1 Samuel 21
Meaning of 1 Samuel 21
1 Samuel 21 is a chapter from the Old Testament in the Bible. In this chapter, David (later to become King David) is on the run from King Saul who wants to kill him due to his jealousy over David’s popularity and potential threat to his throne.
Here are some key events in 1 Samuel 21:
1. David takes the consecrated bread: David goes to Ahimelech the priest in Nob and asks for bread. The only bread available is the consecrated bread, which was only meant for priests, but given the urgent situation, Ahimelech gives it to David.
2. David lies about his mission: David tells Ahimelech that he is on a secret mission for King Saul to justify his need for urgent help, not revealing that he is actually fleeing from Saul.
3. David acquires Goliath’s sword: David asks Ahimelech for a weapon and receives the sword of Goliath, the Philistine giant he killed as a young boy.
4. David flees to King Achish of Gath: Unfortunately, David’s presence doesn’t go unnoticed and he is recognized. Feeling threatened, David pretends to be insane to avoid danger, and King Achish expels him.
This chapter portrays David’s resourcefulness and quick thinking in the face of danger. It also sets up further tension between David and Saul, highlighting Saul’s increasing paranoia and aggression toward David.
1 Samuel 21 kjv
1 Samuel 21 in the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible narrates several events from the life of David.
1-2: David arrives at Nob and meets with Ahimelech the priest. Ahimelech is afraid because David was alone, not with his usual entourage of men. David lies and says he is on a secret mission from King Saul.
3-6: David requests bread for his men. The priest gives him the Holy Bread (showbread) because there is no common bread available, as long as his men have kept themselves from women. David assures Ahimelech that his men have indeed maintained their sanctity.
7-9: A servant of Saul named Doeg, an Edomite, sees David at the tabernacle. David also asks for a weapon and is given the sword of Goliath, which was kept behind the ephod at the sanctuary.
10-15: Fearing for his life, David flees to Achish, king of the Philistine city of Gath. Realizing his identity, the servants of Achish recognize him as the famed Israeli general who had slain tens of thousands. Fearing this revelation, David acts as though he has lost his mind. The act is convincing enough that Achish decides David poses no threat and allows him free passage.
Thus, this chapter proceeds with David on the run from Saul, displaying his resourcefulness and cunning as he navigates his precarious position.
1 Samuel 21 nkjv
1 Samuel 21 is a chapter in the New Testament of the Bible that narrates an episode in the life of David, who later becomes King of Israel. This chapter is known for its stories about David’s time on the run from King Saul.
In the New King James Version (NKJV), the following events are found in 1 Samuel 21:
– The chapter begins with David going to Nob, where he meets Ahimelech the priest. David lies to Ahimelech by saying that he is on a mission for King Saul. Due to his believed mission, David requests bread, and Ahimelech gives him the consecrated bread normally reserved only for priests. This was because there was no other bread available (verses 1-6).
– There, David also meets Doeg, an Edomite, who was one of Saul’s servants. Doeg’s presence in Nob will later have significant consequences, as he will report back to Saul about David’s actions and whereabouts (verse 7).
– David then requests a weapon from Ahimelech. The only weapon available is the sword of Goliath, which David accepts (verses 8-9).
– Afraid of Saul’s pursuit, David then flees to Gath, a Philistine city. However, he realizes that he is recognized there due to his former military victories. To protect himself, David pretends to be insane so the Philistine King Achish will dismiss him as harmless (verses 10-15).
The event demonstrates David’s survival instincts, cunning, and resourcefulness. Despite David’s deception, God’s providence still protects David from Saul’s pursuit. But it also begins to lay the groundwork for future problems in his life, especially in the next chapter where Doeg’s report leads to the massacre of the priests at Nob.
1 Samuel 21 niv
1 Samuel 21 is a chapter from the Old Testament of the Bible. In the New International Version (NIV), this chapter tells the story of David’s actions when he fled from Saul and met Ahimelek the priest.
At the start of the chapter, David goes to Nob, a city of priests, where he meets Ahimelek. The priest is terrified to meet David, who was traveling alone, questioning why there is no one else with him. David, however, lies about being on a secret mission for Saul to put Ahimelek at ease.
