And the king said to Doeg, Turn thou, and fall upon the priests. And Doeg the Edomite turned, and he fell upon the priests, and slew on that day fourscore and five persons that did wear a linen ephod.
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Commentary
Trusted original commentary from respected historical Bible scholars and theologians.
Gill's Exposition
And the king said to Doeg, turn thou and fall upon the priests,.... For determined he was they should die; if one would not put them to death, another should, and who so fit for this bloody work as…
Barnes' Notes
We are not to suppose that Doeg killed them all with his own hand. He had a band of men under his command, many or all of whom were perhaps foreigners like himself, and very likely of a Bedouin caste,…
Adam Clarke
And Doeg - fell upon the priests - A ruthless Edomite, capable of any species of iniquity.
Fourscore and five persons - The Septuagint read τριακοσιους και πεντε ανδρας, three hundred and five men;…
We have seen the progress of David's troubles; now here we have the progress of Saul's wickedness. He seems to have laid aside the thoughts of all other business and to have devoted himself wholly to…
Cambridge Bible
that did wear a linen ephod See on 1Sa 2:18. The distinctive priestly dress should have reminded Saul of the sacredness of their persons.
Cross References
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