Biblical Reference:
The account of David taking the consecrated bread is found in 1 Samuel 21:1-6. This event is also referenced by Jesus in the New Testament in Matthew 12:3-4, Mark 2:25-26, and Luke 6:3-4.

Historical Context:
This event occurs during a tumultuous period in David's life. Anointed by the prophet Samuel as the future king of Israel, David was fleeing from King Saul, who sought to kill him out of jealousy and fear of losing his throne. David's flight led him to Nob, a city of priests, where he sought refuge and sustenance.

The Encounter at Nob:
David arrived at Nob and approached Ahimelech the priest. The priest was initially fearful, as David was alone and without his usual retinue. David explained that he was on a secret mission for the king and requested provisions. The only bread available was the consecrated bread, also known as the "bread of the Presence," which was customarily reserved for the priests.

1 Samuel 21:4-6 :
"But the priest replied to David, 'There is no ordinary bread on hand, but there is consecrated bread—provided the men have kept themselves from women.' David answered, 'Women have indeed been kept from us, as is usual whenever I set out. The men's bodies are holy even on missions that are not holy. How much more so today!' So the priest gave him the consecrated bread, since there was no other bread available except 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."

Significance of the Consecrated Bread:
The consecrated bread, or "showbread," was a sacred offering placed in the Tabernacle as a perpetual symbol of God's covenant with Israel. According to Levitical law, it was to be eaten only by the priests (Leviticus 24:5-9). However, in this instance, Ahimelech made an exception due to David's dire need, highlighting the principle of mercy over ritual.

Theological Implications:
This narrative underscores the tension between legalistic adherence to religious law and the compassionate application of those laws in service to human need. It illustrates the precedence of mercy and necessity over ceremonial regulations. This principle is later affirmed by Jesus Christ, who cites this incident to defend His disciples' actions on the Sabbath, emphasizing that "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath" (Mark 2:27).

David's Deception:
It is noteworthy that David's interaction with Ahimelech involved a degree of deception. He claimed to be on a mission from King Saul, which was untrue. This deception, while ensuring his immediate survival, had severe consequences. Saul later accused Ahimelech of conspiracy, leading to the tragic massacre of the priests at Nob (1 Samuel 22:11-19).

Moral and Ethical Considerations:
The episode raises questions about the ethics of David's actions. While his need was genuine, his deceit had dire repercussions for the innocent priests. This complexity invites reflection on the moral challenges faced by individuals in desperate circumstances and the unintended consequences of their decisions.

Christological Reference:
In the New Testament, Jesus uses this event to illustrate the principle that human need can take precedence over ceremonial law. By referencing David's actions, Jesus highlights His authority over the Sabbath and affirms the value of mercy and compassion in the interpretation of God's law.

Conclusion:
The account of David taking the consecrated bread is a profound narrative that explores themes of mercy, necessity, and the ethical dilemmas faced by individuals in crisis. It serves as a testament to the enduring tension between law and grace, a theme that resonates throughout the biblical narrative.