1 Samuel 21:1

KJV

¶ 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?

KJV (with Strong's)

Then came {H935} David {H1732} to Nob {H5011} to Ahimelech {H288} the priest {H3548}: and Ahimelech {H288} was afraid {H2729} at the meeting {H7125} of David {H1732}, and said {H559} unto him, Why art thou alone, and no man {H376} with thee?

Complete Jewish Bible

David went to see Achimelekh the cohen in Nov. Achimelekh came trembling to meet David and asked, "Why are you alone? Why is no one with you?"

Berean Standard Bible

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?”

American Standard Version

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?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 21:1 inaugurates a critical and perilous phase in David's life, portraying his arrival at Nob, the city of priests, as a solitary fugitive fleeing the murderous jealousy of King Saul. This initial encounter with Ahimelech the high priest is immediately marked by apprehension and suspicion, as Ahimelech's palpable fear and direct inquiry into David's unusual solitude underscore the profound political instability and personal danger that now envelop the anointed future king of Israel. The verse masterfully sets the stage for David's desperate deception and the tragic, far-reaching consequences that will tragically engulf the innocent priestly community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse directly follows the deeply emotional and covenantal farewell between David and Jonathan in [1 Samuel 20](/1_samuel/20 "1 Samuel 20 - Jonathan's Covenant with David"), where Jonathan unequivocally confirms Saul's unyielding intent to kill David. Having exhausted all avenues for reconciliation and protection within the royal court, David is now officially a hunted man, compelled to abandon his home, family, and esteemed position. His arrival at Nob signifies the commencement of a protracted period of flight and exile, a stark and painful contrast to his recent celebrated status as a national hero and Saul's son-in-law. This desperate flight powerfully underscores the escalating madness and spiritual decline of Saul, while simultaneously highlighting the profound vulnerability of God's anointed, even when seemingly abandoned by human support.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Nob was a highly significant priestly city, widely believed to have housed the Tabernacle and its sacred implements after the destruction of Shiloh. As such, it functioned as a central place of spiritual authority and, ideally, refuge, where the high priest, Ahimelech (a descendant of Eli), would perform religious duties, offer sacrifices, and provide divine counsel. For David, a prominent military commander and the king's son-in-law, to appear alone and unannounced at such a sacred and politically sensitive site was profoundly irregular and deeply suspicious. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, a person of David's stature would invariably be accompanied by a retinue of servants, guards, and attendants, making his solitary appearance a clear and alarming signal of distress, political disgrace, or even a covert mission, thereby prompting Ahimelech's immediate fear and pointed inquiry.
* **Key Themes:** This verse introduces several pivotal themes that will resonate throughout David's subsequent narrative. It powerfully highlights the theme of **desperation and vulnerability**, as David, the divinely chosen future king, is reduced to a solitary wanderer, utterly dependent on the goodwill of others and the unseen hand of divine providence. It also underscores the **sanctuary as a place of refuge**, demonstrating David's immediate recourse to the religious establishment in his dire time of need, though this very refuge tragically leads to the [slaughter of the priests of Nob](/1_samuel/22-18 "1 Samuel 22:18 - Saul's Slaughter of the Priests of Nob") by Saul later in the narrative. Furthermore, the verse vividly illustrates the **corrupting influence of unrighteous leadership** in King Saul, whose unchecked paranoia and rage create a terrifying ripple effect of fear and danger for anyone associated with David, even innocent religious figures. This entire episode serves as a powerful foreshadowing of the profound cost of Saul's rejection of God's will, setting the stage for David's eventual, divinely ordained ascension to the throne.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **David (Hebrew, _Dâvid'_):** From the same root as "loving," this name (דָּוִיד) denotes the youngest son of Jesse, who would become Israel's greatest king. In this context, the mention of "David" immediately evokes his celebrated past as a national hero and Saul's son-in-law, creating a stark contrast with his current desperate and solitary state, which is central to Ahimelech's apprehension.
