Doeg, an Edomite - who had embraced the Hebrew religion.
detained before the Lord - at the tabernacle, perhaps, in the performance of a vow, or from its being the Sabbath, which rendered it unlawful for him to prosecute his journey.
the chiefest of the herdmen that belonged to Saul - Eastern monarchs anciently had large possessions in flocks and herds; and the office of the chief shepherd was an important one.