Matthew 12:4
“How he entered into the house of God, and did eat the shewbread, which was not lawful for him to eat, neither for them which were with him, but only for the priests?”
Certainly! Here’s a Bible study on Matthew 12:4 (KJV) says, “How he entered into the house of God, and did eat the showbread, which was not lawful for him to eat, neither for them which were with him, but only for the priests?”
This verse is part of a larger conversation between Jesus and the Pharisees regarding the Sabbath. To understand the significance of this verse, let’s explore the context and the underlying principles found in the passage:
Background:The Pharisees were strict observers of the Jewish law and traditions, including the laws regarding the Sabbath. In this particular incident, Jesus and His disciples were walking through a grainfield on the Sabbath day, and His disciples began to pluck heads of grain to eat. The Pharisees saw this and accused them of breaking the Sabbath.
Reference to David:In response to the Pharisees’ accusation, Jesus refers to an incident involving King David in 1 Samuel 21:1-6. David, when he was fleeing from King Saul, entered the house of God and ate the consecrated bread, which was only lawful for the priests to eat. Jesus mentions this to show that there were exceptions to the strict interpretation of the law, and the needs of hunger took precedence over the ceremonial regulations.
The Showbread:The showbread, also known as the “bread of the Presence,” was a special offering in the temple. Twelve loaves of bread were placed on a table in the Holy Place, representing the twelve tribes of Israel. The bread was to be replaced every Sabbath, and the priests who served in the temple were the only ones allowed to eat it (Leviticus 24:5-9).
Jesus’ Authority:By highlighting the incident involving David, Jesus implies that He has authority over the Sabbath and its regulations. He goes on to say in Matthew 12:6, “But I say unto you, That in this place is one greater than the temple.” Jesus, as the Son of God, is the ultimate authority and can interpret the law according to God’s will.
The Principle of Mercy:Jesus emphasizes the principle of mercy over legalistic observance. In Matthew 12:7 (KJV), He says, “But if ye had known what this meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless.” Jesus quotes from Hosea 6:6, emphasizing that acts of mercy and compassion are more important to God than rigid adherence to rules and rituals.
Jesus as the Lord of the Sabbath:Jesus concludes by asserting His authority as the Lord of the Sabbath (Matthew 12:8). He declares that the Sabbath was made for man’s benefit, not as a burden, and that He, being the Son of Man, has the authority to interpret and apply the Sabbath law according to God’s intended purpose.
In summary, Matthew 12:4 provides an example from the life of David to illustrate Jesus’ authority over the Sabbath and His emphasis on mercy and compassion over strict legalism. It teaches us that the heart behind our actions and our concern for others are more important to God than rigid adherence to rules and regulations.
