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NOB.—A place of this name is mentioned in three passages—1Sa_21:1-15; 1Sa_22:1-23, Neh_11:33, Isa_10:32 (text not quite certain). The context in the two latter passages points to a place near Jerusalem. In 1Samam., David passes Nob, which has become ‘the city of priests’ after the destruction of Shiloh, on his way from Saul (in Gibeah, wh. see) to Gath; this would suit a site near Jerusalem, though it does not demand such a position, unless, indeed, we infer (cf. 1Sa_20:6) that David went to Nob with the intention of proceeding to Bethlehem (5 miles S. of Jerusalem). There is no strong reason against assuming that in all three passages the same place is referred to. In Neh_11:33 and Isa_10:32 Nob is closely connected with Anathoth, 21/2 miles N. of Jerusalem. Since in Isa_10:32 Nob is the last point reached by the Assyrian army and the place from which it threatens Jerusalem, the site is best sought for on an eminence a little N. of the city, perhaps in particular (with Driver) on ‘the Ras el-Meshârif. about 11/2 miles S.W. of Anathoth, the ridge from the brow of which the pilgrim along the north road still catches his first view of the holy city.’ The name has not survived; and the identification suggested stands or falls with the correctness of the Hebrew text in Isa_10:32.
G. B. Gray.