Mark 2:26 Study Bible: How he entered into the house of God in the time of Abiathar the high priest, and ate the show bread, which is not lawful to eat except for the priests, and gave also to those who were with him?"

◄ Mark 2:26 ►

During the high priesthood of Abiathar, he entered the house of God and ate the consecrated bread, which was lawful only for the priests. And he gave some to his companions as well."

Study Bible

During the high priesthood of Abiathar
Abiathar was a significant figure in the Old Testament, serving as a high priest during the reign of King David. However, the event Jesus refers to actually occurred during the time of Ahimelech, Abiathar's father. This discrepancy may be due to Abiathar's more prominent role later in David's reign. Abiathar's priesthood represents a time of transition and turmoil in Israel's history, reflecting the challenges faced by David and his followers.

he entered the house of God
The "house of God" refers to the tabernacle at Nob, where the priests served and where the sacred bread was kept. This location was central to Israelite worship before the construction of Solomon's Temple. The tabernacle was a place of divine presence and worship, symbolizing God's covenant with Israel.

and ate the consecrated bread
The consecrated bread, also known as the "bread of the Presence," was placed on a table in the tabernacle as an offering to God. According to Levitical law, this bread was to be eaten only by the priests (Leviticus 24:5-9). David's act of eating the bread highlights the tension between legalistic adherence to the law and the necessity of mercy and human need.

which was lawful only for the priests
This phrase underscores the strict regulations surrounding the consecrated bread, emphasizing the holiness and separation of priestly duties. The law was clear that only priests could consume this bread, reflecting the sacred nature of their service and the importance of maintaining ritual purity.

And he gave some to his companions as well.
David's sharing of the bread with his companions illustrates the principle of mercy over sacrifice, a theme Jesus emphasizes in His ministry. This act prefigures the communal aspect of Jesus' mission, where He provides for His followers and breaks down barriers of ritual exclusivity. It also foreshadows the Last Supper, where Jesus shares bread with His disciples, symbolizing the new covenant.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Abiathar
Although the text mentions Abiathar, the event actually occurred during the high priesthood of Ahimelech, Abiathar's father. Abiathar later became a significant priest during King David's reign.

2. David
The future king of Israel, who was fleeing from King Saul at the time of this event. David is a central figure in the Old Testament, known for his heart for God and his leadership.

3. House of God
Refers to the tabernacle at Nob, where the consecrated bread was kept. This was a sacred place for worship and offerings.

4. Consecrated Bread
Also known as the "showbread," it was placed in the tabernacle as an offering to God and was meant to be eaten only by the priests.

5. Companions of David
Those who were with David during his flight from Saul, sharing in his need and receiving the bread.

Teaching Points

Mercy Over Ritual
Jesus uses this account to illustrate that human need can take precedence over ritual law. This teaches us to prioritize compassion and mercy in our interactions with others.

Understanding Context
Knowing the historical and cultural context of biblical events helps us understand their significance and application. David's need and the priest's response show a deeper understanding of God's law.

God's Provision
Just as God provided for David in his time of need, He provides for us. Trust in God's provision, even when circumstances seem dire.

Leadership and Responsibility
David's actions, though unconventional, were driven by his responsibility to care for his men. This teaches us about the balance between leadership and adherence to rules.

Scriptural Consistency
Jesus' reference to this event shows the consistency of God's character throughout Scripture. He is a God of mercy, compassion, and understanding.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the account of David eating the consecrated bread challenge our understanding of religious rules and human need?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of "mercy over ritual" in our daily lives and interactions with others?

3. How does understanding the historical context of biblical events enhance our interpretation and application of Scripture?

4. What are some examples in your life where you have seen God's provision in unexpected ways?

5. How can we balance the responsibilities of leadership with adherence to rules, as demonstrated by David in this passage?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Samuel 21:1-6
This passage provides the original account of David eating the consecrated bread. It highlights the context of David's need and the priest's decision to give him the bread.

Matthew 12:1-8
Jesus refers to this same event when discussing the Sabbath with the Pharisees, emphasizing mercy over sacrifice.

Leviticus 24:5-9
Details the laws regarding the consecrated bread, underscoring its sacredness and the typical restrictions on who could eat it.

Sermons

Love Greater than Law	E. Johnson	Mark 2:23-28
Sabbath Observance	J.J. Given	Mark 2:23-28
The Sabbath Made for Man	A.F. Muir	Mark 2:23-28
An Interior Reading of Scripture	C. H. Spurgeon.	Mark 2:25-26
Bible Glancing not Bible Reading	C. H. Spurgeon.	Mark 2:25-26
How to Read the Bible	C. H. Spurgeon.	Mark 2:25-26
Illumination Necessary to Emotion	C. H. Spurgeon.	Mark 2:25-26
Living in God's Word	C. H. Spurgeon.	Mark 2:25-26
Mercy Better than Sacrifice		Mark 2:25-26
Pedantic Bible Readers	C. H. Spurgeon.	Mark 2:25-26
The Grace of Bible Doctrine	C. H. Spurgeon.	Mark 2:25-26
Use of the Scriptures	G. Petter.	Mark 2:25-26

People

Abiathar, Alphaeus, David, Jesus, John, Levi

Places

Capernaum, Galilee

Topics

Abiathar, Abi'athar, Allowed, Anyone, Ate, Bread, Chief, Companions, Consecrated, Eat, Entered, Except, High-priesthood, Holy, Lawful, Loaves, None, Presence, Presentation, Presented, Priest, Priests, Save, Section, Shewbread, Shew-bread, Showbread, Show-bread, Unless

