King James Bible Dictionary

High place, a city of the priests, first mentioned in the history of David's wanderings (1 Samuel 21:1). Here the tabernacle was then standing, and here Ahimelech the priest resided. (See AHIMELECH.) From Isaiah 10:28-32 it seems to have been near Jerusalem. It has been identified by some with el-Isawiyeh, one mile and a half to the north-east of Jerusalem. But according to Isaiah 10:28-32 it was on the south of Geba, on the road to Jerusalem, and within sight of the city. This identification does not meet these conditions, and hence others (as Dean Stanley) think that it was the northern summit of Mount Olivet, the place where David "worshipped God" when fleeing from Absalom (2 Samuel 15:32), or more probably (Conder) that it was the same as Mizpeh (q.v.), Judges 20:1; Joshua 18:26; 1 Samuel 7:16, at Nebi Samwil, about 5 miles north-west of Jerusalem.

After being supplied with the sacred loaves of showbread, and girding on the sword of Goliath, which was brought forth from behind the ephod, David fled from Nob and sought refuge at the court of Achish, the king of Gath, where he was cast into prison. (Comp. titles of Psalms 34 and 56.)

discourse; prophecy

A city of Benjamin
Nehemiah 11:31-32

Called the city of the priests
1 Samuel 22:19

Abode of Ahimelech, the priest
1 Samuel 21:1; 1 Samuel 22:11

Probable seat of the tabernacle in Saul's time
1 Samuel 21:4; 1 Samuel 21:6; 1 Samuel 21:9

David flees to, and is aided by Ahimelech
1 Samuel 21:1-9; 1 Samuel 22:9-10

Destroyed by Saul
2 Samuel 22:19

Prophecy concerning
Isaiah 10:32

(high place) (1 Samuel 22:19; Nehemiah 11:32) a sacerdotal city in the tribe of Benjamin and situated on some eminence near Jerusalem. It was one of the places where the ark of Jehovah was kept for a time during the days of its wanderings. (2 Samuel 6:1) etc. But the event for which Nob was most noted in the Scripture annals was a frightful massacre which occurred there in the reign of Saul. (1 Samuel 22:17-19)