Topical Bible: Deceit: Doeg

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Topical Encyclopedia

Doeg the Edomite is a biblical figure known for his role in the events surrounding the life of King David, particularly his act of deceit and betrayal that led to the massacre of the priests at Nob. His account is primarily found in the First Book of Samuel, where he is depicted as a servant of King Saul.

Background and Role

Doeg is introduced in 1 Samuel 21:7 as "detained before the LORD" at Nob, the city of priests. He is described as the chief of Saul's herdsmen, indicating a position of some authority and trust within Saul's administration. His presence at Nob becomes significant due to the events that unfold shortly thereafter.

The Act of Deceit

The deceitful nature of Doeg is most prominently displayed in 1 Samuel 22. After David flees from Saul, he visits Ahimelech the priest at Nob, seeking provisions and a weapon. Ahimelech, unaware of the conflict between Saul and David, assists David. Doeg witnesses this interaction, which becomes pivotal in the subsequent events.

When Saul learns of David's visit to Nob, he accuses his servants of conspiring against him. It is at this moment that Doeg steps forward, revealing what he saw at Nob. In 1 Samuel 22:9-10 , Doeg reports to Saul: "I saw the son of Jesse come to Ahimelech son of Ahitub at Nob. Ahimelech inquired of the LORD for him, gave him provisions, and gave him the sword of Goliath the Philistine."

Doeg's report is marked by deceit, as he implies a conspiracy between David and Ahimelech, omitting the priest's ignorance of the situation. His words incite Saul's wrath, leading to a tragic outcome.

The Massacre at Nob

Saul orders the execution of the priests at Nob, but his guards refuse to carry out the command. Doeg, however, seizes the opportunity to further ingratiate himself with Saul. In 1 Samuel 22:18-19 , Doeg carries out the king's orders: "So Doeg the Edomite went and struck down the priests himself. On that day he killed eighty-five men who wore the linen ephod. He also struck down Nob, the city of the priests, with the sword—both men and women, children and infants, oxen, donkeys, and sheep."

This brutal act underscores Doeg's willingness to commit heinous deeds to gain favor with Saul, highlighting his deceitful and treacherous character.

Theological Implications

Doeg's actions serve as a stark warning against deceit and betrayal. His willingness to distort the truth for personal gain and his readiness to commit violence against God's anointed priests illustrate the destructive power of deceit. In the broader biblical narrative, Doeg's treachery contrasts with David's integrity and reliance on God's justice.

The Psalms also reflect on the character of deceitful individuals like Doeg. Psalm 52, traditionally attributed to David, is believed to be written in response to Doeg's betrayal. It begins with a denunciation of the boastful and deceitful: "Why do you boast of evil, O mighty man? The loving devotion of God endures all day long. Your tongue devises destruction like a sharpened razor, O worker of deceit" (Psalm 52:1-2).

Legacy

Doeg's legacy is one of infamy, serving as a cautionary tale about the consequences of deceit and the moral corruption it brings. His actions remind believers of the importance of truthfulness and the severe repercussions that can arise from betrayal and falsehood.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 52:1,2
Why boast you yourself in mischief, O mighty man? the goodness of God endures continually.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Exile Continued.
... dost display thy prowess in murdering unarmed priests and women?" And Doeg's story
to ... doth thy tongue devise, Like a razor whetted"O thou worker of deceit.". ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/v the exilecontinued.htm

Psalm LII.
... are the feet of them that tell of peace, that tell of good things!" [1894] Therefore
like a razor let Doeg whet his tongue, let him whet deceit as much as he ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lii.htm

The Folly of Slander. Part 2.
... wicked man: "Thou givest thy mouth to evil, and thy tongue frameth deceit. ... His words
are, as the psalmist saith of Doeg, devouring words: "Thou lovest all ...
/.../barrow/sermons on evil-speaking by isaac barrow/the folly of slander part 2.htm

The Folly of Slander. Part 1.
... As it is said of Doeg, "Thy tongue deviseth mischief;" and of another like companion,
"Thou givest thy mouth to evil, and thy tongue frameth deceit;" and as ...
/.../barrow/sermons on evil-speaking by isaac barrow/the folly of slander part.htm

Seasonable Counsel: Or, Advice to Sufferers.
... He shall redeem their soul from deceit and violence: and precious shall their blood
be ... Up, said Saul to Doeg, the Edomite, and slay the priests of the Lord (1 ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/seasonable counsel or advice to.htm