1 Samuel 22:14
1 Samuel 22:14 in Multiple Translations
Ahimelech answered the king, “Who among all your servants is as faithful as David, the king’s son-in-law, the captain of your bodyguard who is honored in your house?
Then Ahimelech answered the king, and said, And who is so faithful among all thy servants as David, which is the king’s son in law, and goeth at thy bidding, and is honourable in thine house?
Then Ahimelech answered the king, and said, And who among all thy servants is so faithful as David, who is the king’s son-in-law, and is taken into thy council, and is honorable in thy house?
Then Ahimelech answering said to the king, Who among all your servants is so true to you as David, who is the king's son-in-law, and is a captain of your armed men, and has a place of honour in your house?
“Who of all your officers is as trustworthy as David, the king's son-in-law? He is in charge of your bodyguard, and highly respected in your family!” Ahimelech responded.
And Ahimelech answered the King, and sayde, Who is so faithfull among all thy seruants as Dauid, being also the Kings sonne in lawe, and goeth at thy commandement, and is honourable in thine house?
And Ahimelech answereth the king and saith, 'And who among all thy servants [is] as David — faithful, and son-in-law of the king, and hath turned aside unto thy council, and is honoured in thy house?
Then Ahimelech answered the king, and said, “Who among all your servants is so faithful as David, who is the king’s son-in-law, captain of your body guard, and honored in your house?
Then Ahimelech answered the king, and said, And who is so faithful among all thy servants as David, who is the king's son-in-law, and goeth at thy bidding, and is honorable in thy house?
And Achimelech answering the king, said: And who amongst all thy servants is so faithful as David, who is the king’s son in law, and goeth forth at thy bidding, and is honourable in thy house?
Ahimelech replied, “I do not understand why you are saying that, because David, your son-in-law, the captain of your bodyguards, is very loyal to you. No one is more loyal to you than David! Everyone in your household respects him very much.
The old man answered, “No way, boss. David truly works for you. He is your best worker. And he is also your son-in-law, a boss soldier. Everybody that works for you respects him very much.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 22:14
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
1 Samuel 22:14 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יַּ֧עַן
אֲחִימֶ֛לֶךְ
אֶת
הַ/מֶּ֖לֶךְ
וַ/יֹּאמַ֑ר
וּ/מִ֤י
בְ/כָל
עֲבָדֶ֨י/ךָ֙
כְּ/דָוִ֣ד
נֶאֱמָ֔ן
וַ/חֲתַ֥ן
הַ/מֶּ֛לֶךְ
וְ/סָ֥ר
אֶל
מִשְׁמַעְתֶּ֖/ךָ
וְ/נִכְבָּ֥ד
בְּ/בֵיתֶֽ/ךָ
וַ/יַּ֧עַן
ʻânâh
H6030
to dwell
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֲחִימֶ֛לֶךְ
ʼĂchîymelek
H288
Ahimelech
N-proper
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/מֶּ֖לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Art | N-ms
וַ/יֹּאמַ֑ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
וּ/מִ֤י
mîy
H4310
who?
Conj | Part
בְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
all
Prep | N-ms
עֲבָדֶ֨י/ךָ֙
ʻebed
H5650
servant/slave
N-mp | Suff
כְּ/דָוִ֣ד
Dâvid
H1732
David
Prep | N-proper
נֶאֱמָ֔ן
ʼâman
H539
be faithful
V-Niphal
וַ/חֲתַ֥ן
châthân
H2860
son-in-law
Conj | N-ms
הַ/מֶּ֛לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Art | N-ms
וְ/סָ֥ר
çûwr
H5493
to turn aside
Conj | V-Qal
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
מִשְׁמַעְתֶּ֖/ךָ
mishmaʻath
H4928
guard
N-fs | Suff
וְ/נִכְבָּ֥ד
kâbad
H3513
to honor
Conj | V-Niphal
בְּ/בֵיתֶֽ/ךָ
bayith
H1004
place
Prep | N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 22:14
וַ/יַּ֧עַן
ʻânâh
H6030
"to dwell"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to sing or make music, but also to respond or give an answer. In the Bible, it is used to describe praising God in song or responding to a question. The KJV translates it as 'sing' or 'answer'.
