a21:4
bExod 25:22-30
cLev 24:5-9
dLev 15:16-18
e21:6
fMatt 12:1-8
gMark 2:23-28
hLuke 6:1-5
iExod 25:30
jLev 24:5-9
k21:7
l22:15

‏ 1 Samuel 21:3-7

21:4  a Only priests were permitted to partake of holy bread (see Exod 25:22-30  b; Lev 24:5-9  c), and only within the sacred precincts.

• slept with any women: The consecrated bread was to be eaten only by the ritually pure, so the priest verified that David’s men were free from ritual impurity caused by sexual activity (see Lev 15:16-18  d). Typically, such bread would not be available for consumption by laity. The priest made an exception in this case probably because he sensed the men’s physical needs and he believed they were on a royal mission.
21:6  e gave him the holy bread: Jesus referred to this incident to teach that meeting people’s physical needs takes precedence over rigid adherence to sacred institutions (see Matt 12:1-8  f; Mark 2:23-28  g; Luke 6:1-5  h).

• The Bread of the Presence consisted of twelve loaves (possibly one representing each tribe) that were laid out on a table in the Holy Place. They were replaced every Sabbath (see Exod 25:30  i; Lev 24:5-9  j).
21:7  k having been detained before the Lord: Ahimelech sought guidance from God on others’ behalf (22:15  l), so it is possible that Doeg was awaiting a response to an inquiry.
Copyright information for TNotes