### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Nôb**, represented by `{{H5011}}`, identifies **Nob, a place in Palestine**. It appears **6 times** across **6 unique verses** in the Bible. The word is consistently used to refer to a specific location, most notably as a city of priests central to a key event in the life of David and King Saul.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, **Nôb** `{{H5011}}` is primarily known as "the city of the priests" [[1 Samuel 22:19]]. It is the place where David **came** `{{H935}}` to **Ahimelech** `{{H288}}` the **priest** `{{H3548}}` while fleeing from Saul [[1 Samuel 21:1]]. This visit was witnessed by Doeg the Edomite, who reported to Saul that David had come to **Nôb** to see **Ahimelech** `{{H288}}`, the son of **Ahitub** `{{H285}}` [[1 Samuel 22:9]]. In a furious response, Saul summoned all the priests from their **house** `{{H1004}}` in **Nôb** [[1 Samuel 22:11]] and then ordered the **city** `{{H5892}}` to be **smote** `{{H5221}}` with the edge of the **sword** `{{H2719}}` [[1 Samuel 22:19]]. **Nôb** is also mentioned in a prophecy concerning the advance on Jerusalem [[Isaiah 10:32]] and is listed as a town in Nehemiah [[Nehemiah 11:32]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the events at Nob:
* `{{H3548}}` **kôhên** (priest): This term for one who officiates is central to Nob's identity, as it is repeatedly referred to as "the **city** `{{H5892}}` of the **priests**" [[1 Samuel 22:19]].
* `{{H5892}}` **ʻîyr** (city): This word, meaning a guarded place or town, defines Nob's status as a settlement that was home to the priestly families [[1 Samuel 22:19]].
* `{{H5221}}` **nâkâh** (to strike): This word marks the tragic fate of Nob. Saul commanded that the city of the priests be **smote** with the sword, leading to its utter destruction [[1 Samuel 22:19]].
* `{{H288}}` **ʼĂchîymelek** (Ahimelech): Meaning "brother of (the) king," he was the **priest** `{{H3548}}` at **Nôb** who provided aid to David, an act for which he and his father's house were killed [[1 Samuel 21:1]].
### Theological Significance
The narrative weight of `{{H5011}}` is significant, highlighting key themes from the books of Samuel.
* **A Priestly Sanctuary:** **Nôb** is established as a significant religious center, identified as "the **city** `{{H5892}}` of the **priests** `{{H3548}}`," where the high priest **Ahimelech** `{{H288}}` resided ([[1 Samuel 21:1]], [[1 Samuel 22:19]]).
* **A Site of Political Brutality:** The story of **Nôb** serves as a stark example of King Saul's paranoia and cruelty. His order to **smite** `{{H5221}}` the city resulted in the slaughter of its entire population, including **men** `{{H376}}`, **women** `{{H802}}`, **children** `{{H5768}}`, and **sucklings** `{{H3243}}` [[1 Samuel 22:19]].
* **A Catalyst for Conflict:** David's arrival `{{H935}}` in **Nôb** directly leads to the confrontation between Saul and the priesthood, escalating the conflict and marking a tragic episode in David's flight from the king [[1 Samuel 22:9]].
### Summary
In summary, **Nôb** `{{H5011}}` is not merely a geographical marker but a place of profound narrative importance. Primarily remembered as the "city of the priests," its story is defined by the sanctuary it offered to a desperate David and the subsequent brutal massacre ordered by a jealous King Saul. Its few mentions in Scripture are tied to a pivotal and tragic event in Israel's history.
TRV