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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Samuel 21:8 Then David asked Ahimelech, "Is there not a spear or sword on hand here? For I have brought neither my sword nor my weapons with me, because the king's business was urgent."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_samuel/21-8.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/6/09_1Sa_21_08.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Samuel 21:8 - David Flees to Gath" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Then David asked Ahimelech, Is there not a spear or sword on hand here? 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I haven&#8217t brought my sword or any other weapon, because the king&#8217s mission was urgent.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/1_samuel/21.htm">New Living Translation</a> David asked Ahimelech, “Do you have a spear or sword? The king’s business was so urgent that I didn’t even have time to grab a weapon!” <a href="/esv/1_samuel/21.htm">English Standard Version</a> Then David said to Ahimelech, “Then have you not here a spear or a sword at hand? For I have brought neither my sword nor my weapons with me, because the king’s business required haste.” <a href="/bsb/1_samuel/21.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Then David asked Ahimelech, “Is there not a spear or sword on hand here? For I have brought neither my sword nor my weapons with me, because the king’s mission was urgent.” <a href="/kjv/1_samuel/21.htm">King James Bible</a> And David said unto Ahimelech, And is there not here under thine hand spear or sword? for I have neither brought my sword nor my weapons with me, because the king's business required haste. <a href="/nkjv/1_samuel/21.htm">New King James Version</a> And David said to Ahimelech, “Is there not here on hand a spear or a sword? For I have brought neither my sword nor my weapons with me, because the king’s business required haste.” <a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/21.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> David said to Ahimelech, “Now is there no spear or sword on hand? For I brought neither my sword nor my weapons with me, because the king’s matter was urgent.” <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/21.htm">NASB 1995</a> David said to Ahimelech, &#8220Now is there not a spear or a sword on hand? For I brought neither my sword nor my weapons with me, because the king&#8217s matter was urgent.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/21.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And David said to Ahimelech, “Now is there not a spear or a sword on hand? For I brought neither my sword nor my weapons with me, because the king’s matter was urgent.” <a href="/lsb/1_samuel/21.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And David said to Ahimelech, “Now is there not a spear or a sword on hand? For I brought neither my sword nor my weapons in my hand because the king’s matter was urgent.” <a href="/amp/1_samuel/21.htm">Amplified Bible</a> David said to Ahimelech, “Do you not have a sword or spear here on hand? For I brought neither my sword nor my [other] weapons with me, because the king’s business was urgent.” <a href="/csb/1_samuel/21.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> David said to Ahimelech, “Do you have a spear or sword on hand? I didn’t even bring my sword or my weapons since the king’s mission was urgent.” <a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/21.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> David said to Ahimelech, &#8220Do you have a spear or sword on hand? I didn&#8217t even bring my sword or my weapons since the king&#8217s mission was urgent.&#8221 <a href="/asv/1_samuel/21.htm">American Standard Version</a> And David said unto Ahimelech, And is there not here under thy hand spear or sword? for I have neither brought my sword nor my weapons with me, because the king's business required haste. <a href="/cev/1_samuel/21.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> David asked Ahimelech, "Do you have a spear or a sword? I had to leave so quickly on this mission for the king that I didn't bring along my sword or any other weapons." <a href="/erv/1_samuel/21.htm">English Revised Version</a> And David said unto Ahimelech, And is there not here under thine hand spear or sword? for I have neither brought my sword nor my weapons with me, because the king's business required haste. <a href="/gwt/1_samuel/21.