1 Samuel 21 –September 14th
Bread is often a representation of sustenance. Think of the saying, let’s “break bread” together. In scripture, Jesus is referred to as the “bread of life” (John 6:35). There is a connection between that statement and the Old Testament practice of placing the bread of Presence before God, in the temple. In this chapter, David is on the run from Saul. Remember, Saul wants him dead so that he can maintain his authority as king. David flees to Nob to meet the priest Ahimelech. David lies to him and says that Saul has actually sent him on a top secret mission. The few commentators I have read agree that David actually told this lie to protect Ahimelech from potential prosecution. It would not be treason if he did not know that David was fleeing Saul. Regardless, David arrives and asks for food. Unfortunately, the only morsel available is the bread of the Presence, which is set aside for the priests (Lev. 24:5-9).
This is a case of the letter of the law versus the spirit of the law. In this situation, there is no exception provided in the letter of the law. The bread was to go to no one else. Ahimelech knows, though, that the Law of God ultimately exists to bring life, not to destroy it. Therefore, the spirit of the law suggests that feeding the needy, or in this case, helping a man of God, must take precedence over the ritual nature of the bread of Presence. Following traditions blindly, not understanding the spirit behind them, leads to bondage and legalism. Jesus explains this when he ignores Pharisaic practices and picks grain on the Sabbath to help provide food for hungry (Mark 2:23-28). Pastor-theologian, Mark Dever (please read his work), said it this way: “An inadequate view of Christian liberty, conscience, or prudence gives rise to a legalism which undermines the Gospel.”
The letter of the law does matter. The point here is that it must not be followed at the expense of the spirit of the law. At the same time, we must not appeal to the spirit of the law in order to justify our own lawlessness. Fight for the balance there. The regular reading of God’s word and living in community with the local church are the surest ways to learn how to apply God’s laws correctly in all circumstances. 2 Corinthians 3:4-6 provides an appropriate closing thought: Such is the confidence that we have through Christ toward God. Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God, who has made us sufficient to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.”