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Ahimelek trembled when he met him, and asked, &#8220Why are you alone? Why is no one with you?&#8221 <a href="/nlt/1_samuel/21.htm">New Living Translation</a> David went to the town of Nob to see Ahimelech the priest. Ahimelech trembled when he saw him. “Why are you alone?” he asked. “Why is no one with you?” <a href="/esv/1_samuel/21.htm">English Standard Version</a> Then David came to Nob, to Ahimelech the priest. And Ahimelech came to meet David, trembling, and said to him, “Why are you alone, and no one with you?” <a href="/bsb/1_samuel/21.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Then David came to Nob, to Ahimelech the priest. And when Ahimelech met David, he trembled and asked him, “Why are you alone? Why is no one with you?” <a href="/kjv/1_samuel/21.htm">King James Bible</a> Then came David to Nob to Ahimelech the priest: and Ahimelech was afraid at the meeting of David, and said unto him, Why art thou alone, and no man with thee? <a href="/nkjv/1_samuel/21.htm">New King James Version</a> Now David came to Nob, to Ahimelech the priest. And Ahimelech was afraid when he met David, and said to him, “Why are you alone, and no one is with you?” <a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/21.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Then David came to Nob, to Ahimelech the priest; and Ahimelech came trembling to meet David and said to him, “Why are you alone, and no one with you?” <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/21.htm">NASB 1995</a> Then David came to Nob to Ahimelech the priest; and Ahimelech came trembling to meet David and said to him, &#8220Why are you alone and no one with you?&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/21.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Then David came to Nob to Ahimelech the priest; and Ahimelech came trembling to meet David, and said to him, “Why are you alone and no one with you?” <a href="/lsb/1_samuel/21.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Then David came to Nob to Ahimelech the priest; and Ahimelech came trembling to meet David and said to him, “Why are you alone, and no one is with you?” <a href="/amp/1_samuel/21.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Then David went to Nob to Ahimelech the priest; and Ahimelech came trembling [in fear] to meet David and said to him, “Why are you alone, and no one with you?” <a href="/csb/1_samuel/21.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> David went to the priest Ahimelech at Nob. Ahimelech was afraid to meet David, so he said to him, “Why are you alone and no one is with you? ” <a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/21.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> David went to Ahimelech the priest at Nob. Ahimelech was afraid to meet David, so he said to him, &#8220Why are you alone and no one is with you?&#8221 <a href="/asv/1_samuel/21.htm">American Standard Version</a> Then came David to Nob to Ahimelech the priest: and Ahimelech came to meet David trembling, and said unto him, Why art thou alone, and no man with thee? <a href="/cev/1_samuel/21.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> David went to see Ahimelech, a priest who lived in the town of Nob. Ahimelech was trembling with fear as he came out to meet David. "Why are you alone?" Ahimelech asked. "Why isn't anyone else with you?" <a href="/erv/1_samuel/21.htm">English Revised Version</a> Then came David to Nob to Ahimelech the priest: and Ahimelech came to meet David trembling, and said unto him, Why art thou alone, and no man with thee? <a href="/gwt/1_samuel/21.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> David went to the priest Ahimelech at Nob. Ahimelech was trembling as he went to meet David. "Why are you alone?" he asked David. "Why is no one with you?" <a href="/gnt/1_samuel/21.htm">Good News Translation</a> David went to the priest Ahimelech in Nob. Ahimelech came out trembling to meet him and asked, "Why did you come here all by yourself?" <a href="/isv/1_samuel/21.htm">International Standard Version</a> David came to Nob to Ahimelech the priest, and Ahimelech was trembling as he came to meet David. Ahimelech told him, "Why are you alone, and no one with you?" <a href="/msb/1_samuel/21.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Then David came to Nob, to Ahimelech the priest. And when Ahimelech met David, he trembled and asked him, ?Why are you alone? Why is no one with you?? <a href="/net/1_samuel/21.htm">NET Bible</a> David went to Ahimelech the priest in Nob. Ahimelech was shaking with fear when he met David, and said to him, "Why are you by yourself with no one accompanying you?" <a href="/nheb/1_samuel/21.