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> David asked Ahimelech, "Don't you have a spear or a sword here? I didn't take either my spear or any other weapon because the king's business was urgent." <a href="/gnt/1_samuel/21.htm">Good News Translation</a> David said to Ahimelech, "Do you have a spear or a sword you can give me? The king's orders made me leave in such a hurry that I didn't have time to get my sword or any other weapon." <a href="/isv/1_samuel/21.htm">International Standard Version</a> David told Ahimelech, "Is there no spear or sword available here? I took neither my sword nor my weapons with me, because the king's mission is urgent." <a href="/msb/1_samuel/21.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Then David asked Ahimelech, ?Is there not a spear or sword on hand here? For I have brought neither my sword nor my weapons with me, because the king?s mission was urgent.? <a href="/net/1_samuel/21.htm">NET Bible</a> David said to Ahimelech, "Is there no sword or spear here at your disposal? I don't have my own sword or equipment in hand due to the urgency of the king's instructions." <a href="/nheb/1_samuel/21.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> David said to Ahimelech, "Isn't there here under your control spear or sword? For I have neither brought my sword nor my weapons with me, because the king's business required haste." <a href="/wbt/1_samuel/21.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And David said to Ahimelech, And is there not here under thy hand a spear or sword? for I have neither brought my sword nor my weapons with me, because the king's business required haste. <a href="/web/1_samuel/21.htm">World English Bible</a> David said to Ahimelech, “Isn’t there here under your hand spear or sword? For I haven’t brought my sword or my weapons with me, because the king’s business required haste.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_samuel/21.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And David says to Ahimelech, “And is there not spear or sword here under your hand? For I have taken neither my sword nor my vessels in my hand, for the matter of the king was urgent.” <a href="/ylt/1_samuel/21.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And David saith to Ahimelech, 'And is there not here under thy hand spear or sword? for neither my sword nor my vessels have I taken in my hand, for the matter of the king was urgent.' <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 21:9</a><Rf> And David will say to Ahimelech, And is there not here under thy hand, spear or sword? for also sword and also utensil I took not into my hand, for the king's word was pressing.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_samuel/21.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And David said to Achimelech: Hast thou here at hand a spear, or a sword? for I brought not my own sword, nor my own weapons with me, for the king's business required haste. <a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/21.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Then David said to Ahimelech: “Do you have, here at hand, a spear or a sword? For I did not take my own sword, or my own weapons with me. For the word of the king was urgent.” <a href="/nabre/1_samuel/21.htm">New American Bible</a> David then asked Ahimelech: “Do you have a spear or a sword on hand? I brought along neither my sword nor my weapons, because the king’s business was urgent.” <a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/21.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> David said to Ahimelech, “Is there no spear or sword here with you? I did not bring my sword or my weapons with me, because the king’s business required haste.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_samuel/21.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And David said to Ahimeleck, Is there not here in your possession a sword or a spear? For I have brought neither my sword nor my javelin with me, because the king's business required haste. <a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/21.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And a man was there of the Servants of Shaul on that day, shut up before LORD JEHOVAH, and his name was Dueg an Edomite, a mighty man of the Shepherds of Shaul<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/1_samuel/21.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And David said unto Ahimelech: 'And is there peradventure here under thy hand spear or sword? for I have neither brought my sword nor my weapons with me, because the king's business required haste.' <a href="/sep/1_samuel/21.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And David said to Abimelech, See if there is here under thy hand spear or sword, for I have not brought in my hand my sword or my weapons, for the word of the king was urgent. <a href="/parallel/1_samuel/21-8.