1 Samuel 21:6

KJV

So the priest gave him hallowed [bread]: for 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

So the priest {H3548} gave {H5414} him hallowed {H6944} bread: for there was no bread {H3899} there but the shewbread {H3899}{H6440}, that was taken {H5493} from before {H6440} the LORD {H3068}, to put {H7760} hot {H2527} bread {H3899} in the day {H3117} when it was taken away {H3947}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So the cohen gave him consecrated bread, because there was no bread there other than the showbread that had been removed from before ADONAI to be replaced by freshly baked bread on the day the old bread was removed.

Berean Standard Bible

So the priest gave him the consecrated bread, since there was no bread there but the Bread of the Presence, which had been removed from before the LORD and replaced with hot bread on the day it was taken away.

American Standard Version

So the priest gave him holy bread; for there was no bread there but the showbread, that was taken from before Jehovah, to put hot bread in the day when it was taken away.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 21:6 recounts the extraordinary moment when Ahimelech, the high priest at Nob, provided David, who was in desperate flight from King Saul, with the consecrated shewbread. This act, technically a violation of Mosaic ritual law which reserved the bread for priests, highlights a profound theological principle: that in cases of extreme human necessity, God's compassion and the spirit of the law can take precedence over strict adherence to ritualistic regulations. The verse underscores both David's dire circumstances and the sacred nature of the bread, which was continuously replaced before the Lord, setting the stage for later New Testament teachings on mercy and the true intent of God's commands.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the narrative of David's desperate flight from King Saul, who is relentlessly pursuing him to kill him. Having narrowly escaped Saul's spear and then his house in Gibeah through Michal's help, David flees to Ramah to Samuel, then to Gath, and finally arrives at Nob, the city of priests, alone and in dire need. The preceding verses (e.g., [1 Samuel 21:1-2](/1_samuel/21-1 "1 Samuel 21:1-2 - David's Arrival at Nob")) establish David's hunger, his lack of weapons, and his deception of Ahimelech, the chief priest, by claiming to be on a secret royal mission. This deception is crucial, as it leads Ahimelech to provide the only food available: the sacred shewbread. The immediate narrative flow emphasizes David's vulnerability and resourcefulness, as well as the priest's compassionate, albeit legally questionable, response.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The incident occurs at Nob, a priestly city where the Tabernacle, or at least a significant portion of its sacred articles including the table of the Presence, was located after the destruction of Shiloh. The "shewbread" (or "Bread of the Presence") was a central element of Israelite worship, as detailed in [Leviticus 24:5-9](/leviticus/24-5 "Leviticus 24:5-9 - The Law of the Shewbread"). Twelve loaves, representing the twelve tribes of Israel, were perpetually placed before the Lord, symbolizing God's covenant presence and continuous provision for His people. They were replaced weekly on the Sabbath, and only the priests were permitted to eat the old bread within the sacred precincts. David, as a non-priest, was strictly forbidden from consuming it. This context highlights the gravity of Ahimelech's decision and the extraordinary nature of David's need.
* **Key Themes:** The primary theme illuminated by this verse is the tension between **ritual law and human necessity**, particularly the principle that **mercy can override strict legalistic observance**. While the Mosaic Law clearly stipulated that only priests could eat the shewbread (e.g., [Leviticus 24:9](/leviticus/24-9 "Leviticus 24:9 - Regulations for the Shewbread")), Ahimelech's decision, driven by David's extreme hunger and his (deceptive) claim of a royal mission, prioritized human life and immediate need. This act foreshadows Jesus' later teaching in the New Testament, where He references this very incident to assert His authority as [Lord of the Sabbath](/mark/2-27 "Mark 2:27 - Jesus, Lord of the Sabbath") and to emphasize that God desires mercy, not sacrifice (as seen in [Matthew 12:7](/matthew/12-7 "Matthew 12:7 - Mercy, Not Sacrifice")). Another key theme is **divine provision**, as God, through the priest, provides for His anointed one even in his most desperate hour, albeit through unconventional means.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **"hallowed" (Hebrew, _qodesh'_):** This term signifies something set apart, consecrated, or made holy for sacred use. In the context of the shewbread, it emphasizes its distinct status, separated from common use and dedicated exclusively to the worship of Yahweh. The bread was not merely food; it was a sacred offering, imbued with ritual purity and symbolic significance, making its consumption by a non-priest a significant breach of established law.
* **"shewbread" (Hebrew, _lechem panim'_):** Literally meaning "bread of the face" or "bread of the presence," this term refers to the twelve loaves of bread placed directly "before the face" of the Lord in the Tabernacle. This designation highlights its primary function: to symbolize God's constant presence among His people and His continuous provision for them. Its placement "before the LORD" underscores its sacredness and its role in maintaining the covenant relationship between God and Israel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So the priest gave him hallowed [bread]:"**: This clause describes Ahimelech's decisive action. Despite the strict regulations, the priest, faced with David's apparent urgency and hunger, chooses to provide the only available food. The term "hallowed bread" immediately signals the extraordinary nature of this provision, drawing attention to its sacred status and the legal implications of its transfer to a non-priest.
* **"for there was no bread there but the shewbread,"**: This explanatory clause provides the crucial context for Ahimelech's decision. It emphasizes the scarcity of food at Nob, indicating that the shewbread was not merely an option but the *only* available sustenance. This highlights the dire circumstances that prompted the priest's unconventional act, framing it as a response to extreme necessity rather than a casual disregard for the law.
* **"that was taken from before the LORD, to put hot bread in the day when it was taken away."**: This final clause details the ritualistic cycle of the shewbread. It clarifies that the bread given to David was not just any sacred bread, but specifically the loaves that had been removed from the table of the Presence to be replaced by fresh, "hot" bread. This continuous cycle of presentation and renewal underscored the perpetual nature of God's presence and provision, even as it marked the precise moment when the old bread became available for priestly consumption.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several literary devices that enrich its meaning. **Irony** is evident in the fact that David, God's anointed king, is reduced to deception and desperation, yet it is through this very circumstance that a sacred law is "broken" in an act later affirmed by Christ. There is also a subtle **foreshadowing** at play, as this incident prefigures Jesus' teachings on the Sabbath and the spirit of the law over its letter, demonstrating a divine precedent for prioritizing human need and mercy. Furthermore, the **symbolism** of the shewbread itself—representing God's constant presence and provision—is central, as its unconventional use in this moment points to a deeper truth about God's character and His relationship with humanity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This incident in 1 Samuel 21:6 serves as a powerful illustration of the theological tension between the letter of the law and the spirit of the law, particularly concerning the principle that mercy and human necessity can, in extraordinary circumstances, take precedence over rigid ritual observance. It reveals a God who is not bound by legalistic strictures when genuine human need is at stake, but rather desires compassion and life. Ahimelech's act, though technically a violation of the Mosaic Law regarding the shewbread, aligns with a higher divine principle of love for neighbor and the preservation of life. This event becomes a foundational example, later referenced by Jesus, to explain the true intent of God's commands and the supremacy of His compassionate character.

