Original Word: נֹב
Part of Speech: Proper Name Location
Transliteration: Nob
Pronunciation: nōv
Phonetic Spelling: (nobe)
KJV: Nob
NASB: Nob
Word Origin: [the same as H5108 (נוֹב נֵיבּ - praise)]

1. fruit
2. Nob, a place in Israel

Nob

The same as nowb; fruit; Nob, a place in Palestine -- Nob.

see HEBREW nowb

Word Origin
from naar
Definition
a priestly city, perhaps also a place N. of Jer.
NASB Translation
Nob (6).

נֹב proper name, of a location1. ancient priestly city 1 Samuel 22:19 compare 1 Samuel 22:11 with ה locative נֹ֫בֶה (Ges^{§ 90}, 2 near the end), 1 Samuel 21:2; 1 Samuel 22:9; ᵐ5 Νομβα, Νομμα, Νοβα, etc.; perhaps = נְבוֺ (q. v.) Ezra 2:29 = Nehemiah 7:33; Ezra 10:43, ᵐ5 Ναβσυ, Ναβια, etc. Site dubious; on Jerome's identification with Nobe near Lydda compare Buhl^{Geogr. 189}; a B¢t N¥b¹ lies approximately 13 miles west-northwest from Jerusalem, approximately 10 miles southeast from Lydda.

2 Isaiah 10:32 just north of Jerusalem, station in (ideal) Assyr. march; compare Nehemiah 11:32 (inhabitants by Benjamites); perhaps =

1 — 2 Samuel 21:6 read גֹּב (q. v. p.146 above)

נבא (√ of following; **see in Biblical Aramaic Appendix. Ew Fl De Kö^{Lgb ii. 1, 133} and others camp. Arabic utter a low voice, or sound, (especially of dog); announce; but also be exalted, elevated eminence); III, IV. acquaint, inform, information announcement, intelligence]; Assyrian nabû, call, proclaim, name, Dl^{HWB 441}; Ethiopic speak; Sabean תנבא ? compare Levy-Os^{ZMG xix. 1865, 208} CIS^{iv. 1, No. 31}; Ges Kue and others think weakened form of נבע bubble up, pour forth (of flow of words under excitement of inspiration); Hup Ri Sch compare נאם; see careful discussions by RS^{Proph. ii, n. 18} Kö^{OB i. 71 f f.})

Geographical Setting

Nob was a priestly town within the tribal territory of Benjamin, lying on the ridge just north-northeast of Jerusalem. Its elevation commands a direct view of the Temple Mount, making it a natural stopping point for travelers and, in times of turmoil, for armies approaching the capital.

City of Priests and Temporary Sanctuary

After the collapse of Shiloh, the tabernacle and the high-priestly family appear to have relocated to Nob. The town is therefore called “the city of priests” (1 Samuel 22:19). Here the showbread was set out, the ephod was worn, and the sword of Goliath was stored—evidence that official worship continued while Israel awaited a permanent house for the Lord.

David’s Visit and Sacred Provision

In flight from Saul, David arrived at Nob seeking help: “The priest gave him consecrated bread, for there was no bread there except the Bread of the Presence” (1 Samuel 21:6; cf. 21:2 for the place-name). Ahimelech’s mercy toward the anointed king sets a pattern later affirmed by Jesus: “Have you not read what David did when he and his companions were hungry?” (Matthew 12:3). The episode shows that ritual serves life and covenant loyalty, not the reverse.

Doeg’s Betrayal and Saul’s Massacre

Doeg the Edomite reported, “I saw the son of Jesse come to Nob, to Ahimelech son of Ahitub” (1 Samuel 22:9). Summoned to Gibeah, the priests protested their innocence, yet Saul ordered their execution. “Doeg the Edomite turned and struck down the priests,” and he “put to the sword Nob, the city of priests—both men and women, children and infants, oxen, donkeys, and sheep” (1 Samuel 22:18-19). The slaughter exposes the depths of Saul’s rebellion and becomes a lasting testimony to the consequences of rejecting God’s anointed.

Prophetic Allusion in Isaiah

Assyria’s advance in Isaiah 10 is traced ridge by ridge until it halts at Nob: “This very day he will halt at Nob; he will shake his fist at the mount of Daughter Zion, the hill of Jerusalem” (Isaiah 10:32). The reference signals how near the judgment would come—yet no farther. Verses 33-34 immediately promise the Lord’s decisive intervention, echoing earlier deliverances and reinforcing confidence in divine sovereignty.

Post-Exilic Resettlement

After the Babylonian captivity, Benjaminite clans reoccupied the region: “Anathoth, Nob, and Ananiah” (Nehemiah 11:32). The listing shows continuity of territorial inheritance and the restoration of priestly presence near Jerusalem, underscoring God’s faithfulness to His covenant people.

Theological and Ministry Themes

• Sanctity and Mobility of Worship: Nob demonstrates that divine presence accompanies His appointed servants even before a permanent temple is built.
• Mercy and Covenant Fidelity: Ahimelech’s act embodies the priority of compassion, later affirmed by Christ.
• Warning against Abusing Authority: Saul’s act at Nob stands as a sobering caution to rulers tempted to oppose God’s purposes.
• Assurance of Divine Protection: Whether facing Saul or Assyria, the people of God are preserved when they trust in Him.
• Typology of the Messiah: David, the hungry fugitive provided for at Nob, foreshadows the greater Son of David who unites kingship and priesthood.

Key References

1 Samuel 21:2; 1 Samuel 22:9; 1 Samuel 22:11; 1 Samuel 22:19; Nehemiah 11:32; Isaiah 10:32

בְּנֹ֑ב בְּנֹ֣ב בנב נֹ֔בֶה נֹ֖ב נֹ֤ב נב נבה bə·nōḇ beNo bənōḇ no nō·ḇeh nōḇ nōḇeh NoehInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts