1 Samuel 22:13

Verse

And Saul asked him, “Why have you and the son of Jesse conspired against me? You gave him bread and a sword and inquired of God for him so that he could rise up against me to lie in wait, as he is doing today.”

American Standard Version (1901)

And Saul said unto him, Why have ye conspired against me, thou and the son of Jesse, in that thou hast given him bread, and a sword, and hast inquired of God for him, that he should rise against me, to lie in wait, as at this day?

Bible in Basic English

And Saul said to him, Why have you made designs against me with the son of Jesse, giving him food and a sword and getting directions from the Lord for him, and helping him to take up arms against me, and to be on the watch to make a secret attack on me as he is doing now?

Free Bible Version

“Why have you and the son of Jesse plotted against me? You gave him bread and a sword, and asked advice from God for him so that he could rebel against me and try and kill me, which is what he's doing right now!”

King James (Authorized) Version

And Saul said unto him, Why have ye conspired against me, thou and the son of Jesse, in that thou hast given him bread, and a sword, and hast enquired of God for him, that he should rise against me, to lie in wait, as at this day?

Translation for Translators

Saul said, “Why are you and Jesse’s son conspiring to get rid of me? You gave him some bread and a sword. You requested God to tell David what he should do. David has rebelled against me, and right now he is hiding somewhere, waiting to attack me.”

Unlocked Literal Bible

Saul said to him, “Why have you plotted against me, you and the son of Jesse, in that you have given him bread, and a sword, and have prayed to God that he might help him, so that he might rise up against me, to hide in secret, as he does today?”

Noah Webster Bible

And Saul said to him, Why have ye conspired against me, thou and the son of Jesse, in that thou hast given him bread, and a sword, and hast inquired of God for him, that he should rise against me, to lie in wait, as at this day?

World English Bible

Saul said to him, “Why have you conspired against me, you and the son of Jesse, in that you have given him bread, and a sword, and have inquired of God for him, that he should rise against me, to lie in wait, as it is today?”

Young's Literal Translation

And Saul saith unto him, 'Why have ye conspired against me, thou and the son of Jesse, by thy giving to him bread and a sword, and to ask for him at God, to rise against me, to lie in wait, as [at] this day?'

Context

Saul Slays the Priests of Nob

¹²“Listen now, son of Ahitub,” said Saul. “Here I am, my lord,” he replied.¹³And Saul asked him, “Why have you and the son of Jesse conspired against me? You gave him bread and a sword and inquired of God for him so that he could rise up against me to lie in wait, as he is doing today.”

Summary

This verse depicts King Saul accusing his men of conspiring against him by helping David, whom he viewed as a threat to his reign. Saul's paranoia and insecurity led him to suspect disloyalty even among his closest followers. The passage reveals the deteriorating mental state of Saul as he becomes increasingly obsessed with eliminating David, illustrating the destructive nature of jealousy and fear. Ultimately, Saul's actions reflect a lack of trust in God's sovereignty and a failure to seek His guidance in handling his concerns.

Commentary

John Gill
Tyndale

John Gill Bible Commentary

And Saul said unto him, why have ye conspired against me, thou, and the son of Jesse?.... No less than treason and rebellion is he charged with, in conjunction with David; the proof follows: in that thou hast given him bread and a sword; the shewbread, and the sword of Goliath, Sa1 21:6, and so had furnished him with food and arms; one that he suggests was in rebellion against him, and therefore he must be involved in the same crime; but the stronger proof follows and hast inquired of God for him, that he should rise against me, to lie in wait as at this day: inquired of the Lord for him by Urim and Thummim, to know his mind in this affair, and thereby encouraged him to rise up in rebellion against him, and to lie in wait, as he did at the present time, watching for an opportunity to seize his crown and kingdom.