1 Samuel 21:3

KJV

Now therefore what is under thine hand? give [me] five [loaves of] bread in mine hand, or what there is present.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now therefore what is {H3426} under thine hand {H3027}? give {H5414} me five {H2568} loaves of bread {H3899} in mine hand {H3027}, or what there is present {H4672}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Now, what do you have on hand? If you can spare five loaves of bread, give them to me, or whatever there is."

Berean Standard Bible

Now then, what do you have on hand? Give me five loaves of bread, or whatever can be found.”

American Standard Version

Now therefore what is under thy hand? give me five loaves of bread in my hand, or whatsoever there is present.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 21:3 captures a pivotal moment in David's life as a fugitive, immediately following his narrow escape from King Saul's murderous intent. Having arrived alone and famished at Nob, the city of priests, David presents himself to Ahimelech, the high priest, under the guise of a secret royal mission. This verse records David's urgent and pragmatic plea for sustenance, asking for whatever food Ahimelech has readily available, particularly five loaves of bread, highlighting his extreme desperation and immediate need for survival.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a critical turning point in David's life, marking his transition from a celebrated courtier and military leader under King Saul to a hunted fugitive. The preceding chapter, [1 Samuel 20](/1-samuel/20 "1 Samuel 20 - Jonathan's Covenant with David"), details Jonathan's unwavering loyalty to David, his discovery of Saul's murderous intentions, and his final, tearful farewell to David, confirming David's need to flee. David's arrival at Nob in [1 Samuel 21:1-2](/1-samuel/21-1 "1 Samuel 21:1-2 - David's arrival at Nob and deception") sets the immediate scene, where he fabricates a story about a secret mission and the absence of his men to explain his solitary, urgent presence and his need for provisions. The request in [1 Samuel 21:3](/1-samuel/21-3 "1 Samuel 21:3 - David's plea for bread") directly leads to Ahimelech's provision of the holy showbread in [1 Samuel 21:4-6](/1-samuel/21-4 "1 Samuel 21:4-6 - Ahimelech provides showbread"), an act that later becomes a significant point of theological discussion, notably referenced by Jesus.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Nob was a city designated for priests, serving as a sanctuary where the Tabernacle (or a similar central place of worship) and its sacred items, including the showbread, were kept. The showbread (Hebrew: *lechem panim*, "bread of the presence") consisted of twelve loaves placed on a table in the Tabernacle each Sabbath, symbolizing God's provision for the twelve tribes of Israel. It was considered holy and typically reserved for priests to eat in a state of ritual purity. David's request for bread, and Ahimelech's subsequent provision of the showbread, highlights the extraordinary circumstances of David's flight. Furthermore, the cultural norms of hospitality in the ancient Near East dictated that a host should provide for a traveler, especially one claiming to be on the king's business, even if it meant bending certain rules under duress. David's status as a fugitive from the king placed him in extreme peril, making his need for immediate sustenance and a weapon paramount for survival.

* **Key Themes:** The passage powerfully illustrates several key themes. First, **Desperation and Survival** are paramount, as David, the anointed future king, is reduced to begging for food, emphasizing the precariousness of life as a fugitive. Second, the theme of **Divine Providence and Provision** is subtly present; even through David's deception and the bending of ritual law, God orchestrates the means for His anointed one to survive, demonstrating His care even in unconventional ways. Third, and most significantly, the incident introduces the profound tension between **Necessity and Law**. The act of eating the holy showbread, normally forbidden to non-priests, underscores that in extreme cases of human need, the spirit of the law, particularly compassion and the preservation of life, can take precedence over strict ritualistic adherence. This principle is later affirmed by Jesus in [Matthew 12:1-8](/matthew/12 "Matthew 12 - Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath") when defending His disciples for plucking grain on the Sabbath, directly referencing David's actions at Nob.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **"under thine hand" (Hebrew, *tachat yadeka'*):** This is an idiomatic expression meaning "at your disposal," "within your power," or "what you have readily available." David's use of this phrase underscores the urgency and practicality of his request. He is not demanding specific items but is inquiring about the extent of Ahimelech's provisions, indicating a willingness to accept whatever can be offered. It conveys a sense of immediate need and a pragmatic approach to survival.
* **"present" (Hebrew, *nimtsa'*):** Derived from the verb *matsa'* (to find), *nimtsa'* means "found," "available," or "at hand." This word reinforces David's desperate situation and his lack of choice. He is not particular about the type or quality of food; he simply needs sustenance that is immediately accessible. This phrase underscores the dire nature of his hunger and the urgency of the moment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now therefore what is under thine hand?":** David initiates his plea with a direct, urgent question. This is not a polite inquiry but a desperate assessment of Ahimelech's resources. Having established his feigned mission and the supposed urgency, David immediately moves to the practical matter of obtaining provisions, indicating his profound hunger and the critical nature of his situation.
* **"give [me] five [loaves of] bread in mine hand,":** David's specific request for "five loaves of bread" is notable. While he was alone, this number might have been part of his deception, implying he had companions for whom he also needed to provide. Five loaves would have been a substantial amount, enough to sustain a few individuals on a journey, suggesting David's need was not for a mere snack but for significant sustenance to continue his flight.
* **"or what there is present.":** This concluding phrase reveals the depth of David's desperation. It serves as a fallback option, indicating that if five loaves are not available, he is willing to accept *anything* Ahimelech has. This highlights his extreme hunger and the dire circumstances that have stripped him of any preference, making survival his sole priority.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices that enrich its meaning and foreshadow future theological developments. **Irony** is prominent, as David, God's anointed king-in-waiting, is reduced to a desperate fugitive, begging for food from a priest, while the reigning king, Saul, who has rejected God, enjoys royal comfort. This stark contrast highlights the topsy-turvy nature of the kingdom under Saul. The entire episode also functions as powerful **Foreshadowing**, particularly concerning the eating of the showbread. This act, seemingly a violation of ritual law, points forward to Jesus's later teachings on the Sabbath and the supremacy of human need and mercy over rigid legalism. David's actions, though born of necessity, set a precedent for understanding the spirit of the law. Finally, David's narrative involves **Deception** or **Hyperbole** regarding his "secret mission" and the presence of "men." This deliberate falsehood, while ethically questionable, underscores the extreme pressure and fear David was under, illustrating the lengths to which an individual might go for survival when hunted by a powerful adversary.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The incident at Nob, particularly David's desperate plea and the subsequent provision of the holy bread, carries profound theological implications. It illustrates God's sovereign care for His chosen servant, even when that servant is in dire straits and resorting to ethically complex means for survival. More significantly, the event becomes a foundational biblical precedent for the principle that human life and necessity can, in extraordinary circumstances, take precedence over ritualistic or ceremonial law. This is not an endorsement of lawlessness, but a revelation of God's compassionate heart, which values mercy over sacrifice when the two are in conflict. The very act of a non-priest eating the showbread, normally forbidden, demonstrates a divine allowance for extreme human need, a concept later fully revealed and exemplified in Christ.

