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.
So the priest gave him holy bread, because there was no other bread there except the sacred loaves that had been placed before the LORD. These loaves were removed to make room for fresh, warm bread on the day they were replaced.
The priest gave David sacred bread because it was the only food available, showing compassion even when bending religious rules.
📚 Historical Context
This occurs when David was fleeing from King Saul and stopped at the tabernacle in Nob, desperately hungry. The 'shewbread' (also called 'bread of the Presence') consisted of twelve loaves that were placed before God's presence in the tabernacle and replaced with fresh bread each Sabbath. Normally, only priests were allowed to eat this consecrated bread.
Explore Similar Verses
Ask the AI Assistant
Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.