* [Leviticus 24:5-9](/leviticus/24-5 "Leviticus 24:5-9 - The Law of the Shewbread")
* [Matthew 12:3-4](/matthew/12-3 "Matthew 12:3-4 - Jesus' Teaching on David and the Shewbread")
* [Hosea 6:6](/hosea/6-6 "Hosea 6:6 - God Desires Mercy, Not Sacrifice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of David and the shewbread offers profound lessons for contemporary believers, challenging us to look beyond rigid interpretations of rules and to discern the heart of God in every situation. It calls us to cultivate a spirit of compassion and mercy, recognizing that genuine human need, especially in desperate circumstances, can sometimes take precedence over strict adherence to established norms or traditions. This does not diminish the importance of God's commands, but rather encourages us to understand their underlying purpose: to foster life, love, and flourishing. We are invited to trust in God's unconventional provision, even when it comes in unexpected ways, and to prioritize the well-being of others, especially those in distress, reflecting the very character of God who desires mercy over sacrifice.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this story challenge our understanding of obedience to God's commands, particularly when faced with conflicting principles?**
* **In what situations might compassion and human necessity lead us to act in ways that seem to "bend" or reinterpret established rules?**
* **How can we cultivate a heart that prioritizes mercy and the spirit of the law, rather than merely adhering to its letter?**

