1 Samuel 21:2

KJV

And David said unto Ahimelech the priest, The king hath commanded me a business, and hath said unto me, Let no man know any thing of the business whereabout I send thee, and what I have commanded thee: and I have appointed [my] servants to such and such a place.

KJV (with Strong's)

And David {H1732} said {H559} unto Ahimelech {H288} the priest {H3548}, The king {H4428} hath commanded {H6680} me a business {H1697}, and hath said {H559} unto me, Let no man {H376} know {H3045} any thing {H3972} of the business {H1697} whereabout I send {H7971} thee, and what I have commanded {H6680} thee: and I have appointed {H3045} my servants {H5288} to such {H6423} and such {H492} a place {H4725}.

Complete Jewish Bible

David said to Achimelekh the cohen, "The king has sent me on a mission and told me not to let anyone know its purpose or what I've been ordered to do. I've arranged a place where the guards are to meet me.

Berean Standard Bible

“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.

American Standard Version

And David said unto Ahimelech the priest, The king hath commanded me a business, and hath said unto me, Let no man know anything of the business whereabout I send thee, and what I have commanded thee: and I have appointed the young men to such and such a place.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 21:2 captures a pivotal and desperate moment in David's life as he flees from King Saul. Arriving alone and without provisions at Nob, the city of priests, David fabricates an elaborate story for Ahimelech the high priest. He claims to be on a highly confidential and urgent mission directly from King Saul, emphasizing the need for secrecy and stating that his non-existent servants are waiting elsewhere. This calculated deception, born out of extreme duress and a desperate need for survival, sets in motion a tragic chain of events with far-reaching and devastating consequences for the priests of Nob.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows David's final, conclusive break with King Saul, as detailed in [1 Samuel 20](/1_samuel/20 "1 Samuel 20 - Jonathan's Loyalty and David's Escape"). Having confirmed Saul's murderous intent through Jonathan's loyalty and courageous intervention, David is now a fugitive, alone and in immediate peril. [1 Samuel 21](/1_samuel/21 "1 Samuel 21 - David at Nob and Gath") opens with David's arrival at Nob, a priestly city, marking the beginning of his period of exile and flight. His deception of Ahimelech here is the first significant action in this new phase, directly leading to the tragic massacre of the priests in [1 Samuel 22](/1_samuel/22 "1 Samuel 22 - Saul Massacres the Priests of Nob") and David's subsequent profound regret, as recorded in [1 Samuel 22:22](/1_samuel/22-22 "1 Samuel 22:22 - David's Remorse for the Priests of Nob"). The narrative portrays David's resourcefulness and quick thinking, but also the moral compromises made under intense pressure.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Nob was a significant priestly city located near Jerusalem, serving as the center for the tabernacle worship after the destruction of Shiloh. Ahimelech was the high priest, a direct descendant of Aaron through Ithamar. As high priest, he had custody of the sacred showbread (which only priests were permitted to eat, except in cases of extreme necessity, as David argued) and the sword of Goliath, which David had dedicated to the Lord. Kings often dispatched agents on secret missions, making David's fabricated story culturally plausible. For Ahimelech, aiding a royal envoy would have been a duty, whereas harboring a fugitive from the king would have been an act of treason, punishable by death. David's lie was thus a strategic maneuver to secure aid without endangering Ahimelech by revealing his true status as Saul's enemy.
* **Key Themes:** The passage powerfully illustrates the theme of **desperation and survival** as David, the anointed future king, is reduced to a vulnerable fugitive, relying on his wits to stay alive. It introduces the theme of **deception and its tragic consequences**, showing how a single lie, even born of necessity, can set in motion a devastating chain of events that impacts innocent lives. This incident also subtly highlights the **shifting nature of authority**; David, though fleeing, still understands and leverages the power of the king's name, even as Saul's legitimate authority wanes due to his disobedience. Furthermore, it underscores **divine providence amidst human imperfection**, as God continues to protect and guide David even through his morally ambiguous actions, ultimately leading him towards his destiny as king, as foreshadowed by the anointing in [1 Samuel 16:13](/1_samuel/16-13 "1 Samuel 16:13 - David's Anointing by Samuel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Business (Hebrew, _davar'_):** The Hebrew word דָּבָר (_davar_) is rich in meaning, encompassing "word," "matter," "thing," "affair," or "command." By using this term, David elevates his fabricated mission beyond a mere errand, implying a weighty, significant, and urgent affair of state. The emphasis on its secrecy ("Let no man know any thing of the business") further underscores its perceived importance and confidentiality, making it difficult for Ahimelech to question or deny David's request for aid.
* **Commanded (Hebrew, _tsavah'_):** The verb צָוָה (_tsavah_) signifies a direct, authoritative order or instruction. David’s assertion that "The king hath commanded me" is crucial to his deception. It immediately invokes the highest human authority in Israel, King Saul, lending absolute legitimacy and urgency to his presence and requests. This claim effectively bypasses any potential priestly protocol or questioning, placing Ahimelech in a position where he feels compelled to comply.
