORD to death, because their hand also is with David and because they knew that he was fleeing and did not inform me." But the servants of the king were unwilling to reach out with their hands to attack the priests of the LORD.
And the king said to the guards who were attending him, "Turn around and put the priests of the LORD to death, because their hand also is with David and because they knew that he was fleeing and did not inform me." But the servants of the king were unwilling to reach out with their hands to attack the priests of the LORD.
Geneva Bible (1587)
And the King sayde vnto the sergeantes that stoode about him, Turne, & slay the Priestes of the Lorde, because their hand also is with Dauid, and because they knewe when he fled, and shewed it not vnto mee. But the seruantes of the King would not moue their hands to fall vpon the Priests of the Lord.
And the King sayde vnto the sergeantes that stoode about him, Turne, & slay the Priestes of the Lorde, because their hand also is with Dauid, and because they knewe when he fled, and shewed it not vnto mee. But the seruantes of the King would not moue their hands to fall vpon the Priests of the Lord.
Legacy Standard Bible
And the king said to the guards who were standing by him, "Turn around and put the priests of Yahweh to death because their hand also is with David and because they knew that he was fleeing and did not reveal it in my ears." But the servants of the king were not willing to send forth their hands to fall upon the priests of Yahweh.
And the king said to the guards who were standing by him, "Turn around and put the priests of Yahweh to death because their hand also is with David and because they knew that he was fleeing and did not reveal it in my ears." But the servants of the king were not willing to send forth their hands to fall upon the priests of Yahweh.
Contemporary English Version
Saul shouted to his bodyguards, "These priests of the Lord helped David! They knew he was running away, but they didn't tell me. Kill them!" But the king's officers would not attack the priests of the Lord .
Saul shouted to his bodyguards, "These priests of the Lord helped David! They knew he was running away, but they didn't tell me. Kill them!" But the king's officers would not attack the priests of the Lord .
Complete Jewish Bible
Then the king told the guards standing around him, "Go around, and kill the cohanim of Adonai , because they are siding with David, and because they knew he was escaping, yet they didn't tell me." But the king's servants refused to lift their hands against the cohanim of Adonai .
Then the king told the guards standing around him, "Go around, and kill the cohanim of Adonai , because they are siding with David, and because they knew he was escaping, yet they didn't tell me." But the king's servants refused to lift their hands against the cohanim of Adonai .
Darby Translation
And the king said to the couriers that stood about him, Turn and put the priests of Jehovah to death; because their hand also is with David, and because they knew when he fled, and did not inform me. But the servants of the king were not willing to put forth their hand to fall on the priests of Jehovah.
And the king said to the couriers that stood about him, Turn and put the priests of Jehovah to death; because their hand also is with David, and because they knew when he fled, and did not inform me. But the servants of the king were not willing to put forth their hand to fall on the priests of Jehovah.
Easy-to-Read Version
Then the king told the guards at his side, "Go and kill the priests of the Lord because they are on David's side too. They knew he was running away, but they didn't tell me." The king's officers refused to hurt the priests of the Lord .
Then the king told the guards at his side, "Go and kill the priests of the Lord because they are on David's side too. They knew he was running away, but they didn't tell me." The king's officers refused to hurt the priests of the Lord .
George Lamsa Translation
Then the king said to the guards who stood about him. Turn, and slay the priests of God; because their hand also is with David and because they knew that he fled, and did not reveal it to me. But the servants of the king would not put forth their hands and harm the priests of God.
Then the king said to the guards who stood about him. Turn, and slay the priests of God; because their hand also is with David and because they knew that he fled, and did not reveal it to me. But the servants of the king would not put forth their hands and harm the priests of God.
Good News Translation
Then he said to the guards standing near him, "Kill the Lord 's priests! They conspired with David and did not tell me that he had run away, even though they knew it all along." But the guards refused to lift a hand to kill the Lord 's priests.
Then he said to the guards standing near him, "Kill the Lord 's priests! They conspired with David and did not tell me that he had run away, even though they knew it all along." But the guards refused to lift a hand to kill the Lord 's priests.
Literal Translation
And the king said to the runners that stood by him, Turn and kill the priests of Jehovah, because their hand also is with David, and because they knew that he was fleeing, and did not revealwere not willing to put forth their hand to fall on the priests of Jehovah.
And the king said to the runners that stood by him, Turn and kill the priests of Jehovah, because their hand also is with David, and because they knew that he was fleeing, and did not revealwere not willing to put forth their hand to fall on the priests of Jehovah.
