What does 1 Samuel 21:3 mean?
"Now therefore what is under thine hand? give me five loaves of bread in mine hand, or what there is present." - 1 Samuel 21:3
1 Samuel 21:3 - "Now therefore what is under thine hand? give me five loaves of bread in mine hand, or what there is present."
The Bible verse 1 Samuel 21:3 in the King James Version (KJV) states, "Now then, what is under thine hand? give me five loaves of bread in mine hand, or what there is present." This verse is part of a larger passage that recounts the interactions between David and Ahimelech the priest. David, who was in distress and on the run from King Saul, sought refuge and supplies from Ahimelech. The verse reveals David's desperate situation as he asks the priest for provisions.
In order to fully grasp the meaning and significance of 1 Samuel 21:3, it is essential to consider the context in which it occurs. At this point in the biblical narrative, David has risen to prominence as a military leader in Israel, but he has also gained the jealous enmity of King Saul, who relentlessly pursues him in an attempt to kill him. As a result, David finds himself in a perilous situation, with few resources and a constant threat to his life.
When David arrives at Nob, he seeks help from Ahimelech the priest. In a state of hunger and desperation, he asks for bread and any other provisions that may be available. David’s request for "five loaves of bread" illustrates his immediate need for sustenance. This demonstrates his dire circumstances and his willingness to humble himself in asking for assistance.
The significance of this verse extends beyond David’s physical hunger and need for provisions. It also conveys the broader themes of trust, reliance on God, and divine providence. In his time of distress, David does not rely solely on his own strength or resources, but instead, he seeks help from the priest and ultimately from God.
Moreover, the verse highlights the actions of Ahimelech the priest, who demonstrates hospitality and compassion towards David. Despite the potential risk to his own safety, Ahimelech provides David with the bread he requests. This act of kindness reflects the importance of caring for others in their time of need and exemplifies the love and compassion that are central to the teachings of the Bible.
Symbolically, the “five loaves of bread” mentioned in the verse can be interpreted in the context of the broader biblical narrative. In the New Testament, the story of Jesus feeding the multitude with five loaves of bread and two fish (Matthew 14:13-21) is significant. The provision of bread in both instances represents God’s ability to provide abundantly, even in the midst of scarcity. It serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness and provision for His people.
Additionally, 1 Samuel 21:3 reflects the theme of hospitality and the importance of caring for others, even in difficult circumstances. David’s request and Ahimelech’s response emphasize the concept of helping those in need, without regard for personal risk or convenience. This reflects the biblical principle of loving one’s neighbor and extending compassion to others, as taught by Jesus in the New Testament.
In conclusion, 1 Samuel 21:3 provides a rich and profound insight into the themes of trust, reliance on God, divine providence, hospitality, and compassion. The verse serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking help in times of need, as well as the significance of extending generosity and care to others. Ultimately, it points to the faithfulness of God in providing for His people, even in the midst of adversity.
1 Samuel 21:3 Artwork
1 Samuel 21:3 - "Now therefore what is under thine hand? give me five loaves of bread in mine hand, or what there is present."
1 Samuel 3:21 - "And the LORD appeared again in Shiloh: for the LORD revealed himself to Samuel in Shiloh by the word of the LORD."
1 Samuel 8:21 - "And Samuel heard all the words of the people, and he rehearsed them in the ears of the LORD."
1 Samuel 3:10 - "And the LORD came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth."
1 Samuel 3:4 - "That the LORD called Samuel: and he answered, Here am I."
1 Samuel 3:16 - "Then Eli called Samuel, and said, Samuel, my son. And he answered, Here am I."
1 Samuel 3:3 - "And ere the lamp of God went out in the temple of the LORD, where the ark of God was, and Samuel was laid down to sleep;"
1 Samuel 22:21 - "And Abiathar shewed David that Saul had slain the LORD'S priests."
1 Samuel 3:15 - "¶ And Samuel lay until the morning, and opened the doors of the house of the LORD. And Samuel feared to shew Eli the vision."
1 Samuel 3:1 - "And the child Samuel ministered unto the LORD before Eli. And the word of the LORD was precious in those days; there was no open vision."
1 Samuel 23:21 - "And Saul said, Blessed be ye of the LORD; for ye have compassion on me."
2 Samuel 21:3 - "Wherefore David said unto the Gibeonites, What shall I do for you? and wherewith shall I make the atonement, that ye may bless the inheritance of the LORD?"
1 Samuel 3:19 - "¶ And Samuel grew, and the LORD was with him, and did let none of his words fall to the ground."
1 Samuel 17:21 - "For Israel and the Philistines had put the battle in array, army against army."
1 Samuel 13:21 - "Yet they had a file for the mattocks, and for the coulters, and for the forks, and for the axes, and to sharpen the goads."
1 Samuel 2:21 - "And the LORD visited Hannah, so that she conceived, and bare three sons and two daughters. And the child Samuel grew before the LORD."
1 Samuel 3:20 - "And all Israel from Dan even to Beer-sheba knew that Samuel was established to be a prophet of the LORD."
1 Samuel 21:10 - "¶ And David arose, and fled that day for fear of Saul, and went to Achish the king of Gath."
1 Samuel 3:7 - "Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, neither was the word of the LORD yet revealed unto him."
1 Samuel 1:21 - "And the man Elkanah, and all his house, went up to offer unto the LORD the yearly sacrifice, and his vow."
1 Samuel 21:12 - "And David laid up these words in his heart, and was sore afraid of Achish the king of Gath."
1 Samuel 3:11 - "¶ And the LORD said to Samuel, Behold, I will do a thing in Israel, at which both the ears of every one that heareth it shall tingle."
1 Corinthians 3:21 - "Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are your's;"
1 Samuel 16:21 - "And David came to Saul, and stood before him: and he loved him greatly; and he became his armourbearer."
1 Samuel 21:14 - "Then said Achish unto his servants, Lo, ye see the man is mad: wherefore then have ye brought him to me?"
1 Samuel 21:1 - "Then came David to Nob to Ahimelech the priest: and Ahimelech was afraid at the meeting of David, and said unto him, Why art thou alone, and no man with thee?"
1 John 3:21 - "Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God."
1 Samuel 3:18 - "And Samuel told him every whit, and hid nothing from him. And he said, It is the LORD: let him do what seemeth him good."
1 Samuel 12:21 - "And turn ye not aside: for then should ye go after vain things, which cannot profit nor deliver; for they are vain."
1 Samuel 18:3 - "Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul."