Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Samuel 22:18. It’s a really dramatic and shocking passage about violence and betrayal. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: King Saul is being harassed by a group of rebellious priests. These priests were challenging the king’s authority and acting like troublemakers. Doeg, an Edomite (a people from the East), steps up to defend the king. He’s a strong warrior and decides to attack the priests. He throws stones and spears at them. Doeg relentlessly attacks the priests, causing significant damage and death. He kills forty-score and five (405) people – basically, dozens of priests! This is a huge number – it’s a massive loss for the priests. Putting it into simpler terms: “The king’s powerful warrior, Doeg, deliberately attacked the priests. He threw stones and spears at them, and in doing so, killed dozens of them.” What's the significance? This verse is incredibly important because it shows: Divine Justice: The Bible often describes God as being involved in justice. This verse highlights a moment where God directly intervened and punished those who were defying him. The Power of Rebellion: It emphasizes that rebellion against authority can have devastating consequences, leading to immense loss of life. The Importance of Obedience: It also suggests that disobeying the king’s commands is a serious offense and invites divine punishment. Important Note: This verse is quite violent and deals with death. It's important to remember it’s a historical account, not a romanticized story. --- Do you want me to explain any of these points in more detail? For example, I could: Discuss the context of the story in 1 Samuel. Explore the symbolism behind the event (e.g., the priests representing opposing forces). Explain the meaning of “Edomite” and its connection to the story.