Miles Coverdale Bible (1535)
And the kynge sayde to his fote men that stode by him: Turne you, and slaye the prestes of the LORDE, for their hande is with Dauid also. Not withstondinge the kynges seruauntes wolde not not laye their handes vpon ye prestes of the LORDE, to slaye them.
And the kynge sayde to his fote men that stode by him: Turne you, and slaye the prestes of the LORDE, for their hande is with Dauid also. Not withstondinge the kynges seruauntes wolde not not laye their handes vpon ye prestes of the LORDE, to slaye them.
American Standard Version
And the king said unto the guard that stood about him, Turn, and slay the priests of Jehovah; because their hand also is with David, and because they knew that he fled, and did not disclose it to me. But the servants of the king would not put forth their hand to fall upon the priests of Jehovah.
And the king said unto the guard that stood about him, Turn, and slay the priests of Jehovah; because their hand also is with David, and because they knew that he fled, and did not disclose it to me. But the servants of the king would not put forth their hand to fall upon the priests of Jehovah.
Bible in Basic English
Then the king said to the runners who were waiting near him, Put the priests of the Lord to death; because they are on David's side, and having knowledge of his flight, did not give me word of it. But the king's servants would not put out their hands to make an attack on the Lord's priests.
Then the king said to the runners who were waiting near him, Put the priests of the Lord to death; because they are on David's side, and having knowledge of his flight, did not give me word of it. But the king's servants would not put out their hands to make an attack on the Lord's priests.
Bishop's Bible (1568)
And the king sayde vnto the footemen that stoode about him: Turne, and slay the priestes of the Lorde: both because their hand is with Dauid, and because they knewe when Dauid fled, and shewed it not to me. But the seruauntes of the king would not moue their hades to fal vpon the priestes of the Lorde.
And the king sayde vnto the footemen that stoode about him: Turne, and slay the priestes of the Lorde: both because their hand is with Dauid, and because they knewe when Dauid fled, and shewed it not to me. But the seruauntes of the king would not moue their hades to fal vpon the priestes of the Lorde.
JPS Old Testament (1917)
And the king said unto the guard that stood about him: 'Turn, and slay the priests of the LORD; because their hand also is with David, and because they knew that he fled, and did not disclose it to me.' But the servants of the king would not put forth their hand to fall upon the priests of the LORD.
And the king said unto the guard that stood about him: 'Turn, and slay the priests of the LORD; because their hand also is with David, and because they knew that he fled, and did not disclose it to me.' But the servants of the king would not put forth their hand to fall upon the priests of the LORD.
King James Version (1611)
And the king said vnto the footmen that stood about him, Turne and slay the Priests of the Lord, because their hand also is with Dauid, and because they knew when he fled, and did not shew it to mee. But the seruants of the king would not put foorth their hand to fall vpon the Priestes of the Lord.
And the king said vnto the footmen that stood about him, Turne and slay the Priests of the Lord, because their hand also is with Dauid, and because they knew when he fled, and did not shew it to mee. But the seruants of the king would not put foorth their hand to fall vpon the Priestes of the Lord.
Brenton's Septuagint (LXX)
And the king said to the footmen that attended on him, Draw nigh and slay the priests of the Lord, because their hand is with David, and because they knew that he fled, and they did not inform me. But the servants of the king would not lift their hands to fall upon the priest of the Lord.
And the king said to the footmen that attended on him, Draw nigh and slay the priests of the Lord, because their hand is with David, and because they knew that he fled, and they did not inform me. But the servants of the king would not lift their hands to fall upon the priest of the Lord.
English Revised Version
And the king said unto the guard that stood about him, Turn, and slay the priests of the LORD; because their hand also is with David, and because they knew that he fled, and did not disclose it to me. But the servants of the king would not put forth their hand to fall upon the priests of the LORD.
And the king said unto the guard that stood about him, Turn, and slay the priests of the LORD; because their hand also is with David, and because they knew that he fled, and did not disclose it to me. But the servants of the king would not put forth their hand to fall upon the priests of the LORD.
Berean Standard Bible
Then the king ordered the guards at his side, "Turn and kill the priests of the LORD, because they too sided with David. For they knew he was fleeing, but they did not tell me." But the king's servants would not lift a hand to strike the priests of the LORD.
Then the king ordered the guards at his side, "Turn and kill the priests of the LORD, because they too sided with David. For they knew he was fleeing, but they did not tell me." But the king's servants would not lift a hand to strike the priests of the LORD.
