1 Samuel 21

KJ3 Literal Translation — Chapter 21 of 31

1 And David came to Nob, to Ahimelech the priest. And Ahimelech trembled at meeting David, and said to him, Why are you by yourself, and no man with you?

2 And David said to Ahimelech the priest, The king has commanded me a matter; and he said to me, Do not let a man know anything of the matter about which I am sending you, and which I directed you. And I have directed the young men to such and such a place.

3 And now, what is there under your hand? Give five loaves into my hand, or whatever is found.

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Chapter Summary

David obtains Ahimelech's holy bread. Doeg the Edomite was present. David takes Goliath's sword. David pretends to be mad.

Key Hebrew Words

קֹ֫דֶשׁ holy, set apart H6944 · TWOT 1990a
לֶ֫חֶם bread H3899 · TWOT 1105a
חֶ֫רֶב sword H2719 · TWOT 732a
כֹּהֵן priest H3548 · TWOT 959a
שָׁגַע feign madness H7696 · TWOT 2328
יָרֵא be afraid H3372 · TWOT 907

People & Context

David

Fleeing fugitive who obtains the holy bread and Goliath's sword, then feigns madness before Achish

Ahimelech

The priest at Nob who trembles, gives David the Bread of the Presence and Goliath's sword

Achish

The Philistine king of Gath before whom David escapes and acts insane

Doeg the Edomite

Chief of Saul's shepherds, detained before Jehovah, who witnesses David at Nob

Goliath

The slain Philistine of the valley of Elah, whose sword is kept behind the ephod

Saul

The king David serves in pretense and from whose face he flees

Timeline

David Receives Holy Bread at Nob

David flees to Ahimelech the priest at Nob, claiming to be on a secret mission. Ahimelech gives him the holy Bread of the Presence because there is no common bread.

1 Samuel 21:1-6
David Takes Goliath's Sword

Doeg the Edomite is present observing. David asks for a weapon, and Ahimelech gives him the sword of Goliath, which was wrapped behind the ephod.

1 Samuel 21:7-9
David Feigns Madness in Gath

David flees to Achish, king of Gath. Recognized as a great warrior, David fears for his life and feigns insanity, scribbling on doors and letting spittle run down his beard.

1 Samuel 21:10-15

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