Father Mike Schmitz hosts day 113 of the Bible in a Year podcast, reading from 1 Samuel chapters 21-22 and Psalm 52 using the Great Adventure Bible timeline and Revised Standard Version 2nd Catholic Edition.

The reading focuses on David's flight from King Saul, his encounter with priest Ahimelech at Nob, and the devastating betrayal by Doeg the Edomite that leads to the massacre of 85 priests. Father Mike connects these ancient themes of betrayal and trust to modern spiritual life, drawing parallels between the holy bread David received and the Eucharist, while referencing Inferno to illustrate the severity of betrayal in moral theology.

David's Deception and the Holy Bread at Nob

David lies to priest Ahimelech about being on a secret mission from King Saul to obtain food and weapons for his escape.

Ahimelech gives David the holy bread of the presence, normally reserved for priests, after David claims his men have kept themselves ceremonially clean.

David receives Goliath's sword, which had been kept wrapped behind the ephod as a trophy from his famous victory.

Doeg the Edomite, chief of Saul's herdsmen, witnesses this entire exchange while 'detained before the Lord' at the sanctuary.

David's Feigned Madness and Growing Following

David flees to King Achish of Gath but pretends to be insane when recognized as the warrior celebrated in songs about slaying 'ten thousands.'

At the cave of Adullam, David attracts 400 followers described as 'everyone who was in distress, and everyone who was in debt, and everyone who was discontented.'

David secures safe haven for his parents with the king of Moab while prophet Gad directs him to return to Judah.

Doeg's Betrayal and the Massacre at Nob

Doeg reports David's visit to Nob, leading Saul to summon all the priests and accuse them of conspiracy against his throne.

Ahimelech defends his actions, asking 'who among all your servants is so faithful as David?' and denying knowledge of any rebellion.

When Saul's guards refuse to kill the priests, Doeg personally executes 85 priests and destroys the entire city of Nob - 'men and women, children and sucklings, oxen, donkeys, and sheep.'

Only Abiathar escapes to join David, who accepts responsibility saying 'I have occasioned the death of all the persons of your father's house.'

The Theology of Betrayal and Divine Trust

Father Mike references Inferno where Dante places betrayers in hell's deepest circle with Lucifer, including 'those who betrayed their country, people who betrayed their vows, people who betrayed God.'

Betrayal is particularly evil because 'someone trusted me and I hurt them because I was able to hurt them more deeply because of their trust.'

The bread of the presence connects to Mass liturgy - priests would lift it saying 'behold the love of God for you,' paralleling 'behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.'

Despite human betrayal, Father Mike emphasizes 'I can always trust the Father. I can always trust the Son. I can always trust in the gift of the Holy Spirit.'