To the mind of Ahimelech, something had to be wrong if David came to him alone.1 He might have thought that he had displeased Saul and that David came to him, with Saul’s authority, to demand some kind of recompense.2 Alternatively, he was aware of the rift between Saul and David and the danger that would come if he was to help him.3 Still, he trusted David and was happy to help him, given his status and general rapport (see 1 Samuel 22:14–15).
1 Then David came to Nob to Ahimelech the priest. And Ahimelech came to meet David trembling and said to him, “Why are you alone, and no one with you?”