Then came David to Nob to Ahimelech the priest: and Ahimelech was afraid at the meeting of David, and said unto him, Why art thou alone, and no man with thee?
Then came David ... to Ahimelech. Nob [the Vatican copy of the Septuagint has Noumba; the Alexandrian (Tischendorf's notes), Noba], a city of the priests (1 Samuel 22:19), was in the neighbourhood of Jerusalem. It is computed to have been about 5 miles south of Gibeah, and but a short distance from Anathoth (Nehemiah 11:32; Isa. 28:32). Dr. Robinson ('Biblical Researches,' 2:, p. 150), concluding, from the Scriptural notices of Nob, that it must have been situated somewhere on the ridge of the mount of Olives, northeast of the city, made diligent but unsuccessful search for it in that direction. Thrupp ('Ancient Jerusalem') considers it identical with Bethphage, which, however, has been satisfactorily proved (Barclay 'City of the Great King,' p. 65) to have lain on the south side of the mount of Olives. Von Raumer (p. 195) and Rupert identify Nob with el-Isawiyeh, about two miles north of Jerusalem; but that village lies in a deep valley, and commands no view of Jerusalem.
Porter ('Handbook,' p. 324) seems to have ascertained the site of Nob on a low peaked tell, where are the ruins of a small but ancient town, answering all the conditions of the sacred locality. "Ahimelech" - the same as Ahiah, or perhaps his brother, both being sons of Ahitub (cf. 1 Samuel 14:3 with 1 Samuel 22:4-11; 1 Samuel 22:20). In Mark 2:6, Abiathar is named as the high priest, not Ahimelech his father, as here. In explanation, it has been advanced that Abiathar was Sagan, the high priest's vicar; for which, however, there is no authority, as Abiathar is not mentioned in this narrative. A more probable supposition is, that the bread given was through the friendly intercession of Abiathar with the high priest, or perhaps was Abiathar's own portion (Leviticus 24:9). Both these conjectures are rendered probable by the close and unbroken friendship which afterward subsisted between David and him. His object in fleeing to this place was partly for the supply of his necessities, and partly for comfort and counsel in the prospect of leaving the kingdom.
Afraid at the meeting of David, х wayechªrad (H2729), trembled, was terrified; Septuagint, exestee, was astounded, thrown into consternation (cf. Mark 3:21; Luke 24:22)] - suspecting some extraordinary occurrence by his appearing so suddenly, and in such a style, because his attendants were left at a little distance.