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=6351" 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 Flees to Gath</a> 8<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.">Then David</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.">asked</a> <a href="/hebrew/288.htm" title="288: la·’ă·ḥî·me·leḵ (Prep-l:: 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/3426.htm" title="3426: yeš- (Adv) -- Being, substance, existence, is. ">“Is there</a> <a href="/hebrew/371.htm" title="371: wə·’în (Conj-w:: Adv) -- Not. Apparently a shortened form of 'ayin; but an interrogative: is it not?.">not</a> <a href="/hebrew/2595.htm" title="2595: ḥă·nîṯ (N-fs) -- A spear. From chanah; a lance.">a spear</a> <a href="/hebrew/176.htm" title="176: ’ōw- (Conj) -- Or. Presumed to be the constructive or genitival form of -av; short for 'avvah; desire; hence or, also if.">or</a> <a href="/hebrew/2719.htm" title="2719: ḥā·reḇ (N-fs) -- A sword. From charab; drought; also a cutting instrument, as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement.">sword</a> <a href="/hebrew/8478.htm" title="8478: ṯa·ḥaṯ- (Prep) -- Underneath, below, instead of. From the same as Towach; the bottom; only adverbially, below, in lieu of, etc.">on</a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: yā·ḏə·ḵā (N-fsc:: 2ms) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)">hand</a> <a href="/hebrew/6311.htm" title="6311: pōh (Adv) -- Here, hither. Or po; or pow; probably from a primitive inseparable particle p and huw'; this place, i.e. Here or hence.">here?</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">For</a> <a href="/hebrew/1571.htm" title="1571: ḡam- (Conj) -- Also, moreover, yea. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/3947.htm" title="3947: lā·qaḥ·tî (V-Qal-Perf-1cs) -- To take. A primitive root; to take.">I have brought</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō- (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">neither</a> <a href="/hebrew/2719.htm" title="2719: ḥar·bî (N-fsc:: 1cs) -- A sword. From charab; drought; also a cutting instrument, as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement.">my sword</a> <a href="/hebrew/1571.htm" title="1571: wə·ḡam- (Punc) -- Also, moreover, yea. ">nor</a> <a href="/hebrew/3627.htm" title="3627: kê·lay (N-mpc:: 1cs) -- An article, utensil, vessel. From kalah; something prepared, i.e. Any apparatus.">my weapons</a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: ḇə·yā·ḏî (Prep-b:: N-fsc:: 1cs) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)">with me,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">because</a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: ham·me·leḵ (Art:: N-ms) -- King. From malak; a king.">the king’s</a> <a href="/hebrew/1697.htm" title="1697: ḏə·ḇar- (N-msc) -- Speech, word. From dabar; a word; by implication, a matter or thing; adverbially, a cause.">business</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: hā·yāh (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">was</a> <a href="/hebrew/5169.htm" title="5169: nā·ḥūṣ (V-Qal-QalPassPrtcpl-ms) -- Perhaps to urge. A primitive root; to be urgent.">urgent.”</a> 9The priest replied, “The sword of Goliath the Philistine, whom you killed in the Valley of Elah, is here; it is wrapped in a cloth behind the ephod. If you want, you may take it. For there is no other but this one.” And David said, “There is none like it; give it to me.”…<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="/1_samuel/17-50.htm">1 Samuel 17:50-51</a> Thus David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone; without a sword in his hand he struck down the Philistine and killed him. / David ran and stood over him. He grabbed the Philistine’s sword and pulled it from its sheath and killed him, and he cut off his head with the sword. When the Philistines saw that their hero was dead, they turned and ran. <a href="/1_samuel/18-10.htm">1 Samuel 18:10-11</a> The next day a spirit of distress sent from God came upon Saul, and he prophesied inside the house while David played the harp as usual. Now Saul was holding a spear, / and he hurled it, thinking, “I will pin David to the wall.” But David eluded him twice. <a href="/1_samuel/19-9.htm">1 Samuel 19:9-10</a> But as Saul was sitting in his house with his spear in his hand, a spirit of distress from the LORD came upon him. While David was playing the harp, / Saul tried to pin him to the wall with his spear. But David eluded him and the spear struck the wall. And David fled and escaped that night. <a href="/1_samuel/22-10.htm">1 Samuel 22:10</a> 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/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/25-13.htm">1 Samuel 25:13</a> And David said to his men, “Strap on your swords!” So David and all his men strapped on their swords, and about four hundred men followed David, while two hundred stayed with the supplies. <a href="/1_samuel/30-7.htm">1 Samuel 30:7-8</a> Then David said to Abiathar the priest, the son of Ahimelech, “Bring me the