Saul’s pronouncement is extreme. However, in the context of the ancient Near East, there is some sense to what he did, though this does not lessen the evil of his actions. Oracular priests and divines were often required to make oaths of loyalty to the king, committing themselves to serve as informants, in essence. With Ahimelech acting in David’s favour, he implicated himself and his fellow priests as co-conspirators in a rebellion against Saul.1 Ultimately, however, Saul’s instruction was a stance against the Lord.2
16 And the king said, “You shall surely die, Ahimelech, you and all your father’s house.”