The term "shewbread" or "showbread" refers to the consecrated bread that was placed on a special table in the Holy Place of the Tabernacle and later in the Temple. This bread was a significant element of the Levitical priestly rituals, symbolizing God's provision and His covenant with the people of Israel. According to the Mosaic Law, the shewbread was to be set before the Lord continually, with twelve loaves representing the twelve tribes of Israel (Leviticus 24:5-9).

The incident of David unlawfully eating the shewbread is a notable event recorded in the Old Testament, specifically in 1 Samuel 21:1-6. During this time, David was fleeing from King Saul and arrived at Nob, where Ahimelech the priest resided. David, in need of sustenance for himself and his men, requested bread from Ahimelech. The priest informed David that the only bread available was the consecrated shewbread, which, according to the law, was reserved exclusively for the priests.

Despite this restriction, Ahimelech allowed David and his men to eat the shewbread, provided they had kept themselves from women, which David affirmed. This act of eating the consecrated bread was technically unlawful, as it contravened the stipulations set forth in the Mosaic Law. However, it is important to note that this event is later referenced by Jesus Christ in the New Testament, highlighting a deeper theological significance.

In the Gospel of Matthew 12:3-4, Jesus cites this incident when addressing the Pharisees' criticism of His disciples for plucking grain on the Sabbath. Jesus states, "Have you not read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? He entered the house of God, and he and his companions ate the consecrated bread, which was not lawful for them to eat, but only for the priests." Here, Jesus emphasizes the principle of mercy over ritualistic adherence to the law, suggesting that human need can, at times, take precedence over ceremonial regulations.

From a theological perspective, the incident of David eating the shewbread serves as a profound illustration of God's grace and the prioritization of compassion over legalism. It underscores the understanding that the laws were instituted for the benefit of humanity, not as an inflexible burden. This narrative also foreshadows the New Covenant, where Jesus, the Bread of Life, fulfills and transcends the Old Testament laws, offering spiritual sustenance to all who believe in Him.

In conclusion, the account of David eating the shewbread is a multifaceted story that not only highlights a moment of divine provision and mercy but also points to the greater redemptive work of Christ. It serves as a reminder of the balance between law and grace, and the ultimate fulfillment of the law in the person of Jesus Christ.1 Samuel 21:6
So the priest gave him hallowed bread: for there was no bread there but the show bread, that was taken from before the LORD, to put hot bread in the day when it was taken away.
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Matthew 12:3,4
But he said to them, Have you not read what David did, when he was an hungered, and they that were with him;
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Mark 2:25,26
And he said to them, Have you never read what David did, when he had need, and was an hungered, he, and they that were with him?
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Luke 6:3,4
And Jesus answering them said, Have you not read so much as this, what David did, when himself was an hungered, and they which were with him;
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The Sabbath
... David and his followers, when at extremity, had eaten the shewbread which it
was not lawful for them to eat. It is a striking assertion. ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 2 23-28 the sabbath.htm

The Two Sabbath-Controversies - the Plucking of the Ears of Corn ...
... When, on his flight from Saul, David had, when an hungered,' eaten of the shewbread,
and given it to his followers, [3567] although, by the letter of the ...
/.../chapter xxxv the two sabbath-controversies.htm

The Lawful and Unlawful Use of Law.
... commanded none to eat the shewbread except the priests. David ate it in hunger.
If Abimelech had scrupled to give it, he would have used the law unlawfully. ...
/.../robertson/sermons preached at brighton/xix the lawful and unlawful.htm

The Cleansing of the Temple - the Sign,' which is not a Sign.
... for as the two wave loaves and the shewbread, which were afterwards eaten by priests ...
Lord have been, through Joseph, the heir of David's throne (according ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter v the cleansing of.htm

What is the Sanctuary?
... The table of shewbread and the altar of incense glittered like ... unto Him the throne
of His father David," a kingdom of ... but the flesh was then to be eaten by the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the great controversy/chapter 23 what is the.htm

The New Covenant.
... the order of Melchizedek and a Son of David Who would also be David's Lord. ... The
shewbread, laid on the table in rows of twelve cakes, was eaten by Aaron ...
/.../chapter viii the new covenant.htm

In the House of his Heavenly, and in the Home of his Earthly ...
... in the near future the thrones of David' were to ... Golden Candlestick (south), the
Table of Shewbread (north), and ... For, the Passover had been eaten, the festive ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter x in the house.htm

The Desire of the Righteous Granted;
... Wherefore this was the cause why David so earnestly desired to dwell there too ... of
things in the heavens; the candlestick, the table of shewbread, the holiest of ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the desire of the righteous.htm

What was the bread of the Presence (Exodus 25:30)? | GotQuestions.org

Shewbread: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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