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 David dit à Abiathar: J'ai bien pensé ce jour même que Doëg, l'Edomite, se trouvant là, ne manquerait pas d'informer Saül. C'est moi qui suis cause de la mort de toutes les personnes de la maison de ton père.