1 Samuel 21:5
David answered, "Women have indeed been kept from us, as is usual when I set out. And the equipment of the young men is holy, as it is even on common missions, and all the more at this time."
David answered
This phrase indicates David's response to the priest Ahimelech's concern about the ceremonial cleanliness of his men. The Hebrew root for "answered" (עָנָה, 'anah) often implies a thoughtful or reasoned response, suggesting David's awareness of the priest's concerns and his attempt to reassure him. David's leadership is evident here, as he takes responsibility for the spiritual state of his men.

Women have indeed been kept from us
In ancient Israel, abstaining from sexual relations was a common practice for men preparing for battle or religious service, as it was believed to maintain ritual purity. The Hebrew culture placed a strong emphasis on purity, both physical and spiritual, especially when engaging in activities that required divine favor or intervention.

as is usual whenever I set out
This phrase underscores the regularity and discipline of David's practices. The Hebrew word for "usual" (תָּמִיד, tamid) conveys a sense of continuity and faithfulness. David's consistent adherence to these practices reflects his commitment to maintaining a holy standard, even in times of distress or urgency.

The bodies of the young men are holy
Here, David asserts the sanctity of his men, despite the unconventional circumstances. The Hebrew word for "holy" (קָדוֹשׁ, qadosh) signifies being set apart for God's purposes. David's declaration highlights the importance of inner purity and dedication to God, which transcends mere ritual observance.

even on missions that are not holy
This phrase acknowledges that not all of David's endeavors are explicitly religious or sacred. However, it emphasizes that the commitment to holiness is not limited to religious rituals but extends to all aspects of life. The Hebrew understanding of holiness permeates every action, suggesting that one's conduct should always reflect God's standards.

How much more so today!
David concludes with a rhetorical flourish, emphasizing the heightened need for purity in their current situation. The urgency of "today" (הַיּוֹם, hayom) in Hebrew conveys the immediacy and significance of the present moment. David's words inspire a sense of readiness and dedication, urging his men to rise to the occasion with integrity and faithfulness.

Persons / Places / Events
1. David
The future king of Israel, currently fleeing from King Saul. He is a central figure in this passage, demonstrating leadership and adherence to ritual purity.

2. Ahimelech
The priest at Nob who provides David with consecrated bread. He is concerned about the ritual purity of David and his men.

3. Nob
A city of priests where David seeks refuge and provisions. It is significant as a place of worship and priestly service.

4. Consecrated Bread
Also known as the "showbread," it was typically reserved for priests. David requests this bread for himself and his men.

5. Ritual Purity
A key theme in this passage, highlighting the importance of maintaining holiness, even in times of distress or non-religious missions.
Teaching Points
Holiness in All Circumstances
David's insistence on ritual purity, even during a time of crisis, underscores the importance of maintaining holiness in all aspects of life. As believers, we are called to uphold our spiritual integrity regardless of external pressures.

God's Provision in Times of Need
This passage illustrates God's provision through unexpected means. Just as David received sustenance from the consecrated bread, we can trust God to provide for our needs in ways we might not anticipate.

Mercy Over Ritual
The event foreshadows Jesus' teaching on mercy and compassion taking precedence over strict adherence to ritual law. It challenges us to prioritize love and mercy in our interactions with others.

Leadership and Responsibility
David's leadership is evident in his concern for the purity of his men. As leaders, we are responsible for guiding others in righteousness and setting an example of godly living.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does David's response to Ahimelech reflect his understanding of holiness and purity? How can we apply this understanding to our daily lives?

2. In what ways does this passage demonstrate God's provision for His people? Can you think of a time when God provided for you in an unexpected way?

3. How does Jesus' reference to this event in Matthew 12 challenge our understanding of religious practices and mercy? How can we apply this principle in our community?

4. What leadership qualities does David exhibit in this passage, and how can we emulate these qualities in our own roles of influence?

5. How does the concept of ritual purity in the Old Testament relate to the New Testament teachings on holiness and sanctification? How can we pursue holiness in our modern context?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Leviticus 24:5-9
Provides background on the consecrated bread, its preparation, and its intended consumption by priests, emphasizing the sacredness of the bread David requests.

Matthew 12:3-4
Jesus references this event when discussing the Sabbath, highlighting the principle of mercy over ritual law.

Psalm 34
Written by David during this period, reflecting his trust in God amidst his trials and his commitment to righteousness.
DeceitB. Dale 1 Samuel 21:1-8
Almost GoneF. B. Meyer, B. A.1 Samuel 21:1-15
The Letter and the SpiritB. Dale 1 Samuel 21:3-6
People
Achish, Ahimelech, David, Doeg, Elah, Goliath, Saul
Places
Gath, Nob, Valley of Elah
Topics
Common, David, Holy, Indeed, Journey, Kept, Men's, Missions, Priest, Replied, Though, Truly, Usual, Vessels, Whenever, Women
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Samuel 21:1-6

     4418   bread

1 Samuel 21:3-6

     8270   holiness, set apart

1 Samuel 21:4-5

     5736   singleness

Library
Historical Criticism of Mediæval Amplifications.
But along with the genuine and trustworthy matter, the compiler has embodied much that is unattested and in many cases inherently improbable, and even some things that are demonstrably untrue. i. The Miraculous Details.--To the category of the improbable--the fiction of hagiology or the growth of myth--belong the miracles so freely ascribed to Ephraim and the miraculous events represented as attending on his career. It is noteworthy that Ephraim himself, though no doubt he believed that he was
Ephraim the Syrian—Hymns and Homilies of Ephraim the Syrian

The Exile Continued.
"So David fled, and escaped and came to Samuel to Ramah, and told him all that Saul had done unto him. And he and Samuel went and dwelt in Naioth" (1 Sam. xix. 18)--or, as the word probably means, in the collection of students' dwellings, inhabited by the sons of the prophets, where possibly there may have been some kind of right of sanctuary. Driven thence by Saul's following him, and having had one last sorrowful hour of Jonathan's companionship--the last but one on earth--he fled to Nob, whither
Alexander Maclaren—The Life of David

Of Preparation.
That a Christian ought necessarily to prepare himself before he presume to be a partaker of the holy communion, may evidently appear by five reasons:-- First, Because it is God's commandment; for if he commanded, under the pain of death, that none uncircumcised should eat the paschal lamb (Exod. xii. 48), nor any circumcised under four days preparation, how much greater preparation does he require of him that comes to receive the sacrament of his body and blood? which, as it succeeds, so doth it
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

Touching Jacob, However, that which He did at his Mother's Bidding...
24. Touching Jacob, however, that which he did at his mother's bidding, so as to seem to deceive his father, if with diligence and in faith it be attended to, is no lie, but a mystery. The which if we shall call lies, all parables also, and figures designed for the signifying of any things soever, which are not to be taken according to their proper meaning, but in them is one thing to be understood from another, shall be said to be lies: which be far from us altogether. For he who thinks this, may
St. Augustine—Against Lying

Samuel
Alike from the literary and the historical point of view, the book[1] of Samuel stands midway between the book of Judges and the book of Kings. As we have already seen, the Deuteronomic book of Judges in all probability ran into Samuel and ended in ch. xii.; while the story of David, begun in Samuel, embraces the first two chapters of the first book of Kings. The book of Samuel is not very happily named, as much of it is devoted to Saul and the greater part to David; yet it is not altogether inappropriate,
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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