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Then David came to Nob to Ahimelech the priest. And Ahimelech was shaking in fear when he met David, and said to him, "Why are you alone, and no one with you?" <a href="/wbt/1_samuel/21.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Then came David to Nob to Ahimelech the priest: and Ahimelech was afraid at the meeting of David, and said to him, Why art thou alone, and no man with thee? <a href="/web/1_samuel/21.htm">World English Bible</a> Then David came to Nob to Ahimelech the priest. Ahimelech came to meet David trembling, and said to him, “Why are you alone, and no man with you?” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_samuel/21.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And David comes to Nob, to Ahimelech the priest, and Ahimelech trembles at meeting David and says to him, “Why [are] you alone, and no man [is] with you?” <a href="/ylt/1_samuel/21.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And David cometh in to Nob, unto Ahimelech the priest, and Ahimelech trembleth at meeting David, and saith to him, 'Wherefore art thou thyself alone, and no man with thee?' <a href="/slt/1_samuel/21.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> <RF q=*>The original Julia E. Smith Bible records the following as a verse reference for <a href=#>1 Sam 21:2</a><Rf> And David will come to Nob to Abimelech the priest: and Abimelech will tremble to meet David, and he will say to him, Wherefore thou thyself alone and no man with thee?<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_samuel/21.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And David came to Nobe to Achimelech the priest: and Achimelech was astonished at David's coming. And he said to him: Why art thou alone, and no man with thee? <a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/21.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Then David went into Nob, to the priest Ahimelech. And Ahimelech was astonished that David had arrived. And he said to him, “Why are you alone, and no one is with you?” <a href="/nabre/1_samuel/21.htm">New American Bible</a> David went to Ahimelech, the priest of Nob, who came trembling to meet him. He asked, “Why are you alone? Is there no one with you?” <a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/21.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> David came to Nob to the priest Ahimelech. Ahimelech came trembling to meet David, and said to him, “Why are you alone, and no one with you?”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_samuel/21.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> THEN David came to Noh, to Ahimeleck the priest; and Ahimeleck was afraid at meeting David, and said to him, Why have you come alone, and no man with you? <a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/21.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And Jonathan arose and entered the city<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/1_samuel/21.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> Then came David to Nob to Ahimelech the priest; and Ahimelech came to meet David trembling, and said unto him: 'Why art thou alone, and no man with thee?' <a href="/sep/1_samuel/21.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And David comes to Nomba to Abimelech the priest: and Abimelech was amazed at meeting him, and said to him, Why art thou alone, and nobody with thee? <a href="/parallel/1_samuel/21-1.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H8oQfYUMRZg?start=6265" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/21.htm">David Takes the Consecrated Bread</a> 1<a href="/hebrew/1732.htm" title="1732: ḏā·wiḏ (N-proper-ms) -- Perhaps beloved one, a son of Jesse. Rarely; Daviyd; from the same as dowd; loving; David, the youngest son of Jesse.">Then David</a> <a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: way·yā·ḇō (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">came</a> <a href="/hebrew/5011.htm" title="5011: nō·ḇeh (N-proper-fs:: 3fs) -- A priestly city, perhaps also a place N. of Jer. The same as nowb; fruit; Nob, a place in Palestine.">to Nob,</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/288.htm" title="288: ’ă·ḥî·me·leḵ (N-proper-ms) -- From 'ach and melek; brother of king; Achimelek, the name of an Israelite and of a Hittite.">Ahimelech</a> <a href="/hebrew/3548.htm" title="3548: hak·kō·hên (Art:: N-ms) -- Priest. Active participle of kahan; literally, one officiating, a priest; also an acting priest.">the priest.