Meanwhile David and his followers had left the Israelitish territory, and offered their services to Achish of Gath; the Philistine prince enrolled them in his body-guard and settled them in the town of Ziklag.
Saul and the priests were now at open war.

Samuel, perhaps naturally, had quarrelled with the king who had superseded his authority, and had espoused the cause of David.

We are told, indeed, that he had anointed David as king in the place of Saul.

When, therefore, David escaped from the court, Saul accused the Shilonite priests who were established at Nob of intentionally aiding the rebel.

The high-priest vainly protested their innocence, but the furious king refused to listen, and the priests were massacred in cold blood.