Now then, what do you have on hand? Give me five loaves of bread, or whatever can be found.”
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 (Sa1 21:1), and applied to Ahimelech the priest. Samuel the prophet could not protect him, Jonathan the prince could not.
Commenting on 1 Samuel 21:1-9
Now therefore what is under thine hand?.... Meaning, what food had he in his house? give me five loaves of bread in mine hand; to take with him, for him and his servants in such a place: or what there is present; or to be found (g) in the tabernacle; if not five loaves, two, or three, or four, or what food soever he had by him.
1Sa 21:3 “And now what is under thy hand? give into my hand (i.e., hand me) five loaves, or whatever (else) is to be found.” David asked for five loaves, because he had spoken of several attendants, and probably wanted to make provision for two or three days (Thenius).