An Edomite official during King Saul’s reign. Doeg betrayed where David was located and later killed the priests of YHWH.
About Doeg
Doeg was an official who worked for King Saul. Saul commanded him to kill the innocent priests at Nob (1 Samuel 21–22). Doeg was an Edomite. which means he was either a foreigner who converted to the Israelite religion or a prominent leader from Edom who was captured during Saul's military campaign against the Edomites (14:47).
Saul put Doeg in charge of his flocks of animals (21:7). King David also later had a foreigner in charge of his cattle (1 Chronicles 27:30).
Key References
Then David asked Ahimelech, “Is there not a spear or sword on hand here? For I have brought neither my sword nor my weapons with me, because the king’s mission was urgent.”
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.
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.
All Scripture References (5)
1 Samuel (4)
Then David asked Ahimelech, “Is there not a spear or sword on hand here? For I have brought neither my sword nor my weapons with me, because the king’s mission was urgent.”
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.
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.
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.
Psalms (1)
Your tongue devises destruction like a sharpened razor, O worker of deceit.