How does the requirement of purity in 1 Samuel 21:4 relate to Christian living? The Scene in Nob “Then the priest answered David, ‘There is no ordinary bread on hand, but there is consecrated bread, provided the young men have kept themselves from women.’” (1 Samuel 21:4) Purity: More than an Old-Testament Ritual • The consecrated bread symbolized God’s holy presence (Leviticus 24:5-9). • Ceremonial purity underscored a deeper call to moral purity (Exodus 19:10-15). • Sexual abstinence before receiving the bread illustrated wholehearted devotion—nothing in life, even lawful pleasure, was to rival God in that moment (cf. 2 Chronicles 29:15-17). Cleansed Positionally in Christ • “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.” (Ephesians 2:13) • “We have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus.” (Hebrews 10:19) • Christ fulfills the shadow: He is the Bread of Life (John 6:35); those in Him are counted perfect forever (Hebrews 10:14). Pursuing Purity Practically • The call remains: “Just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do.” (1 Peter 1:15) • Sexual purity: “For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality.” (1 Thessalonians 4:3) • Whole-life purity: – Mind: Philippians 4:8 – Speech: Ephesians 4:29 – Relationships: 1 Timothy 5:1-2 • Ongoing cleansing: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9) Purity and Worship Today • The Lord’s Supper echoes the consecrated bread: “Whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 11:27) • Examination before participation calls believers to daily repentance and renewed devotion. Takeaway Summary The priest’s requirement in 1 Samuel 21:4 lifts our eyes to a timeless principle: God’s people approach Him with clean hands and hearts. In Christ we are positionally pure; in gratitude we pursue practical purity—especially in areas of sexuality, worship, and everyday conduct—so that our lives continually testify to the holiness of the God who feeds us with true, living Bread. |
    |