17. “Turn and kill the Lord’s priests because they support David,” the king said to the runners standing around him. “When they knew David was fleeing, they didn’t inform me.” But the king’s men refused to attack the Lord’s priests.
18. So the king said to Doeg, “You turn and attack the priests.” Doeg from Edom turned and attacked the priests, and that day he killed 85 men wearing the linen priestly ephod.
19. He also killed the people of Nob, the city of the priests. Using ⌊his⌋ sword, he killed men and women, children and infants, cows, donkeys, and sheep.
20. But Ahimelech, Ahitub’s son, had one son who escaped. His name was Abiathar. He fled to David.
21. Abiathar told David that Saul had killed the Lord’s priests.
22. David told Abiathar, “I knew that day when Doeg from Edom was there that he would be certain to tell Saul. I am the one responsible for all the lives of your family.
23. Stay with me. Don’t be afraid. The one who is seeking my life is ⌊also⌋ seeking your life. However, you will be under my protection.”