Wycliffe Bible (1395)
And the kyng seide to men able to be sent out, that stoden aboute hym, Turne ye, and sle the preestis of the Lord, for the hond of hem is with Dauid; and thei wisten that he fledde, and thei schewiden not to me. Sotheli the seruauntis of the kyng nolden holde forth her hond in to the preestis of the Lord.
And the kyng seide to men able to be sent out, that stoden aboute hym, Turne ye, and sle the preestis of the Lord, for the hond of hem is with Dauid; and thei wisten that he fledde, and thei schewiden not to me. Sotheli the seruauntis of the kyng nolden holde forth her hond in to the preestis of the Lord.
Young's Literal Translation
And the king saith to runners, those standing by him, `Turn round, and put to death the priests of Jehovah, because their hand also [is] with David, and because they have known that he is fleeing, and have not uncovered mine ear;' and the servants of the king have not been willing to put forth their hand to come against the priests of Jehovah.
And the king saith to runners, those standing by him, `Turn round, and put to death the priests of Jehovah, because their hand also [is] with David, and because they have known that he is fleeing, and have not uncovered mine ear;' and the servants of the king have not been willing to put forth their hand to come against the priests of Jehovah.
Update Bible Version
And the king said to the guard that stood about him, Turn, and slay the priests of Yahweh; because their hand also is with David, and because they knew that he fled, and did not disclose it to me. But the slaves of the king would not put forth their hand to fall on the priests of Yahweh.
And the king said to the guard that stood about him, Turn, and slay the priests of Yahweh; because their hand also is with David, and because they knew that he fled, and did not disclose it to me. But the slaves of the king would not put forth their hand to fall on the priests of Yahweh.
Webster's Bible Translation
And the king said to the footmen that stood about him, Turn, and slay the priests of the LORD: because their hand also [is] with David, and because they knew when he fled, and did not show it to me. But the servants of the king would not put forth their hand to fall upon the priests of the LORD.
And the king said to the footmen that stood about him, Turn, and slay the priests of the LORD: because their hand also [is] with David, and because they knew when he fled, and did not show it to me. But the servants of the king would not put forth their hand to fall upon the priests of the LORD.
World English Bible
The king said to the guard who stood about him, Turn, and kill the priests of Yahweh; because their hand also is with David, and because they knew that he fled, and didn't disclose it to me. But the servants of the king wouldn't put forth their hand to fall on the priests of Yahweh.
The king said to the guard who stood about him, Turn, and kill the priests of Yahweh; because their hand also is with David, and because they knew that he fled, and didn't disclose it to me. But the servants of the king wouldn't put forth their hand to fall on the priests of Yahweh.
New King James Version
Then the king said to the guards who stood about him, "Turn and kill the priests of the LORD, because their hand also is with David, and because they knew when he fled and did not tell it to me." But the servants of the king would not lift their hands to strike the priests of the LORD.
Then the king said to the guards who stood about him, "Turn and kill the priests of the LORD, because their hand also is with David, and because they knew when he fled and did not tell it to me." But the servants of the king would not lift their hands to strike the priests of the LORD.
New Living Translation
And he ordered his bodyguards, "Kill these priests of the Lord , for they are allies and conspirators with David! They knew he was running away from me, but they didn't tell me!" But Saul's men refused to kill the Lord 's priests.
And he ordered his bodyguards, "Kill these priests of the Lord , for they are allies and conspirators with David! They knew he was running away from me, but they didn't tell me!" But Saul's men refused to kill the Lord 's priests.
New Life Bible
The king said to the soldiers who stood around him, "Turn and put the religious leaders of the Lord to death. Because they are on David's side. They knew he was running away, and did not tell me." But the servants of the king were not willing to go against the religious leaders of the Lord.
The king said to the soldiers who stood around him, "Turn and put the religious leaders of the Lord to death. Because they are on David's side. They knew he was running away, and did not tell me." But the servants of the king were not willing to go against the religious leaders of the Lord.
New Revised Standard
The king said to the guard who stood around him, "Turn and kill the priests of the Lord , because their hand also is with David; they knew that he fled, and did not disclose it to me." But the servants of the king would not raise their hand to attack the priests of the Lord .
The king said to the guard who stood around him, "Turn and kill the priests of the Lord , because their hand also is with David; they knew that he fled, and did not disclose it to me." But the servants of the king would not raise their hand to attack the priests of the Lord .
J.B. Rotherham Emphasized Bible
And the king said unto the runners that were stationed by him - Turn ye round and put to death the priests of Yahweh, because, their hand also, is with David, and because they knew that he was, in flight, and unveiled not mine ear. But the servants of the king were not willing to thrust forth their hand, to fall upon the priests of Yahweh.
