1Sa 21:1 | TNotes | STEP | 21:1 Nob was just north of Jerusalem, in the southern part of the territory of Benjamin. • Ahimelech the priest was a descendant of the condemned family of Eli (14:3 ; 22:9 ). • The elders of Bethlehem had also trembled when Samuel unexpectedly came to their city to anoint David as Saul’s replacement (16:4 ). On both occasions, a prominent individual who had strained relations with Saul showed up unannounced. Both Ahimelech and the Bethlehem elders were concerned about being suspected of supporting an enemy of the king, which could result in death. In this case, what was feared came about (see 22:9-19 ).

e22:9-19►

‏ 1 Samuel 21:1

21:1 ^a Nob was just north of Jerusalem, in the southern part of the territory of Benjamin.

• Ahimelech the priest was a descendant of the condemned family of Eli (14:3 ^b; 22:9 ^c).

• The elders of Bethlehem had also trembled when Samuel unexpectedly came to their city to anoint David as Saul’s replacement (16:4 ^d). On both occasions, a prominent individual who had strained relations with Saul showed up unannounced. Both Ahimelech and the Bethlehem elders were concerned about being suspected of supporting an enemy of the king, which could result in death. In this case, what was feared came about (see 22:9-19 ^e).