So David left (Gath) and took refuge in the cave of Adullam. When his brothers and the rest of his father’s household heard about it , they went down to him there.
And all who were distressed (or) - - indebted ... ... or discontented ... rallied around him , and he became their leader. About four hundred men were with him.
From there David went to Mizpeh of Moab , where he said to the king of Moab , “ Please let my father and mother stay with you until - I learn what God will do
So he left them in the care of the king of Moab , and they stayed with him the whole time David was in the stronghold.
Then the prophet Gad said to David , “ Do not stay in the stronghold. Depart and go the land of Judah. ” So David left and went to the forest of Hereth.
Soon Saul learned that David ... and his men ... had been discovered. At that time Saul was in Gibeah , sitting under the tamarisk tree on the hill at Gibeah , with his spear in hand and all his servants standing around him.
Then Saul said to his servants , ... ... “ Listen , ... men of Benjamin ! ... Is the son of Jesse giving all of you fields and vineyards (and) making you commanders of thousands (or) hundreds ?
Is that why all of you have conspired against me ? Not one (of you) told me that my own son had made a covenant with the son of Jesse. Not one has shown concern for me or revealed - to me that my son - has stirred up my own servant to lie in wait against me , as is the case today .... ”
But Doeg the Edomite , who had stationed himself with Saul’s ... servants , answered : “ I saw - the son of Jesse come to Ahimelech son of Ahitub at Nob.
Ahimelech inquired of the LORD and gave - provisions. He also gave the sword of Goliath the Philistine.”
Then the king sent messengers to summon - Ahimelech the priest , - the son of Ahitub , and his father’s whole family , who were priests at Nob. And all of them came to the king.
“ Listen now , son of Ahitub ,” said Saul. “ Here I am , my lord , ” he replied.
And Saul asked him , “ Why have you and the son of Jesse conspired against me ? You gave bread and a sword and inquired of God so that he could rise up against me to lie in wait , as he is doing today .... ”
Ahimelech - answered the king ... , “ Who among all your servants is as faithful as David , the king’s son-in-law , the captain of your bodyguard (who is) honored in your house ?
Was that day the first time I inquired of God for him ? Far be it Let not the king accuse ... your servant or any of my father’s household , for your servant knew nothing of this whole affair — not in part or in whole.”
But the king replied , “ You will surely die ... , Ahimelech , you and all your father’s house !”
Then the king ordered the guards at his side ... , “ Turn and kill the priests of the LORD , because they too vvv sided with David. For they knew ... he was fleeing , but they did not tell - me.” But the king’s servants would not lift - a hand to strike the priests of the LORD.
So the king ordered Doeg , “ You turn and strike down the priests ! ” And Doeg the Edomite turned and struck down the priests himself. On that day he killed eighty-five ... men who wore the linen ephod.
- He also put vvv to the sword Nob , the city of the priests , with its men and women , children and infants , oxen , donkeys , and sheep ... ....
But one of the sons of Ahimelech son of Ahitub escaped. His name was Abiathar , and he fled to David.
And Abiathar told David that Saul - had killed the priests of the LORD.
Then David said to Abiathar , “ I knew that Doeg the Edomite ... was there that day , and that he was sure to tell Saul. I myself am responsible for the lives of everyone in your father’s house.
Stay with me ; do not be afraid , for he who seeks - your life is seeking - mine (as well). ... You will be safe with me.”