### FAQ
**Was Ahimelech wrong to give David the shewbread?**

Answer: From a strict legalistic perspective, Ahimelech's act was a violation of the Mosaic Law, which reserved the shewbread exclusively for the priests (e.g., [Leviticus 24:9](/leviticus/24-9 "Leviticus 24:9 - Regulations for the Shewbread")). However, the biblical narrative, especially as interpreted by Jesus Christ, presents a more nuanced understanding. Jesus Himself references this event in [Matthew 12:3-4](/matthew/12-3 "Matthew 12:3-4 - Jesus' Defense of His Disciples") to defend His disciples for plucking grain on the Sabbath, arguing that "the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath" ([Mark 2:27](/mark/2-27 "Mark 2:27 - The Sabbath Made for Man")). Jesus implies that in cases of extreme necessity, human life and welfare take precedence over ritual law. Ahimelech, seeing David's desperate hunger and believing his fabricated story of a royal mission, acted out of compassion and a desire to preserve life, demonstrating a principle that God desires mercy over sacrifice ([Hosea 6:6](/hosea/6-6 "Hosea 6:6 - God Desires Mercy")). Therefore, while technically a transgression, it was an act aligned with God's compassionate character and a higher moral principle.

**What was the significance of the shewbread in Israelite worship?**

Answer: The shewbread, also known as the "Bread of the Presence" or "Bread of the Face," held profound significance in Israelite worship, as detailed in [Leviticus 24:5-9](/leviticus/24-5 "Leviticus 24:5-9 - The Law of the Shewbread"). Twelve loaves, representing the twelve tribes of Israel, were baked weekly and placed on a pure gold table "before the LORD" in the Tabernacle's Holy Place. This perpetual offering symbolized God's constant covenant presence among His people and His faithful provision for them. It was a tangible reminder that Israel lived by God's grace and sustained by His sustenance. The bread also represented Israel's ongoing dedication and communion with God, a continuous offering of thanksgiving and dependence. Its sacredness was paramount, as it was set apart exclusively for God and consumed only by the priests in a holy place, emphasizing its role in maintaining the ritual purity and sanctity of the Tabernacle service.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The incident of David and the shewbread finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in several profound ways. First, Jesus Himself appeals to this very event in [Matthew 12:3-8](/matthew/12-3 "Matthew 12:3-8 - Jesus, Lord of the Sabbath") (and parallels in Mark and Luke) to assert His authority as "Lord of the Sabbath" and to declare that "something greater than the temple is here." This indicates that the principles of mercy and life, which allowed the shewbread to be given to David, are fully embodied and supremely actualized in Christ. He is the one who perfectly fulfills the law, not by abolishing it, but by revealing its true spirit and intent, prioritizing love and compassion over rigid legalism. Furthermore, Jesus identifies Himself as the true [Bread of Life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life"), stating, "I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world" ([John 6:51](/john/6-51 "John 6:51 - Jesus' Flesh for the Life of the World")). Just as the shewbread symbolized God's presence and provision for physical sustenance, Jesus is the ultimate spiritual provision, satisfying the deepest hunger of humanity and offering eternal life through His sacrificial body. The unconventional giving of the shewbread to David foreshadows the radical, grace-filled provision of Christ, who gives Himself freely to all who hunger and thirst for righteousness, regardless of their "priestly" status, fulfilling the law's deepest longing for mercy and life.

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

Luke 6:3

And Jesus answering them said, Have ye not read so much as this, what David did, when himself was an hungred, and they which were with him;

Luke 6:4

How he went into the house of God, and did take and eat the shewbread, and gave also to them that were with him; which it is not lawful to eat but for the priests alone?

Matthew 12:3

But he said unto them, Have ye not read what David did, when he was an hungred, and they that were with him;

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?

Leviticus 24:5

And thou shalt take fine flour, and bake twelve cakes thereof: two tenth deals shall be in one cake.

Leviticus 24:9

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.

Mark 2:25

And he said unto them, Have ye never read what David did, when he had need, and was an hungred, he, and they that were with him?