# 1 Samuel Chapter 21
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## Summary
David arrived at Nob and asks Ahimelech the Priest for food. The priest notes that the only bread available is the bread of the presence and advises that David and his men are welcome to this providing they have remained pure and kept themselves from women. David offers assurances that they have and asks for a weapon. Ahimelech gives him the sword of Goliath.

One of Sauls servants Doeg the Edomite was present that day and David flees. He fled to Achish the King of Gath. His servants that receive David point out that David is King and a great leader. David was fearful of Achish and feigns madness to which Achish is convinced of his insanity and does not wish to admit David into his presence.

## Meditatio
I had an interesting conversation with ChatGPT regarding this particular passage. I was curious given in [1 Samuel 7](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Samuel+7%3A1-2&version=ESV) we are told the Tabernacle is moved to Kiriath-jearim where it remains n the house of Abinadab until David moves it into the temple [2 Samuel 6](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Samuel+6%3A1-4&version=ESV). 

Why might this be a problem? Well it isn't really its more a curious observation because much of this doesn't make sense geographically. Saul is resident in Gibeah of Benjamin, David travels north to Nob which is (if archaeologists and Google Maps are to be trusted) within walking distance. The Ark is, to our knowledge, in Kiriath-jearim, much further than Nob yet David manages to get hold of the bread of the presence in Nob. 

Given the holiness of the bread of the presence we might think it unlikely a priest carried the bread from Kiriath-jearim to Nob for the sole purpose of feeding David. Indeed it is not an inconsequential journey. For one trying to flee Gibeah of Benjamin[^1] it would have made more sense for David to travel straight to Kiriath-jearim. What am I getting at here? Well if in Chapter 20 we are told David is fleeing Saul why remain in the area?

Perhaps taking a look at each location might be of interest.

Nob has an interesting history[^2] and is mentioned in both the book of Isaiah and Nehemiah[^3]. Tradition maintains that Nob was was a city of priests. Therefore it seems unlikey that David attended to seek military support such as resources and arms. Instead it seems reasonable to conclude that he attended Nob for some strategic reason and this included participation in the bread of the presence. Why else ask specifically for bread.

From one perspective, perhaps then this was a political point to ally himself with the religious establishment? Or perhaps he fled North and was seeking 'sanctuary' amongst the priests. The latter seems unlikely as he was seemingly mainly interested in the bread and Goliaths sword. Perhaps then this visit had symbolic significance with David posturing himself as Israels holy champion.

Kiriath-jearim or the "city of woods"[^4] was on the border between Judah and Benjamin[^5]. Situated to the west of Israel it was a few hours walking distance of Shuafat (which is where Nob was believed to have been situated). It also had significance being where those who returned from the exile with Zerubbubal were to have settled[^6]. There is nothing obviously symbolic about Kiriath-jearim only this is where the Ark was supposedly resident up until the point that it was brought into the Temple in [2 Samuel 6](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Samuel+6%3A1-4&version=ESV).

So what to make of all this?

It is possible (but unlikely) that the Ark was moved to Nob prior to the massacre we are about to encounter in 1 Samuel 22. Perhaps the Ark was moved to Nob to remain in the care of the priests until such a time as a Temple was built. But following Saul's actions returned to the house of Abinadab. This is pure speculation but it would account for the bread of the presence being in Nob. Unless the Priest have transported the bread of the presence from Kiriath-jearim to be consumed.

I suspect in reality the point I made earlier about symbolic literary significance is at play. This is not about actual events but the *meaning* and significance behind them.

This is one of those technical questions I'd love to ask an OT theologian. Just a curious oddity and I'm not really sure of the religious significance of any of this. But it just goes to show how interesting the minutiae can be.

[^1]: See Wiki [Gibeah, Israel](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gibeah)
[^2]: See Wiki [Nob, Israel](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nob,_Israel) (This link is SFW).
[^3]: See [Isaiah 10:32](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+10%3A32&version=ESV), and [Nehemiah 11:32](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Nehemiah+11%3A32&version=ESV)
[^4]: See [Joshua 15:9](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Joshua+15%3A9&version=ESV), [18:14-15](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Joshua+18%3A14-15&version=ESV)
[^5]: See Wiki [Kiriath-Jearim, Israel](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kiriath-Jearim)
[^6]: See [Nehemiah 7:29](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Nehemiah+7%3A29&version=ESV)