Biblical Reference:
The account of David receiving the holy bread is found in 1 Samuel 21:1-6. This event occurs during a period of David's life when he is fleeing from King Saul, who is seeking to kill him.

Context and Background:
David, anointed by the prophet Samuel to be the future king of Israel, finds himself in a precarious situation as King Saul's jealousy and fear of losing the throne lead to a relentless pursuit of David. In his flight, David arrives at Nob, a city of priests, seeking refuge and sustenance.

The Encounter at Nob:
Upon reaching Nob, David meets Ahimelech the priest. The priest is initially fearful, as it is unusual for David to be alone. David, however, explains that he is on a secret mission from the king and has instructed his men to meet him later. This explanation, though not entirely truthful, is part of David's strategy to protect himself and his men.

Request for Bread:
David requests food from Ahimelech, stating that he and his men are in need. Ahimelech informs David that there is no ordinary bread available, only the consecrated bread, also known as the showbread, which is customarily reserved for the priests. According to Levitical law, this bread is set before the LORD in the Tabernacle and replaced regularly, with the old bread being consumed by the priests (Leviticus 24:5-9).

Provision of the Holy Bread:
Ahimelech agrees to give David the holy bread, provided that David and his men have kept themselves from women, a condition that David assures has been met. The priest then gives David the bread, which had been removed from before the LORD and replaced with hot bread on the day it was taken away.

Significance and Interpretation:
This event is significant for several reasons. It highlights the tension between ceremonial law and human need, illustrating that the spirit of the law is to serve and preserve life. Jesus Himself references this incident in the New Testament when addressing the Pharisees' criticism of His disciples for plucking grain on the Sabbath (Matthew 12:1-4, Mark 2:25-26, Luke 6:3-4). Jesus uses David's actions to demonstrate that mercy and human need can take precedence over ritualistic observance.

Theological Implications:
David's reception of the holy bread underscores God's provision and care for His anointed, even in times of distress. It also foreshadows the coming of Christ, who fulfills the law and embodies the true Bread of Life, offering sustenance and salvation to all who seek Him.

Key Verse :
"So the priest gave him the consecrated bread, since there was no bread there but the bread of the Presence that had been removed from before the LORD and replaced with hot bread on the day it was taken away." (1 Samuel 21:6)

Related Themes:
· God's provision and sustenance
· The tension between law and mercy
· The foreshadowing of Christ as the Bread of Life
· The role of the priesthood and the sacredness of the Tabernacle

Historical and Cultural Context:
The practice of placing showbread in the Tabernacle was a significant aspect of Israelite worship, symbolizing God's continual presence and provision. The bread was a reminder of the covenant between God and His people, and its consumption by the priests was a sacred duty. David's interaction with Ahimelech at Nob reflects the complex interplay of religious duty, royal authority, and divine providence in ancient Israel.