</a> <a href="/hebrew/288.htm" title="288: ’ă·ḥî·me·leḵ (N-proper-ms) -- From 'ach and melek; brother of king; Achimelek, the name of an Israelite and of a Hittite.">And when Ahimelech</a> <a href="/hebrew/7122.htm" title="7122: liq·raṯ (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To encounter, befall. A primitive root: to encounter, whether accidentally or in a hostile manner.">met</a> <a href="/hebrew/1732.htm" title="1732: dā·wiḏ (N-proper-ms) -- Perhaps beloved one, a son of Jesse. Rarely; Daviyd; from the same as dowd; loving; David, the youngest son of Jesse.">David,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2729.htm" title="2729: way·ye·ḥĕ·raḏ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To tremble, be terrified. A primitive root; to shudder with terror; hence, to fear; also to hasten.">he trembled</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">and asked</a> <a href="/hebrew/lōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- ">him,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4069.htm" title="4069: mad·dū·a‘ (Adv) -- Why? for what reason?. Or madduaa; from mah and the passive participle of yada'; what known?; i.e. why?.">“Why are</a> <a href="/hebrew/859.htm" title="859: ’at·tāh (Pro-2ms) -- You (masc. sing.). ">you</a> <a href="/hebrew/905.htm" title="905: lə·ḇad·de·ḵā (Prep-l:: N-msc:: 2ms) -- Separation, a part. ">alone?</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: wə·’îš (Conj-w:: N-ms) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">Why is</a> <a href="/hebrew/369.htm" title="369: ’ên (Adv) -- As if from a primitive root meaning to be nothing or not exist; a non-entity; generally used as a negative particle.">no one</a> <a href="/hebrew/854.htm" title="854: ’it·tāḵ (Prep:: 2ms) -- With (denoting proximity). Probably from 'anah; properly, nearness, near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc.">with you?”</a> 2“The king has given me a mission,” David replied. “He told me no one is to know about the mission or charge. And I have directed my young men to meet me at a certain place.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/psalms/34-1.htm">Psalm 34:1-22</a> Of David, when he pretended to be insane before Abimelech, so that the king drove him away. I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise will always be on my lips. / My soul boasts in the LORD; let the oppressed hear and rejoice. / Magnify the LORD with me; let us exalt His name together. ... <a href="/psalms/56-1.htm">Psalm 56:1-13</a> For the choirmaster. To the tune of “A Dove on Distant Oaks.” A Miktam of David, when the Philistines seized him in Gath. Be merciful to me, O God, for men are hounding me; all day they press their attack. / My enemies pursue me all day long, for many proudly assail me. / When I am afraid, I put my trust in You. ... <a href="/matthew/12-3.htm">Matthew 12:3-4</a> Jesus replied, “Have you not read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? / He entered the house of God, and he and his companions ate the consecrated bread, which was not lawful for them to eat, but only for the priests. <a href="/mark/2-25.htm">Mark 2:25-26</a> Jesus replied, “Have you never read what David did when he and his companions were hungry and in need? / During the high priesthood of Abiathar, he entered the house of God and ate the consecrated bread, which was lawful only for the priests. And he gave some to his companions as well.” <a href="/luke/6-3.htm">Luke 6:3-4</a> Jesus replied, “Have you not read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? / He entered the house of God, took the consecrated bread and gave it to his companions, and ate what is lawful only for the priests to eat.” <a href="/1_samuel/22-9.htm">1 Samuel 22:9-10</a> But Doeg the Edomite, who had stationed himself with Saul’s servants, answered: “I saw the son of Jesse come to Ahimelech son of Ahitub at Nob. / Ahimelech inquired of the LORD for him and gave him provisions. He also gave him the sword of Goliath the Philistine.” <a href="/1_samuel/22-11.htm">1 Samuel 22:11-13</a> Then the king sent messengers to summon Ahimelech the priest, the son of Ahitub, and his father’s whole family, who were priests at Nob. And all of them came to the king. / “Listen now, son of Ahitub,” said Saul. “Here I am, my lord,” he replied. / And Saul asked him, “Why have you and the son of Jesse conspired against me? You gave him bread and a sword and inquired of God for him so that he could rise up against me to lie in wait, as he is doing today.” <a href="/1_samuel/22-20.htm">1 Samuel 22:20-23</a> But one of the sons of Ahimelech son of Ahitub escaped. His name was Abiathar, and he fled to David. / And Abiathar told David that Saul had killed the priests of the LORD. / Then David said to Abiathar, “I knew that Doeg the Edomite was there that