And the
king said to Doeg, “You turn and kill the priests!” So Doeg the Edomite turned
and struck the priests, and killed on that day eighty-five men who wore a linen
ephod. (v.18)
Today's chapter is not an easy one. Doeg, the Edomite, informed
Saul that Ahimelech the priest had recently given David provisions and
Goliath's sword. In his fury, Saul summoned the entire compliment of priests
before him. Despite Ahimelech's reasonable defense, Saul ordered them all put to
death. Doeg (the Edomite) willingly executed eighty-five priests, plus the
entire town of Nob, including women, children, and cattle. Only Abiathar
escaped.
This
horrific slaughter was brought on by Saul’s anger and pride but carried out willing
by Doeg the Edomite, an enemy of Israel and God. Yet, as terrifying as this
slaughter was, it was also the fulfillment of God's word against Eli, some
fifty years earlier (see 2:30-36). Even God's enemies carry forth God's will.
This
should point us to another brutal execution—the cross—in which the enemies of
God carried forth God's promises, this time for the purpose of redemption for
the world (Acts 2:23). However, this doesn't minimize the evil of Saul's
massacre or Christ's death, but it does bring the hopeful realization that
God's enemies, even in their most vengeful moments, are still subject to the
redeeming work and plan of God. For God's purposes will always be worked out.
It's
easy to look at the world we live in and see nothing but chaos, danger, and a
powerful evil force arrayed against God. But today's text should encourage us
to see even in a fallen world, God is still King, and He still rules.
The
Truth
“Now
therefore, be wise, O kings; Be instructed, you judges of the earth. Serve the
Lord with fear, And rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, And
you perish in the way, When His wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are
all those who put their trust in Him.” (Psalm 2:10-12)
