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1 Samuel 22:21

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does 1 Samuel 22:21 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And Abiathar told David that Saul had slain Jehovah`s priests.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And Abiathar told David that Saul had slain Jehovah`s priests.
1 Samuel 22:21 — American Standard Version

Context — 1 Samuel 22

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
18And the king said to Doeg, Turn thou, and fall upon the priests. And Doeg the Edomite turned, and he fell upon the priests, and he slew on that day fourscore and five persons that did wear a linen ephod.
19And Nob, the city of the priests, smote he with the edge of the sword, both men and women, children and sucklings, and oxen and asses and sheep, with the edge of the sword.
20And one of the sons of Ahimelech, the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped, and fled after David.
21And Abiathar told David that Saul had slain Jehovah`s priests.
22And David said unto Abiathar, I knew on that day, when Doeg the Edomite was there, that he would surely tell Saul: I have occasioned [the death] of all the persons of thy father`s house.
23Abide thou with me, fear not; for he that seeketh my life seeketh thy life: for with me thou shalt be in safeguard.
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And Abiathar showed David that Saul had slain the Lord’s priests.] Of which perhaps he had not as yet heard; though tidings of such a nature generally fly swiftly; and a sorrowful shocking account he had to give, and which was so to David.”
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Sources and verification