day, and that he was sure to tell Saul. I myself am responsible for the lives of everyone in your father’s house. ... <a href="/1_samuel/23-6.htm">1 Samuel 23:6</a> (Now Abiathar son of Ahimelech had brought the ephod with him when he fled to David at Keilah.) <a href="/1_samuel/23-9.htm">1 Samuel 23:9</a> When David learned that Saul was plotting evil against him, he said to Abiathar the priest, “Bring the ephod.” <a href="/1_samuel/30-7.htm">1 Samuel 30:7</a> Then David said to Abiathar the priest, the son of Ahimelech, “Bring me the ephod.” So Abiathar brought it to him, <a href="/2_samuel/8-17.htm">2 Samuel 8:17</a> Zadok son of Ahitub and Ahimelech son of Abiathar were priests; Seraiah was the scribe; <a href="/2_samuel/15-24.htm">2 Samuel 15:24-29</a> Zadok was also there, and all the Levites with him were carrying the ark of the covenant of God. And they set down the ark of God, and Abiathar offered sacrifices until all the people had passed out of the city. / Then the king said to Zadok, “Return the ark of God to the city. If I find favor in the eyes of the LORD, He will bring me back and let me see both it and His dwelling place again. / But if He should say, ‘I do not delight in you,’ then here I am; let Him do to me whatever seems good to Him.” ... <a href="/2_samuel/19-11.htm">2 Samuel 19:11</a> Then King David sent this message to Zadok and Abiathar, the priests: “Say to the elders of Judah, ‘Why should you be the last to restore the king to his palace, since the talk of all Israel has reached the king at his quarters? <a href="/2_kings/25-18.htm">2 Kings 25:18</a> The captain of the guard also took away Seraiah the chief priest, Zephaniah the priest of second rank, and the three doorkeepers.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Then came David to Nob to Ahimelech the priest: and Ahimelech was afraid at the meeting of David, and said to him, Why are you alone, and no man with you?<a href="/1_samuel/22-19.htm">1 Samuel 22:19</a> And Nob, the city of the priests, smote he with the edge of the sword, both men and women, children and sucklings, and oxen, and asses, and sheep, with the edge of the sword.<a href="/nehemiah/11-32.htm">Nehemiah 11:32</a> And at Anathoth, Nob, Ananiah,<a href="/isaiah/10-32.htm">Isaiah 10:32</a> As yet shall he remain at Nob that day: he shall shake his hand against the mount of the daughter of Zion, the hill of Jerusalem.to Ahimelech<a href="/1_samuel/14-3.htm">1 Samuel 14:3</a> And Ahiah, the son of Ahitub, Ichabod's brother, the son of Phinehas, the son of Eli, the LORD'S priest in Shiloh, wearing an ephod. And the people knew not that Jonathan was gone.called Ahiah<a href="/1_samuel/22-9.htm">1 Samuel 22:9-19</a> Then answered Doeg the Edomite, which was set over the servants of Saul, and said, I saw the son of Jesse coming to Nob, to Ahimelech the son of Ahitub… called also Abiathar<a href="/mark/2-26.htm">Mark 2:26</a> How he went into the house of God in the days of Abiathar the high priest, and did eat the shewbread, which is not lawful to eat but for the priests, and gave also to them which were with him?afraid<a href="/1_samuel/16-4.htm">1 Samuel 16:4</a> And Samuel did that which the LORD spake, and came to Bethlehem. And the elders of the town trembled at his coming, and said, Comest thou peaceably?<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_samuel/18-29.htm">Afraid</a> <a href="/psalms/52-1.htm">Ahimelech</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/24-3.htm">Ahim'elech</a> <a href="/1_samuel/11-3.htm">Alone</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-42.htm">David</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-6.htm">Meet</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-35.htm">Meeting</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-30.htm">Met</a> <a href="/isaiah/10-32.htm">Nob</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-36.htm">Priest</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-19.htm">Thyself</a> <a href="/1_samuel/16-4.htm">Trembled</a> <a href="/ruth/3-8.htm">Trembleth</a> <a href="/1_samuel/16-4.htm">Trembling</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-32.htm">Wherefore</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_samuel/21-12.htm">Afraid</a> <a href="/1_samuel/21-2.htm">Ahimelech</a> <a href="/1_samuel/21-2.htm">Ahim'elech</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-24.htm">Alone</a> <a href="/1_samuel/21-2.htm">David</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-28.htm">Meet</a> <a href="/2_samuel/10-5.htm">Meeting</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-20.htm">Met</a> <a href="/1_samuel/22-9.htm">Nob</a> <a href="/1_samuel/21-2.htm">Priest</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-26.htm">Thyself</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-5.htm">Trembled</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-5.htm">Trembleth</a> <a href="/2_samuel/22-8.htm">Trembling</a> <a href="/1_samuel/21-14.htm">Wherefore</a><div class="vheading2">1 Samuel 21</div>1. <a href="/1_samuel/21-1.htm">David at Nob obtains Ahimelech's hallowed bread</a> 7. <a href="/1_samuel/21-7.htm">Doeg is present</a> 8. <a href="/1_samuel/21-8.htm">David takes Goliath's sword</a> 10. <a href="/1_samuel/21-10.htm">David at Gath feigns himself insane</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/21.