the same as נוֹב; fruit; Nob, a place in Palestine; Nob.
Transliteration:Nôb
Pronunciation:nobe
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The lemma H5011 (Nôb) is primarily a proper noun, designating a specific geographical location in ancient Israel. Its base definition connects it to `{{H5107}}` (nôb), meaning "fruit" or "produce." While the place name itself does not inherently carry this meaning in its biblical usage, the etymological link suggests a potential, though unfulfilled, association with fruitfulness or abundance. As a proper noun, its semantic range is fixed to its identity as a particular town and the historical events associated with it.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Nob `{{H5011}}` is mentioned in several key passages in the Old Testament, predominantly in 1 Samuel, and also in Nehemiah and Isaiah.
* **1 Samuel 21:1-9**: This is the most detailed and significant account involving Nob. David, fleeing from King Saul, arrives at Nob and seeks aid from Ahimelech, the chief priest. In a desperate situation, David obtains the consecrated showbread (which was lawful only for priests to eat) and Goliath's sword. This event, though seemingly minor, becomes a catalyst for tragedy. [[1 Samuel 21:1]], [[1 Samuel 21:2]], [[1 Samuel 21:3]], [[1 Samuel 21:4]], [[1 Samuel 21:5]], [[1 Samuel 21:6]], [[1 Samuel 21:7]], [[1 Samuel 21:8]], [[1 Samuel 21:9]].
* **1 Samuel 22:9-19**: Doeg the Edomite, an official in Saul's court, informs Saul of David's visit to Nob. In a fit of paranoia and rage, Saul commands the slaughter of the priests of Nob, accusing them of conspiracy. Doeg carries out the gruesome command, killing eighty-five priests and utterly destroying the city, including men, women, children, infants, and livestock. Only Abiathar, Ahimelech's son, escapes. This act represents a profound sin against God and His priesthood. [[1 Samuel 22:9]], [[1 Samuel 22:11]], [[1 Samuel 22:19]].
* **Nehemiah 11:32**: Nob is listed among the towns reoccupied by the tribe of Benjamin after the Babylonian exile. This indicates its eventual re-establishment, albeit its prominence diminished significantly after the events of 1 Samuel. [[Nehemiah 11:32]].
* **Isaiah 10:32**: In a prophetic oracle against Assyria, Nob is mentioned as a point in the Assyrian army's advance towards Jerusalem. The imagery describes the enemy shaking its fist at "the mount of the daughter of Zion" from Nob, highlighting its close proximity to Jerusalem and its strategic position. [[Isaiah 10:32]].
Contextually, Nob serves as a pivotal location illustrating King Saul's escalating spiritual decline and the tragic consequences of his unchecked jealousy and paranoia. It also stands as a testament to divine provision for David, even in dire circumstances, and a somber backdrop for the fulfillment of prophecy concerning the house of Eli.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **`{{H5107}}` (nôb)**: The root noun for "fruit" or "produce," from which the place name Nob is derived. This etymological link subtly contrasts the potential for fruitfulness with the tragic destruction that befell the city.
* **Priestly City**: Nob was a city inhabited by priests, specifically the descendants of Eli through Ahimelech. This connects it to the concepts of divine service, the Tabernacle (and later the Temple), and the sacred covenant between God and Israel.
* **Showbread (לחם הפנים, *lechem hapanim*)**: The sacred bread given to David at Nob, a holy item from the Tabernacle. This links Nob to the Levitical laws and the concept of holy things.
* **Goliath's Sword**: Another item received by David at Nob, symbolizing God's victory and provision, even when David was in flight.
* **Saul's Sin**: The massacre at Nob is a profound demonstration of Saul's disobedience, pride, and murderous rage, contrasting sharply with David's reliance on God.
* **Fulfillment of Prophecy**: The destruction of Eli's priestly line, prophesied in 1 Samuel 2 and 3, finds its devastating fulfillment in the slaughter at Nob. This connects Nob to the broader themes of divine judgment and the faithfulness of God's word.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Nob `{{H5011}}` is primarily rooted in the events of 1 Samuel 21-22.
* **The Sanctity of Priesthood and Divine Authority**: The massacre at Nob represents a direct assault on God's chosen priesthood and, by extension, on God Himself. Saul's act of slaying the priests and destroying their city underscores the sacredness of the priestly office and the severe consequences of profaning it. It serves as a stark reminder that even a king is accountable to divine law and judgment.
* **Divine Providence and Human Need**: David's desperate plea for food at Nob and Ahimelech's provision of the showbread illustrate a profound theological principle. Jesus Himself later referenced this event (Matthew 12:3-4, Mark 2:25-26, Luke 6:3-4) to teach that human need and mercy can, in certain circumstances, take precedence over strict ritualistic law. This highlights God's compassionate understanding of human frailty and His willingness to provide for His servants.
* **The Devastating Consequences of Sin**: The utter destruction of Nob, including innocent women, children, and infants, serves as a grim testament to the far-reaching and devastating consequences of a leader's sin and unbridled rage. Saul's actions at Nob illustrate the destructive power of a heart hardened against God's will and consumed by jealousy.
* **Fulfillment of Prophecy**: The massacre at Nob directly fulfills the prophecy given to Eli's house (1 Samuel 2:31-36; 3:11-14) that his descendants would be cut off. This demonstrates God's sovereignty and faithfulness to His word, even when it involves severe judgment.
* **A Place of Persecution**: Nob, as a city of God's servants targeted for destruction, can be seen as an early example of persecution against those who serve the Lord, foreshadowing the trials and tribulations faced by God's people throughout history.
### Summary
Nob `{{H5011}}` is a significant biblical place name, etymologically linked to "fruit" but primarily known as a city of priests located near Jerusalem. Its prominence in the biblical narrative stems from the tragic events recorded in 1 Samuel 21-22. It was at Nob that David, fleeing King Saul, received the consecrated showbread and Goliath's sword, an act later affirmed by Jesus as a demonstration of divine provision in human need. However, Nob is most tragically remembered as the site of King Saul's horrific massacre of the eighty-five priests and the complete destruction of the city, an act driven by paranoia and rage. This event profoundly underscores the sanctity of the priesthood, the severe consequences of defying God's authority, and the devastating reach of a leader's sin, while also fulfilling earlier prophecies concerning the house of Eli. Later mentions in Nehemiah and Isaiah confirm its re-establishment and strategic proximity to Jerusalem. The narrative of Nob stands as a powerful theological lesson on divine judgment, human desperation, and the unwavering nature of God's word.
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