ephod.” So Abiathar brought it to him, / and David inquired of the LORD: “Should I pursue these raiders? Will I overtake them?” “Pursue them,” the LORD replied, “for you will surely overtake them and rescue the captives.” <a href="/2_samuel/23-9.htm">2 Samuel 23:9-10</a> Next in command was Eleazar son of Dodo the Ahohite. As one of the three mighty men, he went with David to taunt the Philistines who had gathered for battle at Pas-dammim. The men of Israel retreated, / but Eleazar stood his ground and struck the Philistines until his hand grew weary and stuck to his sword. The LORD brought about a great victory that day. Then the troops returned to him, but only to plunder the dead. <a href="/2_kings/6-17.htm">2 Kings 6:17</a> Then Elisha prayed, “O LORD, please open his eyes that he may see.” And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw that the hills were full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. <a href="/psalms/144-1.htm">Psalm 144:1</a> Of David. Blessed be the LORD, my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle. <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="/hebrews/11-32.htm">Hebrews 11:32-34</a> And what more shall I say? Time will not allow me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets, / who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, / quenched the raging fire, and escaped the edge of the sword; who gained strength from weakness, became mighty in battle, and put foreign armies to flight. <a href="/ephesians/6-17.htm">Ephesians 6:17</a> And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And David said to Ahimelech, And is there not here under your hand spear or sword? for I have neither brought my sword nor my weapons with me, because the king's business required haste.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_samuel/21-2.htm">Ahimelech</a> <a href="/1_samuel/21-2.htm">Ahim'elech</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-40.htm">Arms</a> <a href="/1_samuel/21-2.htm">Business</a> <a href="/1_samuel/21-5.htm">David</a> <a href="/1_samuel/21-4.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-38.htm">Haste</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-29.htm">King's</a> <a href="/1_samuel/21-2.htm">Matter</a> <a href="/1_samuel/9-6.htm">Peradventure</a> <a href="/numbers/14-10.htm">Required</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-33.htm">Spear</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-4.htm">Sword</a> <a href="/numbers/22-37.htm">Urgent</a> <a href="/1_samuel/21-5.htm">Vessels</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/23-13.htm">Weapon</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-40.htm">Weapons</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_samuel/22-9.htm">Ahimelech</a> <a href="/1_samuel/22-9.htm">Ahim'elech</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-29.htm">Arms</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-2.htm">Business</a> <a href="/1_samuel/21-9.htm">David</a> <a href="/1_samuel/21-13.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-26.htm">Haste</a> <a href="/1_samuel/22-14.htm">King's</a> <a href="/1_samuel/30-24.htm">Matter</a> <a href="/1_kings/18-5.htm">Peradventure</a> <a href="/2_samuel/12-20.htm">Required</a> <a href="/1_samuel/22-6.htm">Spear</a> <a href="/1_samuel/21-9.htm">Sword</a> <a href="/proverbs/6-3.htm">Urgent</a> <a href="/1_samuel/30-24.htm">Vessels</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-35.htm">Weapon</a> <a href="/1_samuel/31-5.htm">Weapons</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 asked Ahimelech, David, the future king of Israel, is on the run from King Saul, who seeks to kill him. Ahimelech is the high priest at Nob, where the tabernacle is located. This encounter highlights David's desperate situation and his need for assistance. Ahimelech's role as a priest is significant, as priests were intermediaries between God and the people, and David's approach to him indicates a search for divine guidance and provision.“Is there not a spear or sword on hand here? David's request for a weapon underscores his unpreparedness and vulnerability. In ancient Israel, weapons were not only tools of war but also symbols of power and protection. The absence of a weapon suggests David's haste and the gravity of his flight from Saul. This moment foreshadows David's reliance on God rather than human strength, a theme prevalent throughout his life.For I have brought neither my sword nor my weapons with me, David's lack of personal armament is unusual for a warrior of his stature, indicating the urgency and unexpected nature of his departure. This phrase emphasizes the immediacy of his situation and his reliance on others for support. It also reflects the broader biblical theme of God providing for His chosen ones in times of need, as seen in other narratives where God supplies what is lacking.because the king’s mission was urgent.” David's explanation to Ahimelech is a strategic half-truth. While he is indeed on a mission, it is not one sanctioned by King Saul. This statement reflects the tension between David's loyalty to Saul as the anointed king and his need to protect himself from Saul's unjust pursuit. The urgency of the mission underscores the perilous nature of David's journey and his need for immediate assistance. This situation can be seen as a type of Christ, who also faced opposition and misunderstanding during His earthly ministry, yet remained faithful to His divine mission.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a> The future king of Israel, anointed by Samuel, and at this point, fleeing from King Saul who seeks his life. 2. <a href="/topical/a/ahimelech.htm">Ahimelech</a> The priest at Nob who provides David with consecrated bread and later, Goliath's sword. 3. <a href="/topical/n/nob.htm">Nob</a> A city of priests where the tabernacle was located during this period. 4. <a href="/topical/k/king_saul.htm">King Saul</a> The first king of Israel, who perceives David as a threat to his throne and seeks to kill him. 5. <a href="/topical/g/goliath's_sword.htm">Goliath's Sword</a> The weapon David used to kill Goliath, which was kept at Nob and given to David by Ahimelech.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/r/reliance_on_god_in_times_of_need.htm">Reliance on God in Times of Need</a> David's request for a weapon highlights his vulnerability and need for God's provision. In our own lives, we must remember to rely on God when we face urgent needs or crises. <a href="/topical/g/god's_provision.htm">God's Provision</a> The presence of Goliath's sword at Nob is a reminder of God's past deliverance. Reflect on how God has provided for you in the past as a source of encouragement for present challenges. <a href="/topical/i/integrity_and_honesty.htm">Integrity and Honesty</a> David's explanation to Ahimelech about the urgency of the king's business raises questions about honesty. Consider the importance of maintaining integrity, even when under pressure. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_priests_and_spiritual_leaders.htm">The Role of Priests and Spiritual Leaders</a> Ahimelech's assistance to David shows the role of spiritual leaders in providing support and resources. Recognize and appreciate the guidance and help offered by spiritual leaders in your life.<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/goliath's_sword__how_did_it_reach_nob.htm">How did Goliath’s sword end up in the temple at Nob, and is there a historical or archaeological record (1 Samuel 21:8–9)? </a> <a href="/q/who_incited_david's_census.htm">Who incited David to take a census? (2 Samuel 24:1 vs. 1 Chronicles 21:1)</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/why_isn't_david's_temple_ban_reason_given.htm">Why does God forbid David from building the temple in 1 Chronicles 22:8 but never give that explicit reason in the parallel accounts (e.g., 2 Samuel 7)?</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>(8) Spear or sword?--We may well suppose to what David pointed when he made his request--the famous sword, the trophy of the combat which had for ever made his name illustrious. In the first flush of gratitude to the invisible One who had stood by him in the hour of peril, he had doubtless taken and presented to the sanctuary guardians, as an offering to be kept for ever, a memorial of the victory of Israel over the uncircumcised; but now, in his hour of need and humiliation, he needed all the credentials he could gather together of his ability and power to lead men, so he trusts the priest will let him have his glorious prize back again. This seems to have been really the meaning of his petition to Ahimelech, and so evidently the priest understood David, for at once he suggested restoring the well-known, treasured sword. The sanctuary, he said, possesses no war weapon but that one which hangs up among us, a votive offering.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_samuel/21.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 8, 9. - Is there not here under thine hand spear or sword? The sight of Doeg made David feel how helpless he was in case of attack, and he excuses his request for weapons by saying that he had left home unarmed because of the urgeney of the king's business. The whole matter must have seemed very suspicious to Ahimelech, but he was powerless, and answers that the only weapon in the sanctuary was David's own votive offering, the sword of Goliath, carefully deposited in a place of honour behind the ephod with the Urim and Thummim, and wrapped in a cloth for its protection. As the word is used in <a href="/isaiah/9-5.htm">Isaiah 9:5</a> of military attire, it may mean Goliath's war mantle, but more probably it was a covering to preserve it from rust and damp. In <a href="/1_samuel/17-54.htm">1 Samuel 17:54</a> it is said that Goliath's armour became David's private property, and nothing could be more natural than that he should thus lay up the sword in the tabernacle, as a thank offering to God. He now takes it with pleasure, saying, There is none like that; for it was a memorial of his greatest achievement, and might be the presage of good fortune again. DAVID SEEKS REFUGE WITH THE KING OF GATH (vers. 10-15). <a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/21-8.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Then David דָּוִד֙ (dā·wiḏ) 0 <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1732.htm">Strong's 1732: </a> David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse asked וַיֹּ֤אמֶר (way·yō·mer) 0 <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say Ahimelech, לַאֲחִימֶ֔לֶךְ (la·’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 “Is there יֶשׁ־ (yeš-) 0 <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3426.htm">Strong's 3426: </a> Being, substance, existence, is not וְאִ֛ין (wə·’în) 0 <a href="/hebrew/strongs_371.htm">Strong's 371: </a> Is it not? a spear חֲנִ֣ית (ḥă·nîṯ) 0 <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2595.htm">Strong's 2595: </a> A lance or אוֹ־ (’ōw-) 0 <a href="/hebrew/strongs_176.htm">Strong's 176: </a> Desire, if sword חָ֑רֶב (ḥā·reḇ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2719.htm">Strong's 2719: </a> Drought, a cutting instrument, as a, knife, sword on תַֽחַת־ (ṯa·ḥaṯ-) 0 <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8478.htm">Strong's 8478: </a> The bottom, below, in lieu of hand יָדְךָ֖ (yā·ḏə·ḵā) 0 <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3027.htm">Strong's 3027: </a> A hand here? פֹּ֥ה (pōh) 0 <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6311.htm">Strong's 6311: </a> This place, here For גַם־ (ḡam-) Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1571.htm">Strong's 1571: </a> Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and I have brought לָקַ֣חְתִּי (lā·qaḥ·tî) Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3947.htm">Strong's 3947: </a> To take neither לֹֽא־ (lō-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no my sword חַרְבִּ֤י (ḥar·bî) Conjunctive waw | Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2719.htm">Strong's 2719: </a> Drought, a cutting instrument, as a, knife, sword nor וְגַם־ (wə·ḡam-) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1571.htm">Strong's 1571: </a> Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and my weapons כֵּלַי֙ (kê·lay) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3627.htm">Strong's 3627: </a> Something prepared, any apparatus with me, בְיָדִ֔י (ḇə·yā·ḏî) Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3027.htm">Strong's 3027: </a> A hand because כִּֽי־ (kî-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction the king's הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> A king business דְבַר־ (ḏə·ḇar-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1697.htm">Strong's 1697: </a> A word, a matter, thing, a cause was הָיָ֥ה (hā·yāh) Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> To fall out, come to pass, become, be urgent.? נָחֽוּץ׃ (nā·ḥūṣ) Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5169.htm">Strong's 5169: </a> Perhaps to urge <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/21-8.htm">1 Samuel 21:8 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_samuel/21-8.htm">1 Samuel 21:8 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_samuel/21-8.htm">1 Samuel 21:8 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/21-8.htm">1 Samuel 21:8 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_samuel/21-8.htm">1 Samuel 21:8 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/21-8.htm">1 Samuel 21:8 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/21-8.htm">1 Samuel 21:8 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/21-8.htm">1 Samuel 21:8 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/21-8.htm">1 Samuel 21:8 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_samuel/21-8.htm">1 Samuel 21:8 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_samuel/21-8.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 21:8 David said to Ahimelech Isn't there here (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/21-7.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 21:7"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 21:7" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/21-9.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 21:9"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 21:9" /></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>