* **afraid (Hebrew, _chârad'_):** This primitive root (חָרַד) conveys a profound sense of shuddering with terror, quaking, or trembling, indicating more than mere surprise; it signifies a visceral and deep-seated fear or apprehension. Ahimelech's fear upon seeing David alone immediately signals his acute awareness of the volatile political climate and the immense danger of being associated with anyone perceived as an enemy of King Saul, highlighting the precariousness of the situation.
* **priest (Hebrew, _kôhên'_):** This active participle (כָּהַן) literally means "one officiating," referring to a priest, a sacred officeholder. Ahimelech's title as "the priest" emphasizes his role as the high priest at Nob, the custodian of the Tabernacle and its holy items. His position of spiritual authority and his responsibility for the sanctuary make his fear particularly significant, as it indicates the pervasive reach of Saul's tyranny into even the holiest of places.
* **man (Hebrew, _ʼîysh'_):** This term (אִשָּׁה) refers to an individual man or male person. In Ahimelech's question, "and no man with thee?", the word emphasizes David's complete lack of attendants or companions. For a figure of David's prominence, this absence of any "man" by his side was highly irregular and immediately conveyed his desperate flight and lack of official support, intensifying Ahimelech's concern about the true nature of David's visit.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then came David to Nob to Ahimelech the priest":** This opening clause establishes the critical shift in David's journey, marking his arrival at Nob, a city of priests, after his flight from Saul. It identifies Ahimelech as the specific high priest David sought out, indicating David's deliberate choice to seek aid or counsel from the religious establishment, perhaps hoping for sanctuary or provisions in his desperate state.
* **"and Ahimelech was afraid at the meeting of David":** This phrase immediately reveals the high priest's visceral reaction to David's unexpected and solitary appearance. Ahimelech's "fear" (not mere surprise) demonstrates his acute awareness of the political volatility surrounding King Saul and David, recognizing the immense personal and communal danger that could arise from offering assistance to someone out of favor with the king.
* **"and said unto him, Why [art] thou alone, and no man with thee?":** Ahimelech's direct and pointed question underscores the highly unusual and suspicious nature of David's arrival. For a man of David's military stature and royal connections, appearing without any retinue or attendants was a clear and alarming sign of severe trouble. This question serves not merely as an inquiry but as an expression of deep concern and a veiled demand for an explanation, as Ahimelech instinctively grasps the potential peril this situation poses for himself and the entire priestly community at Nob.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs several literary devices to convey its dramatic tension and thematic significance. **Foreshadowing** is prominently featured, as Ahimelech's immediate fear and David's desperate, solitary state subtly hint at the tragic events that will soon unfold for the priests of Nob, who will be brutally slaughtered by Saul for their unwitting aid to David. There is also a powerful element of **Irony**, as David, the celebrated hero who slew Goliath and saved Israel, is now reduced to a hunted fugitive, stripped of his glory and forced into deceptive measures for survival. This stark contrast between David's former public image and his current desperate reality profoundly emphasizes his vulnerability. Furthermore, the scene establishes a potent **Symbolism** of the sanctuary as a place of both potential refuge and profound danger, depending on the political climate and the integrity of the ruling authority. Ahimelech's direct question, "Why [art] thou alone, and no man with thee?", serves as a moment of **Inquiry**, propelling the narrative forward and forcing David into a deceptive explanation that will have dire and far-reaching consequences.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 21:1 powerfully illustrates the precariousness of life under a tyrannical ruler and the profound vulnerability of even God's anointed during periods of intense testing. David's desperate flight to Nob highlights his utter dependence on God's providence, even when all human support has seemingly vanished. It underscores the biblical truth that God often leads His chosen servants through periods of extreme isolation and hardship, not as a sign of abandonment, but as a refining crucible for character formation and a powerful demonstration of His sustaining power amidst human weakness. The palpable fear of Ahimelech also serves as a stark reminder of the far-reaching and often tragic consequences of unrighteous leadership, where innocent individuals can suffer immensely due to the king's sin. This moment also touches upon the sacred role of the priesthood and the sanctuary, which, while divinely intended as a place of refuge and divine encounter, can become a perilous target when political and spiritual authority clash, revealing the corrupting influence of ungodly power.