David then asks Ahimelek for bread. The priest replies that there is no ordinary bread, only holy bread that could only be eaten by men who have kept themselves from women. David assures him they have done so, and Ahimelek gives him the consecrated bread.
Next, David asks Ahimelek if there are any weapons at hand. The priest shows him the sword of Goliath, which David takes, remarking “There is none like it.” This is the same Goliath that David had slain earlier as a boy in 1 Samuel 17.
Hearing that Saul is looking for him, David escapes to Gath, to King Achish. However, his presence alarms the servants of Achish, because David was well-known from the popular refrain “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands.” Being afraid of King Achish, David behaves like a madman in his presence and starts to mark the doors of the gate and lets saliva run down the beard. Achish saw this behavior and said, “Look at the man! He is insane! Why bring him to me?” which allowed David to escape.
1 Samuel 21 demonstrates the cunning and survival instincts of David, as well as his reliance on God during perilous times. It also demonstrates how fear and deceit can dictate actions when one’s life is in danger.
What is 1 Samuel 21 all about?
1 Samuel 21 is a chapter in the Old Testament of the Bible, in the book of 1 Samuel, which narrates the life of David, Samuel, and King Saul. In Chapter 21, David is on the run from King Saul who wants him dead out of jealousy.
This chapter begins with David reaching Nob, where he meets Ahimelech the priest. David lies to Ahimelech, telling him that he is on a secret mission from the king, due to which he is alone. In response, Ahimelech gives David showbread, or the Bread of the Presence, to eat, which traditionally only the priests were allowed to eat.
David then asks Ahimelech for a weapon and the priest gives him the sword of Goliath whom David had previously slain. David then leaves Israel and escapes to Gath in Philistines territory. However, the servants of Achish, the king of Gath recognize David and David, fearing for his life, pretends to be insane. King Achish dismisses him, and David safely escapes to the cave of Adullam.
This chapter largely serves to show David’s cunning, resourcefulness, and God’s guiding hand protecting him in his time on the run. It also introduces the tragic story of Ahimelech, whose act of kindness to David would later be severely punished by Saul, providing further evidence of Saul’s decline from God’s favor.
What does 1 Samuel 21 teaches?
1 Samuel 21 is a chapter from the Old Testament in the Bible. The chapter focuses on David as he flees from Saul.
Here are the main teachings of the chapter:
1. God’s Provision: This chapter illustrates God’s provision for His people. David is in danger and on the run, yet God provides for him. When David arrives in the town of Nob, Ahimelech the priest gives him consecrated bread (the showbread) to eat and Goliath’s sword for his protection. It shows that God can provide in often unexpected ways and under unusual circumstances.
2. Trust in God: Even though David’s life is in danger, he continues to trust in God’s protection and provision. His decision to seek refuge and sustenance from the priests shows his reliance on God. This trust is a recurring theme throughout David’s life and teachings.
3. Consequences of Deception: David deceives Ahimelech by telling him he is on a secret mission from Saul. This deception ultimately comes back to haunt David, as Saul uses it as a reason to kill the priests of Nob. It teaches that deception often has negative consequences that can harm innocent people.
4. God’s Sovereignty: Even though David is on the run and struggling, we can see God’s hand in each step of his journey, showing how God is ultimately in control. Regardless of earthly circumstances, God’s plans will prevail.
Lastly, it’s always crucial to consider each piece within the greater context of the entire Bible. 1 Samuel 21 is one narrative piece that contributes to the full story of God’s relationship with humanity.
A Sermon on 1 Samuel 21
1 Samuel 21 is a part of the Old Testament of the Bible and it focuses on the story of David in relation to King Saul and Ahimelek the priest.
In this chapter, we find David fleeing for his life from King Saul who wants to kill him. In his flight, David comes to Nob, to Ahimelek the priest. Ahimelek was afraid when he met David, but David assured him that he was on a secret mission for King Saul. He requested for bread and a weapon, both of which didn’t technically belong to him. Ahimelek gave David the holy bread (reserved for the priest) and the sword of Goliath.
