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.

1 SAMUEL 22:17KJV
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1 Samuel 22:17 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 22:17 mean?

1 Samuel 22:17 describes King Saul ordering his guards to kill the priests of the LORD because he believes they have helped David and kept his escape a secret. However, Saul’s servants refuse to carry out the order against the priests.

In this scene, King Saul is speaking to his footmen (his personal guards) after learning that the priests at Nob had aided David, whom Saul now sees as his enemy. Saul accuses the priests of siding with David and commands his men to kill them, but the guards are unwilling to harm the priests of the LORD, showing a line they are not willing to cross even under royal command.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 22:17

  • "Footmen" (רָצִים, rātsîm): This word refers to runners or personal guards, not just any soldiers, highlighting that Saul is speaking to those closest to him, which makes their refusal even more striking.
  • "Priests" (כֹּהֵן, kōhēn): The term specifically refers to those serving in religious duties for the LORD (יְהוָה, YHWH), emphasizing the seriousness of Saul’s command to attack sacred persons.
  • "Hand" (יָד, yād): The phrase "put forth their hand" uses this word, often symbolizing action or power. The refusal to "put forth their hand" shows a deliberate choice not to use their power against the priests.
  • "Fall upon" (פָּגַע, pāga‘): This verb can mean to strike or attack, and here it underscores the violence Saul is demanding against the priests.

Why 1 Samuel 22:17 matters

  • This verse highlights the moral limits of Saul’s own men, who are willing to serve the king but not at the cost of committing a grave sin against the LORD’s priests.
  • The refusal of the guards sets the stage for Doeg the Edomite, who will carry out Saul’s order in the next verses, deepening the tragedy and showing the consequences of unchecked royal power.
  • The verse clarifies the growing isolation and desperation of Saul as he turns against not only David but also the religious leaders of Israel, marking a turning point in his downfall.