David was now a fugitive, running for his life. He went to a town called Nob, where a priest named Ahimelech lived. Ahimelech was nervous to see David come alone. David told him he was on a secret mission for the king. He was not completely honest. He asked for food and weapons.
Ahimelech said the only bread he had was the holy bread, the special bread that was set apart for God. He gave it to David and his men since they had not been near women recently. David also asked for a weapon. The only weapon there was the sword of Goliath, which had been wrapped up and kept there. David said it was perfect, there was no sword like it, and he took it.
A man named Doeg was there that day. He was one of Saul's servants, a man from Edom, and he watched everything that happened. This would become very important later.
David left and fled to the Philistine city of Gath. This was dangerous because Gath was Goliath's hometown, and everyone there would know who David was. Sure enough, the king's servants recognized him and started talking about him. David got scared. He acted like he had lost his mind, he scratched at the doors and let drool run down his beard. The king of Gath thought David was crazy and said he did not need another madman around. So David was let go and escaped.
Historical Context
The town of Nob was near Jerusalem and had become the home of the priests after the earlier worship center at Shiloh was destroyed. The holy bread, also called the bread of the Presence, was special loaves set before God each week. Only priests were supposed to eat it. But Ahimelech gave it to David in a time of great need. Jesus later used this story to teach that meeting real human needs is always important.
Gath was one of the main Philistine cities. Goliath had come from there, so David going to Gath was bold and risky. His fake madness was a survival trick. In those days, people with mental illness were sometimes left alone. David used this to get out of a dangerous situation alive.
Chapter Outline
1
David Gets Holy Bread from Ahimelech at NobVerse 1-6