A couple of points that can be stressed in a sermon on 1 Samuel 21 could be:
1. Dependence on God: David is depicted as someone who is dependent on God for protection and provision. In times of fear and danger, he turns to God for guidance. This can be applied in the lives of the congregation as a lesson in faith and trust.
2. God’s Provision in Desperate Times: David’s desperation is reflected in him eating the bread that was meant for the priests and taking up the sword of Goliath. Despite this, God provides for him. This could be a message about God’s mercy and providence in times of great need.
3. Treating People Fairly: Doeg, the Edomite, Saul’s servant, was also present when Ahimelek helped David. In the next chapter, he reports this to Saul, leading to the death of all the priests in Nob. From this, one can speak about the consequences of deceit and the importance of just behavior.
The sermon can hence discuss how 1 Samuel 21 can be seen as a lesson in trust, faith, God’s provision, and righteousness.
Key people in 1 Samuel 21
1 Samuel 21 introduces a few key characters as part of the narrative. Below are the primary individuals:
1. David: The future king of Israel. At this point in the narrative, David is running away from King Saul, who is intent on killing him out of jealousy and fear David will take his throne.
2. Ahimelech the Priest: He is the priest at Nob who unknowingly aids David by giving him holy bread, originally only for the priests, for food and the sword of Goliath for protection. Saul later kills Ahimelech and his family for aiding David.
3. Doeg the Edomite: Doeg is Saul’s chief shepherd who will play a larger role in the following chapter. In this chapter, he is present at Nob and sees Ahimelech giving David food and a weapon. He eventually reports what he saw to Saul, leading to tragic consequences.
4. King Achish of Gath: David flees to Gath for safety. When he is recognized by the servants of Achish, he pretends to be insane to avoid conflict. Achish, seeing his seemingly unstable behavior, decides David is not a threat and lets him go.
These are the key characters involved in 1 Samuel 21, each showing a different set of reactions to the difficult circumstances David finds himself in.
Real world examples on 1 Samuel 21
1 Samuel 21 presents different scenarios that can be applied to real-world situations.
1. Seeking Refuge:
In 1 Samuel 21, David seeks refuge in Nob with Ahimelech and in Gath with King Achish. This can be likened to real-world situations where refugees flee their country due to war, oppression, or persecution. They go to another country hoping to find safety and better opportunities.
2. Miscommunication and Misunderstanding:
Ahimelech, the priest, provides David with the holy bread and Goliath’s sword without knowing the real reason. He was under the assumption that David was on a mission from King Saul. This can relate to real-world situations where miscommunication leads to misunderstandings and perhaps consequences as it leads to Ahimelech’s death in the subsequent chapter.
3. Living Under False Pretenses (Pretending to be someone else):
David pretended to be insane in front of King Achish of Gath to save his life. In real-world circumstances, people may sometimes put on a falsified image or persona to protect themselves from potential harm. This can be seen in individuals using pseudonyms online or even informants in police investigations.
4. The Use of Power and Authority:
King Achish of Gath had direct authority over David’s life once he entered his territory. He decided to spare David’s life, even though David was an enemy. This can be compared to real-world examples where people in power decide the fate of others, such as a judge in a court case or a commander in a military scenario.
Remember, these examples do not represent the literal chronology of events from 1 Samuel 21 but offer a modern perspective to understand and reflect upon the chapters.
Brief Explanation of 1 Samuel 21
1 Samuel 21 is a chapter in the book of 1 Samuel, part of the Old Testament in the Bible.
In this chapter, David, who is fleeing from King Saul, goes to Nob, where he meets Ahimelech the priest. David lies to Ahimelech, telling him that he is on a secret mission for King Saul, and asks for bread. Ahimelech gives David the consecrated bread that was meant for the priests after David convinces him that his men had abstained from women, which were the conditons for eating it.
David then asks Ahimelech for a weapon, and is given the sword of Goliath, the Philistine giant David had previously killed.