* **Appointed (Hebrew, _ya'ad'_):** The verb יָעַד (_ya'ad_) means "to appoint," "to meet," or "to designate a place or time." David's statement, "I have appointed [my] servants to such and such a place," serves multiple strategic purposes. It provides a plausible explanation for his solitary appearance, implies that he is part of a larger, ongoing, and therefore important, mission, and justifies his need for provisions for more than just himself. This detail adds a layer of credibility and foresight to his otherwise desperate fabrication.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And David said unto Ahimelech the priest,"**: This opening clause establishes the direct interaction between David, the fugitive future king, and Ahimelech, the high priest. It immediately sets up a scene of tension and high stakes, as David seeks aid from the religious authority, who unknowingly holds the key to his immediate survival and, tragically, his own community's fate.
* **"The king hath commanded me a business,"**: This is the core of David's deception. By attributing his mission to King Saul, David immediately attempts to legitimize his presence and urgent needs. This claim leverages the priest's duty to the king and the state, creating an imperative for Ahimelech to assist without suspicion.
* **"and hath said unto me, Let no man know any thing of the business whereabout I send thee, and what I have commanded thee:"**: This extended clause emphasizes the extreme secrecy and confidentiality of the supposed mission. David's repetition and insistence on absolute discretion are designed to prevent Ahimelech from asking probing questions, consulting with others, or delaying his assistance. It creates an atmosphere of urgency and high-level state security, making Ahimelech a co-conspirator in a "secret" royal affair.
* **"and I have appointed [my] servants to such and such a place."**: This final part of David's statement cleverly explains his solitary arrival and provides a reason for needing provisions for more than just himself. By mentioning "servants" (who are not present), David implies a larger retinue and a more extensive, strategically important mission, further reinforcing the urgency and the need for immediate supplies. The vague "such and such a place" maintains the aura of secrecy while avoiding specific details that could be disproven.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices. **Irony** is prominent, as David, the anointed successor to Saul, must ironically invoke Saul's name and authority to survive his persecution. The "secret business" David describes is indeed secret, but its true nature is entirely opposite to what he claims, highlighting the precariousness of his situation. There is also strong **Foreshadowing** embedded in this deception. While seemingly a minor act of self-preservation, David's lie sets in motion a tragic sequence of events that will culminate in the brutal **massacre of the priests of Nob** by Saul's command, a consequence David later deeply regrets. This foreshadows the heavy, often unintended, costs of actions taken under duress. The narrative also builds **Dramatic Tension** through David's desperate plea and calculated deception, as the reader is aware of the true danger David faces and the potential peril for Ahimelech, creating a sense of unease and anticipation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This incident at Nob presents a complex theological challenge, revealing the tension between human expediency and divine faithfulness. David, a man after God's own heart, resorts to deception out of fear and a desperate need for survival. While the narrative does not explicitly condemn David's lie, it unflinchingly portrays its devastating consequences, underscoring that even the righteous can falter under extreme pressure, and that actions, even those born of necessity, can have unforeseen and tragic outcomes. The account serves as a reminder that reliance on human cunning, rather than unwavering trust in God's provision and protection, can lead to moral compromise and suffering. Yet, even in David's imperfection, God's overarching plan for him remains intact, demonstrating divine sovereignty that works through and sometimes despite human failings.

* [Psalm 34:1-6](/psalm/34-1 "Psalm 34:1-6 - David's Deliverance and Trust in God")
* [Psalm 52:1-5](/psalm/52-1 "Psalm 52:1-5 - Doeg's Treachery and God's Judgment")
* [Matthew 12:3-4](/matthew/12-3 "Matthew 12:3-4 - Jesus on David and the Showbread")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's desperate act of deception at Nob offers a stark and relatable portrayal of human vulnerability and the moral ambiguities that can arise under extreme duress. While we are not called to emulate David's lie, the passage invites us to reflect on the immense pressure he faced and the lengths to which individuals might go for survival. It challenges us to consider our own responses when fear or perceived necessity tempt us to compromise our integrity. The tragic outcome for the priests of Nob serves as a sobering reminder that our actions, even those intended to protect ourselves or others, can have far-reaching and unintended consequences, impacting those around us. This narrative encourages us to cultivate a deeper trust in God's provision and protection, even when circumstances seem dire, rather than relying on our own cunning or resorting to dishonest means. It calls us to seek wisdom and integrity, striving to honor God in all our choices, knowing that true security comes from Him alone.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do situations of extreme pressure test our moral boundaries and reliance on God?**
* **What are the potential long-term consequences, both personal and communal, of actions taken out of fear or desperation?**
* **How does this account of David's deception challenge our understanding of biblical heroes and their imperfections?**
* **In what ways can we seek wisdom and integrity when faced with difficult choices, rather than resorting to dishonest means?**

