1 Samuel 21:5

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.

And David {H1732} answered {H6030} the priest {H3548}, and said {H559} unto him, Of a truth {H518} women {H802} have been kept {H6113} from us about these three {H8032} days {H8543}, since I came out {H3318}, and the vessels {H3627} of the young men {H5288} are holy {H6944}, and the bread is in a manner {H1870} common {H2455}, yea, though it were sanctified {H6942} this day {H3117} in the vessel {H3627}.

David answered the cohen, "Of course women have been kept away from us, as on previous campaigns. Whenever I go out on campaign, the men's gear is clean, even if it's an ordinary trip. How much more, then, today, when they will be putting something consecrated in their packs!"

David answered, โ€œWomen have indeed been kept from us, as is usual when I set out. And the equipment of the young men is holy, as it is even on common missions, and all the more at this time.โ€

And David answered the priest, and said unto him, Of a truth women have been kept from us about these three days; when I came out, the vessels of the young men were holy, though it was but a common journey; how much more then to-day shall their vessels be holy?

Commentary

Context

This verse is part of a critical moment in David's life, chronicled in 1 Samuel chapter 21. Having narrowly escaped King Saul's murderous intent (1 Samuel 20:42), David arrives alone and desperate at Nob, the city of priests. He meets Ahimelech, the high priest, who is apprehensive about David's unexpected appearance. David, under duress, invents a story about being on a secret mission for King Saul and needing provisions for himself and his non-existent young men. Ahimelech has no common bread, only the holy showbread, which was consecrated and kept in the Tabernacle, typically reserved for priests (Leviticus 24:9). A condition for eating it, even for priests, was ceremonial purity, particularly abstinence from sexual relations. David's response in verse 5 is his assurance to Ahimelech that he and his men (fictional or otherwise) meet this purity requirement.

Key Themes

  • Ceremonial Purity and Holiness: The verse highlights the strict emphasis on ritual cleanliness in Old Testament worship, especially when dealing with sacred items. David's claim that his "vessels" (bodies and clothing) are holy underscores this requirement.
  • Necessity Overrides Ritual Law: David's argument, though framed within the context of purity, implicitly introduces the idea that extreme human need can, in certain circumstances, take precedence over the strict letter of ritual law. This event is famously referenced by Jesus Himself regarding the Sabbath law, highlighting a principle of mercy over sacrifice.
  • David's Resourcefulness and Desperation: David's quick thinking and readiness to bend the truth demonstrate his dire situation and his innate ability to survive and lead, even under immense pressure.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "the vessels of the young men are holy" refers to the men themselves, their bodies, and perhaps their garments, implying they are ceremonially clean. The term "vessels" (Hebrew: ื›ึฐึผืœึตื™ - keli) can refer to physical containers, but here it's used metaphorically for persons or their attire. David's assertion that "the bread is in a manner common, yea, though it were sanctified this day in the vessel" is crucial. The Hebrew word for "common" (ื—ึนืœ - chol) stands in contrast to "holy" (ืงึนื“ึถืฉื - qodesh). David is essentially arguing that due to their urgent need and their ceremonial purity, the holy bread, though set apart, could be treated as permissible for consumption by them, almost as if it were ordinary bread, especially given their immediate sanctified state.

Practical Application

This passage teaches us about God's compassion and the spirit of the law versus the letter of the law. While God values holiness and order, He also prioritizes human need and mercy, especially when survival is at stake. This doesn't negate the importance of purity or obedience but shows that God's ultimate desire is for relationship and practical care for His people. It reminds us that divine principles are not rigid legalisms but are meant to guide us in righteous living and loving service, always with compassion as a guiding light.

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Cross-References

  • 2 Timothy 2:20 (2 votes)

    But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.

  • 2 Timothy 2:21 (2 votes)

    If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, [and] prepared unto every good work.

  • 1 Thessalonians 4:3 (2 votes)

    For this is the will of God, [even] your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:

  • 1 Thessalonians 4:4 (2 votes)

    That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;

  • Leviticus 8:26 (2 votes)

    And out of the basket of unleavened bread, that [was] before the LORD, he took one unleavened cake, and a cake of oiled bread, and one wafer, and put [them] on the fat, and upon the right shoulder:

  • Leviticus 24:9 (2 votes)

    And it shall be Aaron's and his sons'; and they shall eat it in the holy place: for it [is] most holy unto him of the offerings of the LORD made by fire by a perpetual statute.

  • Acts 9:15 (2 votes)

    But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: