King James Version
What Does 1 Samuel 21:7 Mean?
“Now a certain man of the servants of Saul was there that day, detained before the LORD; and his name was Doeg, an Edomite, the chiefest of the herdmen that belonged to Saul.”
1 Samuel 21:7 · KJV
Context
5
And David answered the priest, and said unto him, Of a truth women have been kept from us about these three days, since I came out, and the vessels of the young men are holy, and the bread is in a manner common, yea, though it were sanctified this day in the vessel. yea: or, especially when this day there is other sanctified in the vessel
6
So the priest gave him hallowed bread: for there was no bread there but the shewbread , that was taken from before the LORD, to put hot bread in the day when it was taken away.
7
Now a certain man of the servants of Saul was there that day, detained before the LORD; and his name was Doeg, an Edomite, the chiefest of the herdmen that belonged to Saul.
8
And David said unto Ahimelech, And is there not here under thine hand spear or sword? for I have neither brought my sword nor my weapons with me, because the king's business required haste.
9
And the priest said, The sword of Goliath the Philistine, whom thou slewest in the valley of Elah, behold, it is here wrapped in a cloth behind the ephod: if thou wilt take that, take it: for there is no other save that here. And David said, There is none like that; give it me.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryNow a certain man of the servants of Saul was there that day, detained before the LORD; and his name was Doeg, an Edomite, the chiefest of the herdmen that belonged to Saul.
This ominous verse introduces Doeg with foreboding detail. The Hebrew 'ne'etsar' (detained) suggests he was there for ritual purposes—perhaps fulfilling a vow or undergoing purification. The irony is devastating: a man at the sanctuary for religious observance would become the instrument of its destruction. His identity as an Edomite connects him to Israel's ancient enemy, the descendants of Esau. As 'chiefest of the herdmen' (literally 'mighty one among the shepherds'), he held significant authority. Psalm 52 records David's later reflection on Doeg's treachery. This brief verse demonstrates how witnesses to innocent actions can become deadly accusers when circumstances change.
This ominous verse introduces Doeg with foreboding detail. The Hebrew 'ne'etsar' (detained) suggests he was there for ritual purposes—perhaps fulfilling a vow or undergoing purification. The irony is devastating: a man at the sanctuary for religious observance would become the instrument of its destruction. His identity as an Edomite connects him to Israel's ancient enemy, the descendants of Esau. As 'chiefest of the herdmen' (literally 'mighty one among the shepherds'), he held significant authority. Psalm 52 records David's later reflection on Doeg's treachery. This brief verse demonstrates how witnesses to innocent actions can become deadly accusers when circumstances change.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Edomites could participate in Israelite worship after the third generation (Deuteronomy 23:7-8). Doeg's position as chief herdsman gave him access to royal intelligence. His presence at Nob was providentially noted by Scripture as the catalyst for coming tragedy.
Reflection Questions
- How do you respond when you realize someone hostile has witnessed your vulnerable moments?
- What does Doeg's religious observance combined with later cruelty teach about external religion?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 16 wordsאִישׁ֩2 of 16
“Now a certain man”
H376a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
בַּיּ֣וֹם5 of 16
“was there that day”
H3117a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
הַה֗וּא6 of 16
H1931he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
נֶעְצָר֙7 of 16
“detained”
H6113to inclose; by analogy, to hold back; also to maintain, rule, assemble
לִפְנֵ֣י8 of 16
“before”
H6440the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
וּשְׁמ֖וֹ10 of 16
“and his name”
H8034an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
הָֽרֹעִ֖ים14 of 16
“of the herdmen”
H7462to tend a flock; i.e., pasture it; intransitively, to graze (literally or figuratively); generally to rule; by extension, to associate with (as a frie
אֲשֶׁ֥ר15 of 16
H834who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
Study Guide
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of 1 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
1 Samuel 21:7 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to 1 Samuel 21:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge