1 Samuel 21:1
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?
Original Language Analysis
וַיָּבֹ֤א
Then came
H935
וַיָּבֹ֤א
Then came
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
1 of 18
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
אֲחִימֶ֜לֶךְ
and Ahimelech
H288
אֲחִימֶ֜לֶךְ
and Ahimelech
Strong's:
H288
Word #:
5 of 18
achimelek, the name of an israelite and of a hittite
הַכֹּהֵ֑ן
the priest
H3548
הַכֹּהֵ֑ן
the priest
Strong's:
H3548
Word #:
6 of 18
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
וַיֶּֽחֱרַ֨ד
was afraid
H2729
וַיֶּֽחֱרַ֨ד
was afraid
Strong's:
H2729
Word #:
7 of 18
to shudder with terror; hence, to fear; also to hasten (with anxiety)
אֲחִימֶ֜לֶךְ
and Ahimelech
H288
אֲחִימֶ֜לֶךְ
and Ahimelech
Strong's:
H288
Word #:
8 of 18
achimelek, the name of an israelite and of a hittite
לִקְרַ֣את
at the meeting
H7125
לִקְרַ֣את
at the meeting
Strong's:
H7125
Word #:
9 of 18
an encountering, accidental, friendly or hostile (also adverbially, opposite)
מַדּ֤וּעַ
H4069
מַדּ֤וּעַ
Strong's:
H4069
Word #:
13 of 18
what (is) known?; i.e., (by implication) (adverbially) why?
לְבַדֶּ֔ךָ
H905
לְבַדֶּ֔ךָ
Strong's:
H905
Word #:
15 of 18
properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit
Cross References
Nehemiah 11:32And at Anathoth, Nob, Ananiah,Isaiah 10:32As 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.Mark 2:26How 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?1 Samuel 14:3And Ahiah, the son of Ahitub, I-chabod'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.1 Samuel 16:4And Samuel did that which the LORD spake, and came to Beth-lehem. And the elders of the town trembled at his coming, and said, Comest thou peaceably?
Historical Context
Nob was located north of Jerusalem, approximately one mile from the city. After the destruction of Shiloh (Jeremiah 7:12-14), the tabernacle and priesthood relocated here. The Ahimelech mentioned is likely the great-grandson of Eli, continuing the priestly line despite the judgment pronounced on Eli's house.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you navigate situations where your presence might endanger others who help you?
- What does Ahimelech's willingness to assist David teach us about hospitality amid uncertainty?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
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?
David's flight to Nob marks a pivotal moment in his wilderness years. The Hebrew verb 'charad' (was afraid) indicates Ahimelech's trembling at David's unexpected arrival without his usual retinue. Nob had become the priestly center after Shiloh's destruction, housing the tabernacle and sacred objects. The priest's fearful inquiry reveals the political tension surrounding David's relationship with Saul. Ahimelech's question exposes the anomaly of a royal official traveling alone—a detail that would prove fatal when Doeg later reported this encounter. This passage demonstrates how even ordinary interactions during times of persecution carry weighty consequences, foreshadowing the tragedy that would befall the innocent priests.