### FAQ
**Why did David lie to Ahimelech?**

Answer: David lied to Ahimelech out of extreme duress and a desperate need for survival. He was a fugitive fleeing from King Saul, who sought to kill him. David was alone, unarmed, and without provisions. He fabricated the story of a secret royal mission to secure food (the showbread) and a weapon (Goliath's sword) from the priest, and to protect Ahimelech from Saul's wrath, as harboring a known enemy of the king would have been an act of treason. His lie was a strategic maneuver to obtain aid without revealing his true, dangerous circumstances.

**What was the "business" David referred to?**

Answer: The "business" David referred to was a complete fabrication. He claimed it was a secret, urgent mission directly from King Saul, emphasizing that "no man know any thing of the business." This was designed to explain his solitary presence, his urgent needs, and to prevent Ahimelech from asking questions or consulting others. It was a clever ruse to lend legitimacy and gravity to his request for aid, implying a high-stakes royal affair that required immediate and unquestioning assistance.

**What were the consequences of David's deception?**

Answer: The consequences of David's deception were tragic and far-reaching. Doeg the Edomite, Saul's chief herdsman, was present at Nob and witnessed the exchange. He later reported David's visit to King Saul, leading to Saul's furious command to massacre the entire priestly community of Nob. Eighty-five priests were slaughtered, and the city was put to the sword, as recorded in [1 Samuel 22:18-19](/1_samuel/22-18 "1 Samuel 22:18-19 - Doeg Massacres the Priests of Nob"). David himself later expressed profound remorse for his role in this tragedy, acknowledging his culpability in [1 Samuel 22:22](/1_samuel/22-22 "1 Samuel 22:22 - David's Remorse").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While David's actions at Nob reveal human frailty and the moral compromises made under duress, the narrative ultimately points to a greater King who perfectly fulfills God's will without resorting to deception. David, though anointed by God, was a flawed type of Christ, experiencing persecution and flight before ascending to his throne. In contrast, Jesus, the true Son of David, faced far greater opposition and temptation, yet remained perfectly righteous and truthful, never needing to fabricate a mission or conceal His identity. He is the ultimate "bread of life" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")), providing spiritual nourishment that truly sustains, unlike the temporary showbread David received. The innocent priests of Nob, who suffered and died as a consequence of David's desperate lie, tragically foreshadow the ultimate innocent sacrifice of Christ, who, though sinless, bore the full weight of humanity's sin and its consequences ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). David's flight and vulnerability ultimately led to his exaltation as king, mirroring Christ's path of suffering, death, and resurrection, which culminated in His glorious ascension and reign at the right hand of God ([Philippians 2:6-11](/philippians/2-6 "Philippians 2:6-11 - Christ's Humility and Exaltation")). This incident, therefore, highlights humanity's profound need for a perfect deliverer, one who does not falter under pressure but perfectly fulfills God's redemptive plan, offering true peace and salvation through His unwavering faithfulness.

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

Galatians 2:12

For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision.

Colossians 3:9

Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;

Genesis 27:24

And he said, [Art] thou my very son Esau? And he said, I [am].

1 Samuel 19:17

And Saul said unto Michal, Why hast thou deceived me so, and sent away mine enemy, that he is escaped? And Michal answered Saul, He said unto me, Let me go; why should I kill thee?

Genesis 27:20

And Isaac said unto his son, How [is it] that thou hast found [it] so quickly, my son? And he said, Because the LORD thy God brought [it] to me.

1 Samuel 22:22

And David said unto Abiathar, I knew [it] that day, when Doeg the Edomite [was] there, that he would surely tell Saul: I have occasioned [the death] of all the persons of thy father's house.

1 Kings 13:18

He said unto him, I [am] a prophet also as thou [art]; and an angel spake unto me by the word of the LORD, saying, Bring him back with thee into thine house, that he may eat bread and drink water. [But] he lied unto him.