15 That was not the first time I prayed to God for David. Not at all! Don’t blame me or any of my relatives. We are your servants. I know nothing about what is happening.”

16 But the king said, “Ahimelech, you and all your relatives must die.”

17 Then the king told the guards at his side, “Go and kill the priests of the LORD because they are on David’s side too. They knew he was running away, but they didn’t tell me.” The king’s officers refused to hurt the priests of the LORD.