King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 22:10 Mean?

1 Samuel 22:10 in the King James Version says “And he enquired of the LORD for him, and gave him victuals, and gave him the sword of Goliath the Philistine.” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he enquired of the LORD for him, and gave him victuals, and gave him the sword of Goliath the Philistine.”

1 Samuel 22:10 · KJV

Context

8

That all of you have conspired against me, and there is none that sheweth me that my son hath made a league with the son of Jesse, and there is none of you that is sorry for me, or sheweth unto me that my son hath stirred up my servant against me, to lie in wait, as at this day? sheweth: Heb. uncovereth mine ear

9

Then answered Doeg the Edomite, which was set over the servants of Saul, and said, I saw the son of Jesse coming to Nob, to Ahimelech the son of Ahitub.

10

And he enquired of the LORD for him, and gave him victuals, and gave him the sword of Goliath the Philistine.

11

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.

12

And Saul said, Hear now, thou son of Ahitub. And he answered, Here I am, my lord. Here: Heb. Behold me

Read 1 Samuel 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he enquired of the LORD for him, and gave him victuals, and gave him the sword of Goliath the Philistine.

Doeg's report adds a detail not mentioned in chapter 21—that Ahimelech 'enquired of the LORD' for David. The Hebrew 'sha'al' (enquired/asked) suggests consultation through priestly means, likely the Urim and Thummim. Whether this actually occurred or Doeg embellished to strengthen his accusation remains debated. The threefold assistance—divine guidance, food, and weapon—made Ahimelech appear thoroughly complicit in David's escape. Doeg's testimony would provide Saul legal grounds for his murderous response. The factual elements (food and sword) mixed with possible exaggeration demonstrate how truth can be weaponized when stripped of context and motive.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Priestly inquiry through the ephod containing Urim and Thummim was the authorized means of seeking divine guidance. If Ahimelech did inquire for David, he may have been unaware of the conflict between David and Saul, acting in his normal priestly capacity.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can accurate facts presented without context become instruments of injustice?
  2. What responsibility do we bear for how our true but incomplete reports might be used?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וַיִּשְׁאַל1 of 12

“And he enquired”

H7592

to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand

לוֹ֙2 of 12
H0
בַּֽיהוָ֔ה3 of 12

“of the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

וְצֵידָ֖ה4 of 12

“him victuals”

H6720

food

נָ֥תַן5 of 12

“and gave”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

ל֑וֹ6 of 12
H0
וְאֵ֗ת7 of 12
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

חֶ֛רֶב8 of 12

“him the sword”

H2719

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

גָּלְיָ֥ת9 of 12

“of Goliath”

H1555

goljath, a philistine

הַפְּלִשְׁתִּ֖י10 of 12

“the Philistine”

H6430

a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth

נָ֥תַן11 of 12

“and gave”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לֽוֹ׃12 of 12
H0

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 22:10 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 22:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 27:211 Samuel 23:41 Samuel 23:21 Samuel 30:81 Samuel 22:131 Samuel 23:12

Test Your Knowledge

1 Samuel 22 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Samuel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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