“And Ahimelech gave him the holy bread, because there was no bread there, but the shewbread, that was taken from before the LORD, to put hot bread in the day when it was taken away.”
In this passage, we find David, who is on the run from King Saul, seeking refuge and provisions from Ahimelech the priest at Nob. Let’s break down the verse and explore its significance within the larger context of the biblical narrative.
Hallowed bread:The term “hallowed bread” refers to the consecrated bread that was placed on the table of showbread in the Tabernacle. It was a symbol of the Lord’s presence and provision. According to the instructions in Leviticus 24:5-9, twelve loaves of bread were placed on the table every Sabbath, representing the twelve tribes of Israel. The bread was replaced each week, and the old loaves were eaten by the priests in a holy place.
No bread except the showbread:When David arrived at the sanctuary in Nob, he and his men were hungry and in need of food. The only bread available was the consecrated showbread, which was supposed to be eaten by the priests alone. However, due to the circumstances, the priest gave it to David and his companions.
The significance of the showbread:The showbread represented the provision and sustenance of God for His people. It was a reminder of the covenant relationship between God and Israel. By allowing David to eat the showbread, the priest extended mercy and recognised the pressing need of David and his men, prioritising human life over the technical observance of the law.
David as a foreshadowing of Christ:This incident with David and the hallowed bread has an interesting parallel in the New Testament. In Matthew 12:3-4, Jesus referred to this event when defending His disciples for plucking grain on the Sabbath. Jesus highlighted how David, in a time of need, ate the showbread, which was not lawful for him or his companions to eat. In doing so, Jesus emphasised His authority over the Sabbath and His fulfilment of the law.
This passage reveals the compassion of the priest Ahimelech and highlights the tension between the strict observance of religious laws and the need for mercy and compassion in certain circumstances. It also points to Jesus as the ultimate fulfilment of the law and the one who grants provision, sustenance, and mercy to His people.