And the king said unto the runners that were stationed by him - Turn ye round and put to death the priests of Yahweh, because, their hand also, is with David, and because they knew that he was, in flight, and unveiled not mine ear. But the servants of the king were not willing to thrust forth their hand, to fall upon the priests of Yahweh.
Douay-Rheims Bible
And the king said to the messengers that stood about him: Turn, and kill the priests of the Lord, for their hand is with David, because they knew that he was fled, and they told it not to me. And the king’s servants would not put forth their hands against the priests of the Lord.
And the king said to the messengers that stood about him: Turn, and kill the priests of the Lord, for their hand is with David, because they knew that he was fled, and they told it not to me. And the king’s servants would not put forth their hands against the priests of the Lord.
Revised Standard Version
And the king said to the guard who stood about him, "Turn and kill the priests of the LORD; because their hand also is with David, and they knew that he fled, and did not disclose it to me." But the servants of the king would not put forth their hand to fall upon the priests of the LORD.
And the king said to the guard who stood about him, "Turn and kill the priests of the LORD; because their hand also is with David, and they knew that he fled, and did not disclose it to me." But the servants of the king would not put forth their hand to fall upon the priests of the LORD.
THE MESSAGE
The king ordered his henchmen, "Surround and kill the priests of God ! They're hand in glove with David. They knew he was running away from me and didn't tell me." But the king's men wouldn't do it. They refused to lay a hand on the priests of God .
The king ordered his henchmen, "Surround and kill the priests of God ! They're hand in glove with David. They knew he was running away from me and didn't tell me." But the king's men wouldn't do it. They refused to lay a hand on the priests of God .
New American Standard Bible (1995)
And the king said to the guards who were attending him, "Turn around and put the priests of the LORD to death, because their hand also is with David and because they knew that he was fleeing and did not reveal it to me." But the servants of the king were not willing to put forth their hands to attack the priests of the LORD.
And the king said to the guards who were attending him, "Turn around and put the priests of the LORD to death, because their hand also is with David and because they knew that he was fleeing and did not reveal it to me." But the servants of the king were not willing to put forth their hands to attack the priests of the LORD.
Contextual Overview
6 Sha'ul heard that David was discovered, and the men who were with him: now Sha'ul was sitting in Gevah, under the tamarisk tree in Ramah, with his spear in his hand, and all his servants were standing about him. 7 Sha'ul said to his servants who stood about him, Hear now, you Binyamini; will the son of Yishai give everyone of you fields and vineyards, will he make you all captains of thousands and captains of hundreds, 8 that all of you have conspired against me, and there is none who discloses to me when my son makes a league with the son of Yishai, and there is none of you who is sorry for me, or discloses to me that my son has stirred up my servant against me, to lie in wait, as at this day? 9 Then answered Do'eg the Edomite, who stood by the servants of Sha'ul, and said, I saw the son of Yishai coming to Nov, to Achimelekh the son of Achituv. 10 He inquired of the LORD for him, and gave him victuals, and gave him the sword of Golyat the Pelishti. 11 Then the king sent to call Achimelekh the Kohen, the son of Achituv, and all his father's house, the Kohanim who were in Nov: and they came all of them to the king. 12 Sha'ul said, Hear now, you son of Achituv. He answered, Here I am, my lord. 13 Sha'ul said to him, Why have you conspired against me, you and the son of Yishai, in that you have given him bread, and a sword, and have inquired of God for him, that he should rise against me, to lie in wait, as at this day? 14 Then Achimelekh answered the king, and said, Who among all your servants is so faithful as David, who is the king's son-in-law, and is taken into your council, and is honorable in your house? 15 Have I today begun to inquire of God for him? be it far from me: don't let the king impute anything to his servant, nor to all the house of my father; for your servant knows nothing of all this, less or more.
Bible Verse Review
from Treasury of Scripure Knowledge
footmen: or, guard, Heb. runners, 1 Samuel 8:11, 2 Samuel 15:1, 1 Kings 1:5
slay the priests: 1 Samuel 22:13, 1 Samuel 20:33, 1 Samuel 25:17, 1 Kings 18:4
would not: 1 Samuel 14:45, Exodus 1:17, 2 Kings 1:13, 2 Kings 1:14, Acts 4:19
Reciprocal: 1 Samuel 2:31 - I will cut 1 Samuel 19:17 - Why hast 2 Samuel 1:15 - Go near 2 Samuel 11:16 - he assigned 2 Samuel 13:28 - commanded 2 Samuel 21:1 - Saul 1 Kings 14:27 - guard 1 Kings 21:11 - did as Jezebel 2 Kings 1:11 - O man Psalms 44:22 - killed Psalms 55:20 - put Proverbs 28:15 - so Hebrews 11:37 - were slain
Cross-References
Genesis 12:2
I will make of you a great nation. I will bless you, and make your name great. You will be a blessing.