Definition: (Qal) to dwell
Usage: Occurs in 316 OT verses. KJV: give account, afflict (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), (cause to, give) answer, bring low (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), cry, hear, Leannoth, lift up, say, [idiom] scholar, (give a) shout, sing (together by course), speak, testify, utter, (bear) witness. See also H1042 (בֵּית עֲנוֹת), H1043 (בֵּית עֲנָת). See also: Genesis 18:27; 2 Samuel 14:19; Job 40:2.
אֲחִימֶ֛לֶךְ
ʼĂchîymelek
H288
"Ahimelech"
N-proper
Ahimelech was a priest and a friend of King David, who helped him when he was in need. He was tragically murdered by Doeg at the command of King Saul. His name means 'my brother is king'.
Definition: A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.8.17; son of: Abiathar (H0054); brother of: Jonathan (H3083I) Also named: a.vi.me.lekh (אֲבִימֶ֫לֶךְ "Ahimelech" H0040J) § Ahimelech = "my brother is king" or "brother of Melek" 1) a priest murdered by Doeg at Saul's command, for supposedly assisting David 2) a Hittite warrior under David
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: Ahimelech. See also: 1 Samuel 21:2; 1 Samuel 23:6; Psalms 52:2.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ/מֶּ֖לֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
Art | N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
וַ/יֹּאמַ֑ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
וּ/מִ֤י
mîy
H4310
"who?"
Conj | Part
This word is used to ask questions like who, whose, or whom. It can also be used to express a wish, like would that or whoever. It appears in many forms throughout the Bible, often in phrases like O that or what.
Definition: who?, whose?, whom?, would that, whoever, whosoever
Usage: Occurs in 342 OT verses. KJV: any (man), [idiom] he, [idiom] him, [phrase] O that! what, which, who(-m, -se, -soever), [phrase] would to God. See also: Genesis 3:11; 2 Samuel 15:4; Psalms 4:7.
בְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
עֲבָדֶ֨י/ךָ֙
ʻebed
H5650
"servant/slave"
N-mp | Suff
This word refers to a servant or slave, often in the context of serving God or a human master. It can also describe a prophet or Levite. The KJV translates it as bondage, bondman, or servant.
Definition: 1) slave, servant 1a) slave, servant, man-servant 1b) subjects 1c) servants, worshippers (of God) 1d) servant (in special sense as prophets, Levites etc) 1e) servant (of Israel) 1f) servant (as form of address between equals) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (עֲבַד "servant/slave" H5649)
Usage: Occurs in 714 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant. See also: Genesis 9:25; Exodus 11:3; 1 Samuel 8:16.
כְּ/דָוִ֣ד
Dâvid
H1732
"David"
Prep | N-proper
David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.
Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.4.17; son of: Jesse (H3448) and Nahash (H5176I); brother of: Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Shimeah (H8093), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684) and Elihu (H0453J); married to Michal (H4324), Abigail (H0026), Ahinoam (H0293H), Maacah (H4601I), Haggith (H2294), Abital (H0037), Eglah (H5698) and Bathsheba (H1339); father of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N) Also named: Daueid, Dauid, Dabid (Δαυείδ, Δαυίδ, Δαβίδ "David" G1138) § David = "beloved" youngest son of Jesse and second king of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.
נֶאֱמָ֔ן
ʼâman
H539
"be faithful"
V-Niphal
This Hebrew word means to be faithful or trustworthy, as seen in the KJV translations. It can also mean to support or confirm something, and is used in passages like Psalm 37:3 to describe trusting in God. The concept of faithfulness is central to the book of Proverbs.
Definition: 1) to support, confirm, be faithful 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to support, confirm, be faithful, uphold, nourish 1a1a) foster-father (subst.) 1a1b) foster-mother, nurse 1a1c) pillars, supporters of the door 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be established, be faithful, be carried, make firm 1b1a) to be carried by a nurse 1b1b) made firm, sure, lasting 1b1c) confirmed, established, sure 1b1d) verified, confirmed 1b1e) reliable, faithful, trusty 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to stand firm, to trust, to be certain, to believe in 1c1a) stand firm 1c1b) trust, believe Aramaic equivalent: a.man (אֲמַן "to trust" H0540)
Usage: Occurs in 102 OT verses. KJV: hence, assurance, believe, bring up, establish, [phrase] fail, be faithful (of long continuance, stedfast, sure, surely, trusty, verified), nurse, (-ing father), (put), trust, turn to the right. See also: Genesis 15:6; Job 24:22; Psalms 12:2.
