“And David answered the priest, and said unto him, Of a truth women have been kept from us about these three days, since I came out, and the vessels of the young men are holy, and the bread is in a manner common, yea, though it were sanctified this day in the vessel.”
Context:This verse is part of the narrative in 1 Samuel where David, who was anointed to be the future king of Israel, was fleeing from King Saul. David sought refuge from the priest Ahimelech at the city of Nob. When David arrived, he requested food from the priest.
David’s response:In this verse, David explains to the priest why he and his companions had not been with women for three days. According to David, the vessels or utensils that his men carried were consecrated or holy, and they wanted to maintain ceremonial purity. This indicates that David and his men were observing some form of religious practice or ritual cleanliness.
Observance of ritual purity:The concept of ritual purity was significant in the Old Testament, particularly in the Levitical laws given to the Israelites. The utensils used in religious ceremonies were considered holy and were to be kept separate from everyday use. By abstaining from relations with women for three days, David and his men were likely observing a period of ritual purity to ensure they maintained holiness before God.
Symbolism of the bread:David mentions that the bread he was requesting was in a manner common, even though it had been sanctified that day in the vessel. This refers to the “showbread” or “bread of the Presence” that was placed before the Lord in the tabernacle. The bread was considered holy and reserved for the priests, but in this instance, David and his men were permitted to eat it due to their urgent circumstances.
David’s resourcefulness:This passage highlights David’s resourcefulness and his ability to adapt to challenging situations. Fleeing from Saul, he seeks assistance from the priest and uses his knowledge of religious customs to make a persuasive case for receiving provisions.
Lessons for believers:While this passage primarily describes a specific historical event, we can draw a few lessons from it. Firstly, it highlights the importance of maintaining reverence and respect for sacred things. Secondly, it demonstrates the value of resourcefulness and using knowledge wisely in difficult situations. Lastly, it emphasizes that God’s providence and guidance can be found even in times of distress.
Overall, this verse provides insights into David’s actions during a time of adversity and reveals his knowledge of religious customs. It encourages believers to approach challenging situations with wisdom and to honor God’s sacred things.