After leaving Ahimelech, David seeks refuge in the Philistine city of Gath, but he is recognized there. Fearing for his life, David pretends to be insane, scrawling on the doors of the gate and drooling down his beard, so the King of Gath, Achish, dismisses him.
This chapter emphasizes David’s desperate circumstances and shows the lengths he is willing to go to survive, including lying, deception and pretending to be insane. It also subtly critiques him for these actions, especially his deception of Ahimelech, which leads to grave consequences later.
Frequently asked questions for 1 Samuel 21
Apologies for misunderstanding your request earlier. As an AI, I don’t have access to specific inquiries about individual Bible chapters like 1 Samuel 21. However, based on my programming and knowledge of common questions related to biblical texts, people often ask these types of questions:
1. Who are the key characters in 1 Samuel 21?
2. What is the principal storyline of 1 Samuel 21?
3. What significance does Ahimelech have in 1 Samuel 21?
4. Why did David eat the showbread in 1 Samuel 21?
5. How does 1 Samuel 21 fit into the broader narrative of the book of Samuel?
6. What is the meaning or important lesson from 1 Samuel 21?
7. What is the context of 1 Samuel 21 in relation to previous and future chapters?
8. How does David’s interaction with the priest reflect on his character?
9. Why does David act insane before Achish in 1 Samuel 21?
10. What does the episode in Gath reveal about David’s trust in God?
Please provide more detail or ask a specific question if you need more focused assistance with this chapter.
Possible References for 1 Samuel 21
1 Samuel 21 is a chapter from the First book of Samuel in the Old Testament of the Bible. This chapter primarily focuses on David’s experiences and actions as he flees from King Saul. Here’s a possible breakdown of the chapter:
1. 1 Samuel 21:1-6: These verses describe David’s encounter with Ahimelech, the priest in the town of Nob. David asks the priest for bread and the priest gives him the consecrated bread that only priests were traditionally permitted to eat, emphasizing the desperate situation David has found himself in.
2. 1 Samuel 21:7-9: These verses mention that Doeg the Edomite, Saul’s chief shepherd, witnessed David’s interaction with Ahimelech. This incident becomes significant later in 1 Samuel 22, where Doeg makes a report to King Saul, leading to the massacre of priests at Nob. David also asks Ahimelech for a weapon, and he is given the sword of Goliath, which he had previously used to defeat the Philistine giant.
3. 1 Samuel 21:10-15: In these verses, David flees to Gath, one of the Philistine cities. He is recognized by the king of Gath (King Achish) and his servants, which makes him afraid. So, he pretends to be insane to avoid being seen as a threat. The narrative shows David’s vulnerability and resourcefulness in the face of danger.
Remember, different religious studies, theories or commentaries might provide their own views and understandings of this chapter. And the relevance or importance of this chapter often depends on one’s personal beliefs. Therefore, it’s always useful to refer to multiple sources or consult with a knowledgeable figure in your religious community to get a deeper understanding.
Conclusion on 1 Samuel 21
1 Samuel 21 is a part of the Old Testament in the Bible. In this chapter, David was fleeing from King Saul, as Saul wanted to kill him out of jealousy, fear, and perceived threats to his reign.
The chapter begins talking about Ahimelech the priest, who provided David with food (in the form of holy bread) and a weapon, the sword of Goliath, when David fled to Nob. It’s important to note that David lied to Ahimelech about why he was there- saying he was on a secret mission for King Saul- which was untrue.
Then David goes to the Philistine city of Gath, hoping to find refuge there. But his reputation precedes him and he’s recognized as the famous warrior who had slain thousands of Philistines. Fearing for his life, David pretended to be mad, behaving erratically and drooling on his beard. King Achish of Gath dismissed David, and he escaped safely.
The conclusion of 1 Samuel 21 indicates that when in desperate situations, David had to resort to deceit and pretended madness to survive. He changes his behavior according to the situation. This displays his keen sense of discernment and his courage amidst life-threatening situations. It also displays David’s ability to adjust to extreme circumstances, showing the qualities one needs to possess to eventually become a King. However, it also importantly highlights the impact of misinformation and deceit, which later has serious repercussions in 1 Samuel 22.