Recognizing that his men were unwilling to obey him, Saul approached a man who would not share the same reluctance. Since Doeg accused Ahimelech of being part of a conspiracy, he was likely also willing to kill him without any scruples. Through the hand of a foreigner, Saul would now perpetrate on the Israelite priests that he himself was unwilling to do to the Amalekites (see 1 Samuel 15:1–35).1 The complete annihilation of men, women, children, and animals is reminiscent of ban warfare. Saul conducted holy war against the priests of the Lord.2
18 Then the king said to Doeg, “You turn and strike the priests.” And Doeg the Edomite turned and struck down the priests, and he killed on that day eighty-five persons who wore the linen ephod.