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_samuel/21.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Then David came to Nob, to Ahimelech the priest. Nob was a city of priests located near Jerusalem, known for its religious significance as the site of the tabernacle after the destruction of Shiloh. Ahimelech, the priest, was a descendant of Eli, the high priest whose lineage was prophesied to face judgment (<a href="/1_samuel/2-31.htm">1 Samuel 2:31-36</a>). David's visit to Nob marks a critical moment in his life as he flees from King Saul. This event foreshadows the eventual destruction of Nob by Saul (<a href="/1_samuel/22-19.htm">1 Samuel 22:19</a>), highlighting the tension between Saul and David. The presence of the tabernacle in Nob signifies the city's spiritual importance, and David's interaction with Ahimelech underscores his reliance on divine guidance during his flight.And when Ahimelech met David, he trembled and asked him, Ahimelech's trembling indicates his awareness of the political tension between Saul and David. As a priest, Ahimelech would have been concerned about the implications of aiding David, who was known to be a fugitive. This reaction reflects the fear and uncertainty prevalent among the Israelites due to Saul's erratic behavior and the growing support for David as the anointed future king. Ahimelech's fear also suggests the potential consequences of being associated with David, as Saul's wrath was unpredictable and often violent.“Why are you alone? Why is no one with you?” David's solitary arrival was unusual for someone of his status, as he was typically accompanied by a retinue. Ahimelech's question highlights the abnormality of the situation and his suspicion of David's intentions. In the cultural context, traveling alone could imply secrecy or urgency, raising concerns about David's motives. This moment foreshadows David's reliance on subterfuge and strategic thinking throughout his life. Theologically, David's isolation can be seen as a type of Christ, who often withdrew to solitary places for prayer and faced moments of abandonment, particularly during His passion.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a> The anointed future king of Israel, currently fleeing from King Saul who seeks his life. David's journey to Nob marks a significant moment in his life as he seeks refuge and sustenance. 2. <a href="/topical/n/nob.htm">Nob</a> A city of priests, located near Jerusalem. It served as a religious center after the destruction of Shiloh, housing the tabernacle and the priestly community. 3. <a href="/topical/a/ahimelech_the_priest.htm">Ahimelech the Priest</a> The high priest at Nob, who is initially fearful upon David's arrival. His reaction indicates the tension and danger surrounding David's situation. 4. <a href="/topical/s/saul.htm">Saul</a> Although not directly mentioned in this verse, King Saul's pursuit of David is the backdrop of this event. Saul's jealousy and paranoia have driven David into hiding. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_tabernacle.htm">The Tabernacle</a> The central place of worship for the Israelites, where the priests served and where David sought both physical and spiritual sustenance.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/g/god's_provision_in_times_of_need.htm">God's Provision in Times of Need</a> David's visit to Nob demonstrates God's provision through unexpected means. Even in dire circumstances, God provides for His people. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_fear_and_faith.htm">The Role of Fear and Faith</a> Ahimelech's fear upon seeing David reminds us of the human tendency to fear the unknown. Yet, faith calls us to trust in God's plan and provision. