David recognized that he was indirectly responsible for the tragedy that had taken place.1 If he was open and honest with Ahimelech, then the priest could have made a choice for himself if he wanted to help David or not. With David's lies, however, he put Ahimelech in a position where he was likely to face Saul’s wrath. This confession of sin and wrongdoing was an important distinction between Saul and David.2
22 And David said to Abiathar, “I knew on that day, when Doeg the Edomite was there, that he would surely tell Saul. I have occasioned the death of all the persons of your father’s house.