וַ/חֲתַ֥ן
châthân
H2860
"son-in-law"
Conj | N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to a son-in-law or bridegroom, describing a man related by marriage. It's used to describe a husband or a man about to be married, like a bridegroom.
Definition: son-in-law, daughter's husband, bridegroom, husband
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: bridegroom, husband, son in law. See also: Genesis 19:12; Nehemiah 6:18; Psalms 19:6.
הַ/מֶּ֛לֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
Art | N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
וְ/סָ֥ר
çûwr
H5493
"to turn aside"
Conj | V-Qal
To turn aside or remove is the meaning of this verb, used in various forms throughout the Bible. It can mean to depart, avoid, or put something away, and is often used in the context of turning away from sin or wrongdoing, as seen in the actions of prophets and leaders in the Old Testament.
Definition: : remove 1) to turn aside, depart 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn aside, turn in unto 1a2) to depart, depart from way, avoid 1a3) to be removed 1a4) to come to an end 1b) (Polel) to turn aside 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to turn aside, cause to depart, remove, take away, put away, depose 1c2) to put aside, leave undone, retract, reject, abolish 1d) (Hophal) to be taken away, be removed
Usage: Occurs in 284 OT verses. KJV: be(-head), bring, call back, decline, depart, eschew, get (you), go (aside), [idiom] grievous, lay away (by), leave undone, be past, pluck away, put (away, down), rebel, remove (to and fro), revolt, [idiom] be sour, take (away, off), turn (aside, away, in), withdraw, be without. See also: Genesis 8:13; 2 Samuel 6:10; Psalms 6:9.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
מִשְׁמַעְתֶּ֖/ךָ
mishmaʻath
H4928
"guard"
N-fs | Suff
This word means to obey or be a subject to a ruler. It can also refer to a royal court or bodyguard that listens and obeys.
Definition: 1) subjects, body of subjects, bodyguard, listeners, obedient ones 1a) bodyguard 1b) subjects
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: bidding, guard, obey. See also: 1 Samuel 22:14; 1 Chronicles 11:25; Isaiah 11:14.
וְ/נִכְבָּ֥ד
kâbad
H3513
"to honor"
Conj | V-Niphal
This word can mean to honor or make something weighty, like when God is glorified in Psalm 138, or to be heavy with burdens, as the Israelites were in Exodus 18.
Definition: : honour/glory 1) to be heavy, be weighty, be grievous, be hard, be rich, be honourable, be glorious, be burdensome, be honoured 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be heavy 1a2) to be heavy, be insensible, be dull 1a3) to be honoured 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made heavy, be honoured, enjoy honour, be made abundant 1b2) to get oneself glory or honour, gain glory 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to make heavy, make dull, make insensible 1c2) to make honourable, honour, glorify 1d) (Pual) to be made honourable, be honoured 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to make heavy 1e2) to make heavy, make dull, make unresponsive 1e3) to cause to be honoured 1f) (Hithpael) 1f1) to make oneself heavy, make oneself dense, make oneself numerous 1f2) to honour oneself
Usage: Occurs in 108 OT verses. KJV: abounding with, more grievously afflict, boast, be chargeable, [idiom] be dim, glorify, be (make) glorious (things), glory, (very) great, be grievous, harden, be (make) heavy, be heavier, lay heavily, (bring to, come to, do, get, be had in) honour (self), (be) honourable (man), lade, [idiom] more be laid, make self many, nobles, prevail, promote (to honour), be rich, be (go) sore, stop. See also: Genesis 13:2; Job 6:3; Psalms 15:4.
בְּ/בֵיתֶֽ/ךָ
bayith
H1004
"place"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 22:14
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 22:14 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 22:14
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 22:14
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 22:14
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 22:14
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 22:14
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 22:14
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 22:14
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 22:14
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 22:14
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 22:14
Context — Saul Slays the Priests of Nob
12“Listen now, son of Ahitub,” said Saul. “Here I am, my lord,” he replied.
