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 because of the wickedness of Eli’s sons ( 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)