* [Matthew 12:3-4](/matthew/12-3 "Matthew 12:3-4 - Jesus on David eating the showbread")
* [Mark 2:25-26](/mark/2-25 "Mark 2:25-26 - Jesus's defense of His disciples")
* [Luke 6:3-4](/luke/6-3 "Luke 6:3-4 - Jesus's teaching on the Sabbath")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's desperate plea in 1 Samuel 21:3 serves as a poignant reminder of the stark realities of human vulnerability and the lengths to which individuals may go for survival. It challenges us to consider our own responses to moments of extreme need, both in our lives and in the lives of others. Do we, like Ahimelech, possess the discernment and compassion to prioritize genuine human need over rigid adherence to rules or traditions, especially when life and well-being are at stake? This passage encourages a deeper understanding of God's heart, which is characterized by mercy and provision, even in unconventional ways. It invites us to trust in God's ability to sustain us through difficult seasons, reminding us that His care extends to our most basic physical needs, often through the unexpected generosity of others. Furthermore, it prompts us to reflect on the tension between truth and survival, urging us to seek God's wisdom when faced with seemingly impossible choices.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does David's desperate plea challenge our understanding of God's provision in difficult circumstances?**
* **In what ways might we prioritize rigid adherence to rules over genuine human need, and how can we cultivate a spirit of compassion?**
* **When faced with extreme pressure, how do we balance the need for survival with ethical considerations?**

### FAQ
**Why did David lie to Ahimelech?**

Answer: David was a fugitive from King Saul, who was actively seeking to kill him. He was alone, unarmed, and in desperate need of food and a weapon. His lie about being on a secret, urgent mission for the king and having men waiting was a desperate measure to protect himself and Ahimelech from Saul's wrath, and to secure the necessary provisions without revealing his true, perilous situation. It highlights the extreme pressure, fear, and immediate danger David was facing, forcing him into a morally compromised position for survival.

**What is the significance of "five loaves of bread"?**

Answer: While David was alone, his request for "five loaves" was a common and practical amount for a small group or for a journey, as seen in other biblical accounts (e.g., [Matthew 14:17](/matthew/14-17 "Matthew 14:17 - Feeding of the five thousand")). David's request for this specific quantity, rather than just "some bread," was likely part of his deceptive narrative, maintaining the facade of having companions and needing substantial provisions for a supposed royal mission. It was a practical, yet strategically deceptive, request designed to secure enough sustenance for his flight.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
David's desperate plea for bread in 1 Samuel 21:3, born of his flight and dire need, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment. David, though God's anointed, is a type of Christ in his suffering, rejection, and unjust pursuit by the reigning authority. His physical hunger and need for sustenance foreshadow the ultimate spiritual hunger of humanity, which can only be satisfied by Jesus, the [Bread of Life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life"), who came down from heaven to give life to the world ([John 6:33](/john/6-33 "John 6:33 - Jesus, the true bread from heaven")). The incident's later citation by Jesus Himself in [Matthew 12:1-8](/matthew/12 "Matthew 12 - Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath") (and parallel passages) is crucial. Jesus uses David's act of eating the holy showbread, which was technically unlawful for him, to illustrate that He, the [Son of Man, is Lord even of the Sabbath](/mark/2-28 "Mark 2:28 - Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath"), and that mercy and human need take precedence over rigid legalistic interpretations ([Matthew 9:13](/matthew/9-13 "Matthew 9:13 - I desire mercy, not sacrifice")). David's bending of the law for survival points to Christ's ultimate fulfillment, where the law is not abolished but fulfilled in love and grace ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus fulfills the Law")). Christ's compassion for the hungry and needy ([Matthew 15:32](/matthew/15-32 "Matthew 15:32 - Jesus's compassion for the crowd")) echoes and perfects the principle of necessity seen in David's act, ultimately providing spiritual and physical sustenance for all who believe and partake of Him ([John 6:51](/john/6-51 "John 6:51 - Jesus, the living bread")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Samuel 21:4

And the priest answered David, and said, [There is] no common bread under mine hand, but there is hallowed bread; if the young men have kept themselves at least from women.

Isaiah 3:6

When a man shall take hold of his brother of the house of his father, [saying], Thou hast clothing, be thou our ruler, and [let] this ruin [be] under thy hand:

Judges 9:29

And would to God this people were under my hand! then would I remove Abimelech. And he said to Abimelech, Increase thine army, and come out.