13And Saul asked him, “Why have you and the son of Jesse conspired against me? You gave him bread and a sword and inquired of God for him so that he could rise up against me to lie in wait, as he is doing today.”
14Ahimelech answered the king, “Who among all your servants is as faithful as David, the king’s son-in-law, the captain of your bodyguard and honored in your house?
15Was that day the first time I inquired of God for him? Far be it from me! Let not the king accuse your servant or any of my father’s household, for your servant knew nothing of this whole affair—not in part or in whole.” 16But the king replied, “You will surely die, Ahimelech, you and all your father’s house!”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Samuel 20:32 | “Why must he be put to death?” Jonathan replied. “What has he done?” |
| 2 | 1 Samuel 19:4–5 | Then Jonathan spoke well of David to his father Saul and said to him, “The king should not sin against his servant David; he has not sinned against you. In fact, his actions have been highly beneficial to you. He took his life in his hands when he struck down the Philistine, and the LORD worked a great salvation for all Israel. You saw it and rejoiced, so why would you sin against innocent blood by killing David for no reason?” |
| 3 | 1 Samuel 22:13 | And Saul asked him, “Why have you and the son of Jesse conspired against me? You gave him bread and a sword and inquired of God for him so that he could rise up against me to lie in wait, as he is doing today.” |
| 4 | 1 Samuel 17:25 | Now the men of Israel had been saying, “Do you see this man who keeps coming out to defy Israel? To the man who kills him the king will give great riches. And he will give him his daughter in marriage and exempt his father’s house from taxation in Israel.” |
| 5 | 2 Samuel 22:23–25 | For all His ordinances are before me; I have not disregarded His statutes. And I have been blameless before Him and kept myself from iniquity. So the LORD has repaid me according to my righteousness, according to my cleanness in His sight. |
| 6 | 1 Samuel 18:27 | David and his men went out and killed two hundred Philistines. He brought their foreskins and presented them as payment in full to become the king’s son-in-law. Then Saul gave his daughter Michal to David in marriage. |
| 7 | 1 Samuel 21:2 | “The king has given me a mission,” David replied. “He told me no one is to know about the mission or charge. And I have directed my young men to meet me at a certain place. |
| 8 | 1 Samuel 24:11 | See, my father, look at the corner of your robe in my hand. For I cut it off, but I did not kill you. See and know that there is no evil or rebellion in my hands. I have not sinned against you, even though you are hunting me down to take my life. |
| 9 | Proverbs 31:8–9 | Open your mouth for those with no voice, for the cause of all the dispossessed. Open your mouth, judge righteously, and defend the cause of the poor and needy. |
| 10 | 1 Samuel 18:13 | Therefore Saul sent David away and gave him command of a thousand men. David led the troops out to battle and back, |
1 Samuel 22:14 Summary
In this verse, Ahimelech is trying to defend himself and David from King Saul's accusations by highlighting David's faithfulness and loyalty to the king. Ahimelech is saying that David is a trusted and faithful servant who would never conspire against the king, as seen in his role as captain of the bodyguard (1 Samuel 18:13). This shows us the importance of being faithful and loyal in our own relationships and responsibilities, just like David was (Proverbs 3:3-4). By standing up for what is right and defending those who are being unjustly accused, we can demonstrate our own faithfulness and loyalty, as encouraged in Psalm 101:6 and Acts 13:22.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Ahimelech's response to King Saul in 1 Samuel 22:14?
Ahimelech's response highlights David's faithfulness and loyalty to King Saul, which is evident in his role as captain of the bodyguard, as seen in 1 Samuel 18:13 and 1 Samuel 19:11, and also shows Ahimelech's attempt to defend himself and his household from the king's accusations.
Why does Ahimelech mention David's position as the king's son-in-law and captain of the bodyguard?
Ahimelech mentions these positions to emphasize David's close relationship with King Saul and his trusted role in the kingdom, which makes it unlikely that David would conspire against the king, as stated in 1 Samuel 18:27 and 1 Samuel 20:29.
How does Ahimelech's defense relate to the concept of loyalty and faithfulness in the Bible?
Ahimelech's defense of David's faithfulness reflects the biblical value of loyalty and faithfulness, as seen in Proverbs 3:3-4 and Proverbs 28:20, which emphasizes the importance of being trustworthy and faithful in one's relationships and responsibilities.
