1 Samuel 21:1 - Wesley's Explanatory Notes

Nob — A city of priests, where the tabernacle now was. Hither David resorted, for a supply of his necessities, which he supposed he might receive here, without danger of being betrayed into Saul's hands: and principally, that in this great distress, he might receive comfort and counsel from the Lord. Ahimelech — The chief priest, brother to that Ahiah, 1 Samuel 14:3, and he being now dead, his successor in the priesthood, for they were both sons of Ahitub. Was afraid — Suspecting some extraordinary cause of his coming in such a manner. Alone — For though David had some servants as is manifest from 1 Samuel 21:4-5, whom Jonathan probably had sent to a place appointed, yet they were left at another place: as David himself affirmeth, 1 Samuel 21:2. And David was now alone, as also he was when he fled to Achish. He who had been suddenly advanced to the highest honour, is as soon reduced to the desolate conditions of an exile. Such changes are there in this world, and so uncertain are its smiles.