John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 21:8
And David said unto Ahimelech ,.... After he had given him some of the loaves of the shewbread: and is there not here under thine hand spear or sword ? any weapon, meaning in the tabernacle, and in his keeping, and at his disposal; he knew the sword of Goliath was there, and perhaps had a principal view to it, and put this question in order to get that in his possession: for I have neither brought my sword nor my weapons with me ; neither his sword, nor any part of his armour, but... read more
Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 1 Samuel 21:1-9
Here, I. David, in distress, flies in the tabernacle of God, now pitched at Nob, supposed to be a city in the tribe of Benjamin. Since Shiloh was forsaken, the tabernacle was often removed, though the ark still remained at Kirjath-jearim. Hither David came in his flight from Saul's fury (1 Sam. 21:1), and applied to Ahimelech the priest. Samuel the prophet could not protect him, Jonathan the prince could not. He therefore has recourse next to Ahimelech the priest. He foresees he must now be an... read more