Definition: Then the king sent to call Ahimelech the priest, the son of Ahitub, and all his fatherâs house, the priests that [were] in Nob: and they came all of them to the king.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Samuel 22:11. It’s a really important passage about God’s protection and a powerful display of faith. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: The king, Saul, was facing a serious problem – he was being tricked by a demon (the “son of Ahitub”). This demon was causing him immense pain and distress, and the king desperately needed to get rid of it. God, through Samuel, sent a group of priests from Nob – which is a specific area near Jerusalem – to come to the King and immediately try to stop the demon’s influence. Let's unpack it: “Then the king sent to call…” : This means the king was actively seeking help. He knew this wasn’t just a casual request; he was trying to address a serious threat. “…Ahimelech the priest…” : This is the key person being addressed. Ahimelech was a priest, and his father's house was important – it was a significant part of his religious life. He was the one who had been targeted by the demon. "...and all his fatherâs house..." : This emphasizes the importance of his family and lineage. It wasn’t just any priest, but the one connected to his father's legacy. “The priests that [were] in Nob…” : This is where it gets a little more specific. “Nob” refers to a specific area near Jerusalem – a fortified area known for its religious significance. So, these priests were being sent specifically from this location. "...came all of them to the king." : This shows that the priest group was coming in a very urgent and direct manner. In essence: The verse describes a desperate situation where God intervened to protect a key religious figure and his family by sending a large delegation to confront a demonic threat. It’s a story about divine intervention and unwavering faith. --- Do you want me to: Explain the context of this verse in a bit more detail? Discuss why this event was significant at the time? Connect this passage to other parts of the Bible?