What does 1 Samuel 21:6 mean?

The verse 1 Samuel 21:6 from the King James Version of the Bible reads:

"So the priest gave him hallowed bread: for there was no bread there but the showbread, that was taken from before the Lord, to put hot bread in the day when it was taken away."

This verse is part of a larger narrative in the book of 1 Samuel, which provides an account of the tumultuous relationship between King Saul and David, who would eventually succeed him as king. In this particular passage, David is fleeing from Saul and seeks refuge at the tabernacle of the Lord in Nob. When he arrives, he asks the priest Ahimelech for food, and the only bread available is the consecrated showbread.

The context of this verse is important in understanding its significance. The showbread, also known as the bread of the presence, was a central element of the Israelite religious practices. According to Exodus 25:30, the showbread was to be placed on a table in the tabernacle before the Lord and kept fresh continually, with the old bread being replaced with new bread each Sabbath. The showbread was considered holy and was meant for the priests to eat within the tabernacle.

In this verse, the priest Ahimelech makes the decision to give David the consecrated showbread because there was no other bread available. This action was not in accordance with the Mosaic law, as only the priests were permitted to eat the showbread (Leviticus 24:5-9). However, Ahimelech makes an exception due to David's dire circumstances, demonstrating compassion and hospitality.

The themes present in this verse include the tension between religious law and human need, as well as the importance of kindness and mercy. The religious laws surrounding the showbread were strict, and yet Ahimelech chooses to prioritize David's well-being over strict adherence to these laws. This decision raises questions about the role of mercy and compassion in religious practice, as well as the idea of situational ethics.

Additionally, the verse also speaks to the idea of hospitality and the duty to care for those in need. In the midst of his own challenges, David is provided for by the priest, highlighting the concept of divine provision and care for the vulnerable.

Symbolically, the showbread itself holds significance as a representation of the sustenance and presence of God. Just as the showbread provided physical nourishment for the priests, it also served as a reminder of God's faithfulness and provision for his people. In this context, the act of sharing the showbread with David can be seen as a symbol of God's care and provision for him in his time of need.

Overall, 1 Samuel 21:6 offers a thought-provoking reflection on the balance between religious law and compassionate action, as well as the themes of hospitality and divine provision. The verse presents a complex ethical dilemma and challenges readers to consider the role of mercy and kindness in the practice of religious faith. It also serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and provision for his people, even in the midst of challenging circumstances.

Artwork for 1 Samuel 21:6

1 Samuel 21:6 - "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 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." - 1 Samuel 21:6

1 Samuel 6:21 - "¶ And they sent messengers to the inhabitants of Kirjath-jearim, saying, The Philistines have brought again the ark of the LORD; come ye down, and fetch it up to you."

1 Samuel 21:10-15

1 Samuel 3:21

1 Samuel 3:21

1 Samuel 3:21

1 Samuel 3:21

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 3:21 - "And the LORD appeared again in Shiloh: for the LORD revealed himself to Samuel in Shiloh by the word of the LORD."

1 Samuel 3:19-21

1 Samuel 14:6

John 21:6

John 21:6

1 Samuel 3:21 Make Samuel a young adult before the people of Shiloh

1 Samuel 8:6 - "¶ But the thing displeased Samuel, when they said, Give us a king to judge us. And Samuel prayed unto the LORD."

1 Samuel 22:21 - "And Abiathar shewed David that Saul had slain the LORD'S priests."

1 Samuel 6:1 - "And the ark of the LORD was in the country of the Philistines seven months."

2 Samuel 6:14

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 23:21 - "And Saul said, Blessed be ye of the LORD; for ye have compassion on me."

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 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 3:21 Make Samuel a young man dressed as a prophet before the people of Shiloh

1 Samuel 17:21 - "For Israel and the Philistines had put the battle in array, army against army."

1 Samuel 16:6-7

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 Chronicles 6:28 - "And the sons of Samuel; the firstborn Vashni, and Abiah."

1 Samuel 3:21 make Samuel look like a young Jewish man who’s speaking with authority to a large crowd at Shiloh

1 Samuel 12:6 - "¶ And Samuel said unto the people, It is the LORD that advanced Moses and Aaron, and that brought your fathers up out of the land of Egypt."