What can we learn from Ahimelech's response to King Saul's accusations?
We can learn the importance of standing up for what is right and defending those who are being unjustly accused, as Ahimelech does in this verse, and also the value of faithfulness and loyalty, as demonstrated by David's character, which is highlighted in Psalm 101:6 and Acts 13:22.
Reflection Questions
- What does this verse reveal about the character of David and how can we apply his example of faithfulness to our own lives?
- How can we, like Ahimelech, defend and support those who are being unjustly accused or persecuted, as seen in Matthew 25:31-46 and Acts 7:54-60?
- What role does loyalty and faithfulness play in our relationships with others, and how can we cultivate these qualities in our own lives, as encouraged in Colossians 3:2 and Hebrews 13:5?
- How does this verse relate to the broader theme of trust and obedience in the Bible, as seen in Genesis 22:1-14 and Romans 4:20-25?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 22:14
Then Ahimelech answered the king, and said,.... First with respect to David, and then with regard to himself; with respect to David as follows, and who [is so] faithful amongst thy servants as David;
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 22:14
Then the king sent to call Ahimelech the priest, the son of Ahitub, and all his father's house, the priests that were in Nob: and they came all of them to the king. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 22:14
He doth not determine the differences between Saul and David, nor affirm what David now was; but only declared what David had formerly been, both really, and in public fame and opinion.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 22:14
1 Samuel 22:14 Then Ahimelech answered the king, and said, And who [is so] faithful among all thy servants as David, which is the king’ s son in law, and goeth at thy bidding, and is honourable in thine house?Ver. 14. And who is so faithful, &c.] This, some think, was not so wisely spoken by Ahimelech - viz., thus highly to commend David, whom he saw to be under so great displeasure now, whatever he had been formerly. Others hold that he did all in the honesty and integrity of his heart; giving David his due, and tacitly taxing Saul of tyranny. Peter Martyr.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 22:14
(14) Who is so faithful among all thy servants?—The words of the high priest were quiet and dignified, and no doubt spoke the general sentiments of the people respecting David. What he—the guardian of the sanctuary—had done, he had done as a matter of course for one so closely related to the king—for one, too, ever loyal and devoted as David had ever proved himself.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 22:14
Verse 14. And who is so faithful] The word נאמן neeman, which we here translate faithful, is probably the name of an officer. See Clarke on Numbers 12:7.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 22:14
14. goeth at thy bidding] Probably, “has access to thy audience,” i.e. is a trusted privy-councillor. Cp. 2 Samuel 23:23, marg.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 22:14
Goeth at thy bidding - Better, “has access to thy (private) audience,” or council (compare 2 Samuel 23:23, margin).
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 22:14
14. Goeth at thy bidding — Rather, approaches into thy privy council; that is, has access to thy private audience, and is one of thy confidential advisers.
Sermons on 1 Samuel 22:14
| Sermon | Description | |
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Jesus, Wash My Feet by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on John chapter 13, where Jesus teaches his disciples about the true source of power. He emphasizes that power is not found in worldly wealth, |
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Human Remedies. by Horatius Bonar | Horatius Bonar emphasizes the futility of human remedies in addressing spiritual afflictions, using Saul's disobedience and subsequent torment as a cautionary tale. He illustrates |
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The Fifth Commandment by A.W. Pink | A.W. Pink emphasizes the broader implications of the Fifth Commandment, which calls for honoring not only our parents but all authorities established by God. He explains that this |
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Rope Wanted by William Booth | In this sermon, the preacher tells the story of Mary, a young woman who bravely risked her life to save others during a devastating tidal wave. Despite the warnings of her comrades |
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Good News to the Poor by Jackie Pullinger | In this sermon, the speaker begins by discussing Jesus' proclamation of preaching good news to the poor. He highlights the current need for this message, especially in times of nat |
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Call to Discipleship by K.P. Yohannan | This sermon emphasizes the importance of reaching out to children in need through the Bridge of Hope program by Gospel for Asia. It highlights the impact of investing in children's |
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Holl-09 Israel in the Cosmic Drama by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a prophetic perspective that considers eternity and its impact on the present. He calls out the church in Holland to |