21:1 to Nob A priestly compound between Gibeah and Jerusalem, similar to the camp of the prophets in Naioth (see 1 Sam 19:18 and note). It seems to have become the center of priestly activity in Israel after the destruction of Shiloh (see 4:12 and note).

Ahimelech the priest The great-grandson of Eli.

came trembling to meet David Ahimelech senses that something is out of the ordinary. He surmises that David is a fugitive, and he fears reprisals from Saul for assisting him.

21:2 king charged me David’s second lie leads to the slaughter of many innocent people (see 20:6 and note; vv. 7; 22:18–22).

the servants David’s mention of others traveling with him aims to further convince Ahimelech.

21:3 what do you have at hand? David is seeking supplies, such as food and weapons.

five loaves of bread David continues the ruse to secure more food and supplies.

21:4 holy bread Refers to the bread of the Presence (see vv. 6; Exod 25:30).

only if the young men have kept themselves from women Indicates the men have not had sexual relations with women, a stipulation often attached to holy war and worship ceremonies (e.g., Exod 19:15). The men needed to be ceremonially clean to eat the holy bread.

21:5 the things of The Hebrew word used here, keli, is a euphemism for sexual organs. The men have not defiled themselves by having sex at a time when abstinence was required.

21:6 the bread of the Presence Only priests were allowed to eat the bread of the Presence (Lev 24:9).

21:7 a man from the servants of Saul Signals a villainous figure.

detained before Yahweh The exact nature of Doeg’s detainment is uncertain. He may have been fulfilling a vow, or it may have been related to sin.

Edomite The descendants of Esau were some of Israel’s most hated enemies. Saul had waged war against them (1 Sam 14:47); Doeg may have been a prisoner of war.

the chief of Saul’s shepherds Refers to the royal shepherd.

21:8 was urgent David has to leave quickly and is therefore ill-equipped. However, he still covers up the nature of his hasty retreat.

21:9 The sword of Goliath David apparently dedicated the weapon to God in a manner similar to the events of 17:54. Gifts dedicated to God could be redeemed (see Lev 27:14–33). See 1 Sam 17:51.

behind the ephod May describe an idol rather than a priestly garment (compare Judg 8:27). This would indicate that spiritual corruption in the days of Saul—as in the days of Eli—continued to be widespread.

There is none like it The sword was unique—perhaps in size, tensile strength, appearance, or composition.

21:10 Achish the king of Gath David flees to his archenemy, Achish, wearing the sword of Achish’s dead champion, Goliath, whom David killed.

21:11 David the king of The Philistines probably recognize David as Israel’s king because of his military success against them.

David See 1 Sam 18:7 and note.

21:12 took these words seriously After hearing these words, David realizes the implications. When this happens, he has to feign madness before the Philistines can take revenge on him.

felt severely threatened by See 10:22 and note.

21:13 let his saliva run down into his beard Defilement of the beard—particularly with saliva—was a mark of shame and dishonor (see Deut 25:9; Job 17:6; 30:10); no sane Israelite man would do this intentionally.

21:15 Do I lack madmen This sarcasm is likely meant to be humorous.