1 Samuel 21:1-15: David Flees from Saul
David Takes the Consecrated Bread
1 Samuel 21:1-6
David fled from Nob, where he had just encountered the prophet Gad, and went to the city of Nob, to the priest Ahimelech. David was hungry and tired, and he asked Ahimelech for food and a sword. Ahimelech, recognizing David as the king's son-in-law, was hesitant to give him bread, but David assured him that he was on a secret mission for the king and that his servants were waiting for him.
Ahimelech gave David the consecrated bread, which was only meant for the priests, but David was hungry and desperate. David also asked for a sword, but Ahimelech told him that there was no sword there except the sword of Goliath, which was wrapped in a cloth behind the ephod. David took the sword and left.
The Priests of Nob Betrayed
1 Samuel 21:7-9
One of the servants of Saul, Doeg the Edomite, was present when David came to Nob. Doeg reported back to Saul, telling him that David had been given bread and the sword of Goliath by Ahimelech. Saul was furious and summoned the priests of Nob, accusing them of conspiring against him by helping David.
The Priests of Nob Killed
1 Samuel 21:10-15
Saul ordered his guards to kill the priests of Nob, but they refused, citing their duty to serve the Lord. Doeg the Edomite, however, was willing to carry out the order and killed 85 priests that day. Saul also destroyed the city of Nob, killing every living thing in it.
David, who was still on the run, heard about the slaughter of the priests of Nob and realized that his visit to Ahimelech had put them in danger. He felt guilty for the deaths of the innocent priests and their families.
This event marks a turning point in David's life, as he realizes that he can no longer trust anyone, not even the priests who were supposed to be on his side. David's faith is tested, and he learns to rely solely on God for protection and guidance.