I will make of you a great nation. I will bless you, and make your name great. You will be a blessing.
Genesis 13:16
I will make your offspring as the dust of the eretz, so that if a man can number the dust of the eretz, then your seed may also be numbered.
I will make your offspring as the dust of the eretz, so that if a man can number the dust of the eretz, then your seed may also be numbered.
Genesis 15:5
The LORD brought him outside, and said, "Look now toward the sky, and count the stars, if you are able to count them." He said to Avram, "So shall your seed be."
The LORD brought him outside, and said, "Look now toward the sky, and count the stars, if you are able to count them." He said to Avram, "So shall your seed be."
Genesis 17:6
I will make you exceeding fruitful, and I will make nations of you. Kings will come out of you.
I will make you exceeding fruitful, and I will make nations of you. Kings will come out of you.
Genesis 22:1
It happened after these things, that God tested Avraham, and said to him, "Avraham!" He said, "Here I am."
It happened after these things, that God tested Avraham, and said to him, "Avraham!" He said, "Here I am."
Genesis 22:2
He said, "Now take your son, your only son, whom you love, even Yitzchak, and go into the land of Moriyah. Offer him there for a burnt offering on one of the mountains which I will tell you of."
He said, "Now take your son, your only son, whom you love, even Yitzchak, and go into the land of Moriyah. Offer him there for a burnt offering on one of the mountains which I will tell you of."
Genesis 22:8
Avraham said, "God will provide himself the lamb for a burnt offering, my son." So they both went together.
Avraham said, "God will provide himself the lamb for a burnt offering, my son." So they both went together.
Genesis 22:9
They came to the place which God had told him of. Avraham built the altar there, and laid the wood in order, bound Yitzchak his son, and laid him on the altar, on the wood.
They came to the place which God had told him of. Avraham built the altar there, and laid the wood in order, bound Yitzchak his son, and laid him on the altar, on the wood.
Genesis 22:10
Avraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to kill his son.
Avraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to kill his son.
Genesis 22:13
Avraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and saw that behind him was a ram caught in the thicket by his horns. Avraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering instead of his son.
Avraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and saw that behind him was a ram caught in the thicket by his horns. Avraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering instead of his son.
Gill's Notes on the Bible
And the king said unto the footmen that stood about him,.... Or the "runners" f; the running footmen, that used to run before him when he went out from place to place, and were here waiting on him, ready to set out whenever he should give the orders to go elsewhere. The tradition of the Jews is, that these were Abner and Amasa g; but, as Kimchi observes, they were not footmen, but princes, captains in the army, and the first of them the general of it:
turn and slay the priests of the Lord; he owns them to be the priests of the Lord, and calls them so, and yet gave orders to put them to death, though innocent; one would have thought this their character would have flown in his face, and stung his conscience, and deterred him from so foul a fact:
because their hand also [is] with David; as well as Ahimelech; which did not at all appear, nor that they had so much as seen him at Nob, only Ahimelech; and still less that they had entered into a conspiracy with him:
and because they knew when he fled, and did not show it to me; which also was false; they knew nothing of the flight of David, and therefore could not discover it to the king:
but the servants of the king would not put forth their hand to fall upon the priests of the Lord; their consciences would not suffer them to do it; they refused to obey the king's orders, and chose rather to expose themselves to his resentment, than to be guilty of such a crime. Saul's footmen had more sense of honour, justice, and truth, than he himself had, and were worthy of praise; but they would have been deserving of more, if they could not have prevailed upon him by entreaties and remonstrances to have forborne such a bloody execution, instead of being the tame spectators of it, they had taken him, and bound him as a madman, and so facilitated the escape of the priests, and prevented this shocking scene of wickedness.
f ×רצ×× "cursoribus", Pagninus, Montanus, Junius & Tremellius, Piscator. g Midrash Tillim apud Abarbinel. in loc.
Clarke's Notes on the Bible
Verse 1 Samuel 22:17. But the servants of the king would not — They dared to disobey the commands of the king in a case of such injustice, inhumanity, and irreligion.