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_seeking_godly_counsel.htm">The Importance of Seeking Godly Counsel</a> David's approach to Ahimelech shows the value of seeking guidance and support from spiritual leaders during challenging times. <a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_deception.htm">The Consequences of Deception</a> David's later deception to Ahimelech (not detailed in this verse) leads to tragic consequences, reminding us of the importance of honesty and integrity. <a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_amidst_human_plans.htm">God's Sovereignty Amidst Human Plans</a> Despite Saul's pursuit, God's sovereign plan for David's life continues to unfold, encouraging us to trust in God's ultimate control over our circumstances.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_samuel_21.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 21</a> <a href="/q/what_is_the_plot_of_priests_of_nob.htm">What is the plot of Priests of Nob?</a> <a href="/q/why_wasn't_david_punished_for_lying.htm">Why did God not condemn or punish David for lying to Ahimelech (1 Samuel 21:1–2)? </a> <a href="/q/could_doeg_plausibly_kill_85_priests.htm">How historically plausible is it that one person like Doeg could have slaughtered 85 priests in one event (1 Samuel 22:18)? </a> <a href="/q/evidence_for_nob_massacre_or_85_priests.htm">Is there any archeological or historical evidence supporting the massacre at Nob or the existence of these 85 priests (1 Samuel 22:18–19)? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_samuel/21.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(1) Then came David to Nob.--Before leaving his native land, David determined once more to see, and if practicable to take counsel with, the old high priest of Israel, with whom, no doubt, in the past years of his close connection with Samuel, he had had frequent and intimate communion. He hoped, too, in that friendly and powerful religious centre to provide himself and his few companions with arms and other necessaries for his exile; nor is it improbable that he purposed, through the friendly high priest, to make some inquiry of the Divine oracle, the Urim and Thuinmim, concerning his doubtful future. The unexpected presence of Doeg, the powerful and unscrupulous servant of Saul, at the sanctuary, no doubt hurried him away in hot haste across the frontier.The town of Nob, situated between Anathoth and Jerusalem--about an hour's ride from the latter--has been with great probability identified with the "village of Esau," El-Isaurizeb, a place bearing all the marks of an ancient town, with its many marble columns and ancient stones. There, in these latter days of Saul, "stood the last precious relic of the ancient nomadic times--the tabernacle of the wanderings, round which, since the fall of Shiloh, had dwelt the descendants of the house of Eli. It was a little colony of priests; no less than eighty-five persons ministered there in the white linen dress of the priesthood, and all their families and herds were gathered round them. The priest was not so ready to befriend as the prophet (we allude to David's reception by Samuel at Naioth by Ramah, 1 Samuel 19). As the solitary fugitive, famished and unarmed, stole up the mountain side, he met with but a cold welcome from the cautious and courtly Ahimelech."--Stanley, Lectures on the Jewish Church, Lect. 12To Ahimelech the priest.--He was the great grandson of Eli, thus--Died at Shiloh after news of capture of Ark,EliPhinehasAhitubIchabodAhimelechAbiathar.Slain by Philistines in battleReign of Saul--High Priest, . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_samuel/21.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Ver 1. - Then came David to Nob. Nob means a knoll or hill, and apparently was situated a little to the north of Jerusalem on the road leading to Gath. The ark had evidently been removed thither by Saul early in his reign, after it had remained for twenty years in the house of Abinadab; and as eighty-five priests wearing an ephod were murdered there by Doeg at Saul's command (<a href="/1_samuel/22-18.htm">1 Samuel 22:18, 19</a>), it is plain that the worship of Jehovah had been restored by him with something of its old splendour. And this agrees with Saul's character. At the commencement of his reign we find Ahiah with him as high priest, and even when he fell his excuse was the necessity for performing the public rites of religion (<a href="/1_samuel/15-15.htm">1 Samuel 15:15</a>). But with him the king's will was first, the will of Jehovah second; and while he restores God's public worship as part of the glory of his reign, he ruthlessly puts the priests with their wives and families to death when he supposes that they have given aid to his enemy. Ahimelech was afraid at the meeting of David. More literally, "went trembling to meet David." Ahiah, described as high priest in <a href="/1_samuel/14-3.htm">1 Samuel 14:3</a>, was either dead or, more probably, was a younger brother, who, while Ahimelech