Big Idea: God regards as enemies those who oppose his chosen servants.

Understanding the Text

In this next episode the focus briefly shifts from David to Saul, and we see the tragic aftermath of David’s visit to Ahimelek (21:1–9). Saul accuses the priests of being traitors and murders them and their families. Only one, Abiathar, escapes. He goes to David, who welcomes him and promises him protection. The contrast between Saul and David cannot be sharper. While Saul is murdering the Lord’s priests, David is seeking their protection. Saul’s hostility has reached new depths. This heightens the tension of the story, for if Saul kills the Lord’s priests, then no one is safe, certainly not David. This paves the way for the episodes to follow in which Saul relentlessly pursues David.

Interpret…