1 Samuel 21:1 - Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

Then came David to Nob— Nob was in the tribe of Benjamin, about twelve miles from Gibeath, not far from Anathoth, Nehemiah 11:32 and Jerusalem, Isaiah 10:32. It appears from the 19th verse, of the next chapter, that it was one of the sacerdotal cities; and it is probable that Saul had removed the tabernacle from Shiloh thither. It should be observed, that Ahimelech is no where called the high-priest, but simply the priest. From the whole of this affair it is manifest, that Ahimelech knew nothing of the circumstances of David. He knew nothing of Saul's displeasure against him, or of his determined purpose to destroy him; and therefore, as he was the king's son-in-law, he is surprised to see him without any attendants, and asks him the reason of his being alone. David, concealing the reason, pretends a hasty and secret message from the king, and that he had ordered his attendants to wait for him. This is made use of as a pretence for asking a supply of bread, and after receiving it David requests a supply of arms; still keeping the priest entirely ignorant of the true reason of his being alone and unarmed: a demonstration this, if any thing can be so, that Ahimelech was not in David's secret, and was ignorant that he fled from Saul to escape his indignation.