remained with the ark, acted as high priest at the camp for Saul, especially in consulting God for him by means of the ephod with the breastplate. Why art thou alone? Nevertheless, in <a href="/mark/2-26.htm">Mark 2:26</a> our Lord speaks of those "who were with David," and the "young men" are mentioned in vers. 4, 5. While David went alone to consult Ahimelech, that his visit might be kept quite secret, he had taken a few of his servants with him, and had left them somewhere in the neighbourhood, or even, more probably, had instructed some one to meet him with such men as he could collect. The arrival of the king's son-in-law without an escort would naturally strike the high priest as strange, and therefore as alarming. <a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/21-1.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Then David דָוִד֙ (ḏā·wiḏ) 0 <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1732.htm">Strong's 1732: </a> David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse came וַיָּבֹ֤א (way·yā·ḇō) 0 <a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> To come in, come, go in, go to Nob, נֹ֔בֶה (nō·ḇeh) 0 <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5011.htm">Strong's 5011: </a> Nob -- a priestly city, perhaps also a place North of Jerusalem to אֶל־ (’el-) 0 <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to Ahimelech אֲחִימֶ֖לֶךְ (’ă·ḥî·me·leḵ) 0 <a href="/hebrew/strongs_288.htm">Strong's 288: </a> Ahimelech -- 'brother of a king', an Israelite name, also a Hittite name the priest. הַכֹּהֵ֑ן (hak·kō·hên) 0 <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3548.htm">Strong's 3548: </a> Priest And when Ahimelech אֲחִימֶ֜לֶךְ (’ă·ḥî·me·leḵ) 0 <a href="/hebrew/strongs_288.htm">Strong's 288: </a> Ahimelech -- 'brother of a king', an Israelite name, also a Hittite name met לִקְרַ֣את (liq·raṯ) 0 <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7122.htm">Strong's 7122: </a> To encounter, befall David, דָּוִ֗ד (dā·wiḏ) 0 <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1732.htm">Strong's 1732: </a> David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse he trembled וַיֶּחֱרַ֨ד (way·ye·ḥĕ·raḏ) 0 <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2729.htm">Strong's 2729: </a> To shudder with terror, to fear, to hasten and asked וַיֹּ֤אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say him, לוֹ֙ (lōw) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> “Why [are] מַדּ֤וּעַ (mad·dū·a‘) Noun - proper - feminine singular | third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4069.htm">Strong's 4069: </a> Why? for what reason? you אַתָּה֙ (’at·tāh) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_859.htm">Strong's 859: </a> Thou and thee, ye and you alone? לְבַדֶּ֔ךָ (lə·ḇad·de·ḵā) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_905.htm">Strong's 905: </a> Separation, a part of the body, branch of a, tree, bar for, carrying, chief of Why is וְאִ֖ישׁ (wə·’îš) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> A man as an individual, a male person no one אֵ֥ין (’ên) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_369.htm">Strong's 369: </a> A non-entity, a negative particle with you?” אִתָּֽךְ׃ (’it·tāḵ) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_854.htm">Strong's 854: </a> Nearness, near, with, by, at, among <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/21-1.htm">1 Samuel 21:1 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_samuel/21-1.htm">1 Samuel 21:1 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_samuel/21-1.htm">1 Samuel 21:1 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/21-1.htm">1 Samuel 21:1 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_samuel/21-1.htm">1 Samuel 21:1 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/21-1.htm">1 Samuel 21:1 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/21-1.htm">1 Samuel 21:1 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/21-1.htm">1 Samuel 21:1 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/21-1.htm">1 Samuel 21:1 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_samuel/21-1.htm">1 Samuel 21:1 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_samuel/21-1.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 21:1 Then came David to Nob to Ahimelech (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/20-42.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 20:42"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 20:42" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/21-2.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 21:2"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 21:2" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>