Doeg
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Doeg in the Bible?
Doeg was an Edomite official and chief of Saul's herdsmen who witnessed David's visit to Ahimelech the priest, reported this interaction to King Saul, and subsequently executed the king's order to slaughter the priests and civilians at Nob.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Doeg's role clarifies the political tension between Saul and the religious establishment, illustrating how royal authority could override priestly sanctuary to eliminate perceived threats, thereby deepening the narrative of David's precarious rise to power.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Doeg reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Doeg in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Doeg clarify?
Related Topics
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Doeg." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/doeg/