Good morning. It is Wednesday, April 19, 2023. No … it’s not a misspelling of “dog,” and Nob Hill is actually in the Bible! I could write a book about this chapter with characters such as David, Saul, Doeg the Edomite, Saul’s soldiers, and the priests of Nob. But let’s limit it to one crucial lesson that each of us will face. Read on …
Today's Reading:
1 Samuel 22; Psalm 17; Psalm 35; Matthew 6
Scripture
The king ordered the guards at his side: “Turn and kill the priests of the Lord” …. But the king’s officials were unwilling to raise a hand to strike the priests of the Lord. The king then ordered Doeg, so Doeg the Edomite turned and struck them down, eighty-five men who wore the linen ephod” (1 Samuel 22:17-18)
Observation
Saul had spiritual and leadership problems, and his soldiers were aware, so they refused to comply. They were the righteous ones. They obeyed the highest order of all, for they knew God’s statutes and righteous ways. The present government was telling them to disobey God, but the soldiers knew where to draw the line. On the other hand, Doeg felt justified because he was simply “following orders,” even though it meant butchering the priests and later their families of Nob. Doeg’s compliance with Saul meant defiance toward God.
Doeg was an Edomite. He was a descendant of Esau, Jacob’s brother, so he was aware of the laws of God. Whether he was vying for a promotion or bargaining favor with Saul is not told, but whatever the reason, both Saul and the Edomite sealed their fates.
Application
What are we to do when we are ordered to do what is unrighteous? Peter gives us instruction in Acts 5:29 when the religious Sanhedrin told him to stop teaching Christ: “We must obey God rather than men.” David wrote in Ps. 118:8 – “It is better to trust in the Lord rather than have confidence in man.”
I have seen this play out in higher denominations and other modern-day Sanhedrins. Even religious men will comply with unbiblical standards to gain a position or curry the favor of others. Nevertheless, the Bible and its principles will always be the highest law in the land, and we must choose biblical righteousness over unbiblical justifications.
Prayer
Father, help me to know Your Word and Your heart so instinctively that obeying You is my highest order of business. And when push comes to shove, may I be found as a warrior of the King of Kings. Please help me to be aware of the Doegs on Nob Hill.
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