* [Psalm 56:1-4](/psalms/56-1 "Psalm 56:1-4 - David's Prayer in Gath Amidst Persecution")
* [Psalm 142:1-2](/psalms/142-1 "Psalm 142:1-2 - David's Cry to the Lord from the Cave")
* [Psalm 52:1-3](/psalms/52-1 "Psalm 52:1-3 - David's Denunciation of Doeg's Treachery")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's solitary and fearful arrival at Nob resonates deeply with the universal human experience of vulnerability, isolation, and desperation. In moments when our carefully constructed lives unravel, when we feel abandoned by those we trusted, or when circumstances beyond our control strip us of our perceived security and standing, we can profoundly identify with David's precarious position. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that even those called to great purposes by God are not immune to profound hardship, loneliness, and the indignity of flight. It challenges us to honestly consider where we instinctively turn when we are "alone, and no man with thee"—do we seek refuge first and foremost in God's presence, even if it means admitting our weakness, relinquishing control, and relying on His unexpected provisions? Furthermore, Ahimelech's fear and subsequent tragic fate serve as a somber warning about the ripple effects of unrighteousness and the insidious dangers of political pressure compromising spiritual integrity. It prompts us to pray for profound discernment, unwavering courage, and divine wisdom for all leaders, both secular and spiritual, enabling them to stand firm in truth and righteousness even when it is costly or unpopular. Ultimately, this passage encourages us to cultivate an unshakeable trust in God's faithfulness, even when our circumstances seem most dire and hopeless, knowing that He is sovereign over our desperate moments and can powerfully use them to refine our character, deepen our dependence, and reveal His sustaining power.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you currently feel "alone" or profoundly vulnerable, much like David at Nob?**
* **When faced with desperate or isolating situations, where do you typically seek refuge or help? Is your first instinct to turn to God or to rely on your own strength or other human sources?**
* **How does David's desperate state, despite being God's anointed, challenge or refine your understanding of what it truly means to be chosen or blessed by God?**
* **What vital lessons can we draw from Ahimelech's fear and subsequent actions regarding the immense pressures and ethical dilemmas faced by spiritual leaders in difficult and politically charged times?**

### FAQ

**Why was Ahimelech afraid of David's solitary arrival?**

Answer: Ahimelech's fear (Hebrew, _chârad_, meaning to tremble or shudder with terror) was far more than mere surprise; it was a deep apprehension stemming from David's highly unusual and alarming appearance. As a prominent military commander and King Saul's son-in-law, David would typically travel with a substantial retinue of soldiers and servants, signifying his status and protection. His arrival "alone, and no man with thee" immediately signaled a severe political crisis, indicating that David was likely out of favor with King Saul or even a fugitive. Ahimelech, as the high priest, would have been acutely aware of the volatile and increasingly hostile relationship between Saul and David. He would have instantly recognized the immense danger that offering aid or sanctuary to someone in David's precarious position could pose to himself, his family, and the entire priestly community at Nob. His fear was a justified concern for the safety of his household and the sanctuary, given Saul's increasingly erratic, paranoid, and violent behavior, which would later be tragically confirmed by the [slaughter of the priests](/1_samuel/22-18 "1 Samuel 22:18 - Saul's Slaughter of the Priests of Nob") by Saul's command.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
David's desperate arrival at Nob, a hunted and solitary figure seeking refuge, profoundly foreshadows the ultimate vulnerability, rejection, and suffering experienced by Jesus Christ, the true Son of David and the greater King. Just as David, God's anointed, was unjustly pursued by an unrighteous and jealous king, so too was Jesus, the Messiah, rejected by the religious and political establishments of His day, becoming a "man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief" ([Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - The Suffering Servant")). David's reliance on the sanctuary for refuge, even leading to a desperate deception concerning the holy bread, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Christ, who is Himself the true "bread of life" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")) and the ultimate High Priest ([Hebrews 4:14-16](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14-16 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest")) who provides true and lasting refuge for all who come to Him. Jesus even directly references David's actions at Nob when defending His disciples' actions on the Sabbath, demonstrating that human need and divine mercy transcend rigid legalism ([Matthew 12:3-4](/matthew/12-3 "Matthew 12:3-4 - Jesus and the Sabbath")). David's suffering as the anointed king, though imperfect and marked by human failing, powerfully points to the perfect suffering Servant King, Jesus, who, though innocent, was abandoned, betrayed, and crucified. Through His ultimate sacrifice, Jesus offered Himself as the supreme and spotless Lamb of God, bringing salvation, eternal refuge, and reconciliation to all who believe ([Philippians 2:8](/phillipians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Nehemiah 11:32

[And] at Anathoth, Nob, Ananiah,

1 Samuel 14:3

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.

Isaiah 10:32

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.

1 Samuel 16:4

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?

Mark 2:26

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?

1 Samuel 22:9

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.

1 Samuel 22:19

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.