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Mark 2:26

7377 high priest, OT
7378 high priest, NT

Mark 2:23-28

2057 Christ, obedience

Mark 2:24-28

2333 Christ, attitude to OT

Mark 2:25-26

5175 reading

Library

December 28 Morning
Thy sins be forgiven thee.--MARK 2:5. I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.--Who can forgive sins but God only? I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.--Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity.--Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity? God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.--The blood of Jesus Christ …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

June 8 Evening
Why reason ye these things in your hearts?--MARK 2:8. Being not weak in faith, [Abraham] considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah's womb; he staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God. Is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy sins be forgiven thee or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk?--If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

The Secret of Gladness
'And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them?'--Mark ii. 19. This part of our Lord's answer to the question put by John's disciples as to the reason for the omission of the practice of fasting by His followers. The answer is very simple. It is--'My disciples do not fast because they are not sad.' And the principle which underlies the answer is a very important one. It is this: that all outward forms of religion, appointed by man, ought only …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Christ's Authority to Forgive
'And again He entered into Capernaum after some days; and it was noised that He was in the house. 2. And straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive them, no, not so much as about the door; and He preached the word unto them. 3. And they come unto Him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four. 4. And when they could not come nigh unto Him for the press, they uncovered the roof where He was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Publicans' Friend
'And He went forth again by the sea side; and all the multitude resorted unto Him, and He taught them. 14. And as He passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaus sitting at the receipt of custom, and said unto him, Follow me. And he arose and followed Him. 15. And it came to pass, that, as Jesus sat at meat in his house, many publicans and sinners sat also together with Jesus and His disciples: for there were many, and they followed Him. 16. And when the scribes and Pharisees saw Him eat with publicans …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Works which Hallow the Sabbath
'And it came to pass, that He went through the cornfields on the Sabbath day; and His disciples began, as they went, to pluck the ears of corn. 24. And the Pharisees said unto Him, Behold, why do they on the Sabbath day that which is not lawful? 25. And He said unto them, Have ye never read what David did, when he had need, and was an hungred, he, and they that were with him? 28. How he went into the house of God in the days of Abiathar the high priest, and did eat the shewbread, which is not lawful …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Friend of Sinners
(Preached in London.) MARK ii. 15, 16. And it came to pass, that, as Jesus sat at meat in his house, many publicans and sinners sat also together with Jesus and his disciples: for there were many, and they followed him. And when the scribes and Pharisees saw him eat with publicans and sinners they said onto his disciples, How is it that he eateth and drinketh with publicans and sinners? We cannot wonder at the scribes and Pharisees asking this question. I think that we should most of us ask the …
Charles Kingsley—The Good News of God

The Sick of the Palsy
"And when He entered again into Capernaum after some days, it was noised that He was in the house." MARK 2:1 (R.V.) [And when He had come back to Capernaum several day s afterward, it was heard that He was at home. And many were gathered together, so that there was no longer room, even near the door; and He was speaking the word to them. And they came, bringing to Him a paralytic, carried by four men. And being unable to get to Him on account of the crowd, they removed the roof above Him; and when …
G. A. Chadwick—The Gospel of St. Mark

The Son of Man
"The Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins." MARK 2:10 (R.V.) WHEN asserting His power to forgive sins, Jesus, for the first time in our Gospel, called Himself the Son of man. It is a remarkable phrase. The profound reverence which He from the first inspired, restrained all other lips from using it, save only when the first martyr felt such a rush of sympathy from above poured into his soul, that the thought of Christ's humanity was more moving than that of His deity. So too it is then alone …
G. A. Chadwick—The Gospel of St. Mark

The Controversy Concerning Fasting
"And John's disciples and the Pharisees were fasting: and they come and say unto Him, Why do John's disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but Thy disciples fast not?" MARK 2:18 (R.V.) THE Pharisees had just complained to the disciples that Jesus ate and drank in questionable company. Now they join with the followers of the ascetic Baptist in complaining to Jesus that His disciples eat and drink at improper seasons, when others fast. And as Jesus had then replied, that being a Physician, …
G. A. Chadwick—The Gospel of St. Mark

The Call and Feast of Levi
"And He went forth again by the seaside; and all the multitude resorted unto Him, and He taught them. And as He passed by, He saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the place of toll, and He saith unto him, Follow Me. And he arose and followed Him. And it came to pass, that He was sitting at meat in his house, and many publicans and sinners sat down with Jesus and His disciples: for there were many, and they followed Him. And the scribes of the Pharisees, when they saw that He was eating with the …
G. A. Chadwick—The Gospel of St. Mark

The Sabbath
"And it came to pass, that He was going on the sabbath day through the cornfields; and His disciples began, as they went, to pluck the ears of corn. And the Pharisees said unto Him, Behold, why do they on the sabbath day that which is not lawful? And He said unto them, Did ye never read what David did, when he had need, and was an hungered, he, and they that were with him? How he entered into the house of God when Abiathar was high priest, and did eat the shewbread, which it is not lawful to eat …
G. A. Chadwick—The Gospel of St. Mark

Wesley's Living Arguments
Sunday, 20.--Seeing many of the rich at Clifton Church, my heart was much pained for them and I was earnestly desirous that some even of them might "enter into the kingdom of heaven." But full as I was, I knew not where to begin in warning them to flee from the wrath to come till my Testament opened on these words: "I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance" [Mark 2:17]; in applying which my soul was so enlarged that methought I could have cried out (in another sense than poor vain …
John Wesley—The Journal of John Wesley

Of the Words Themselves in General.
We come now to the words themselves, wherein Christ asserts that he is, 1, "the way;" 2, "the truth;" 3, "the life;" and, 4, "that no man cometh to the Father but by him." In them we learn these two things in general. First, The misery of wretched man by nature. This cannot be in a few words expressed. These words will point out those particulars thereof, which we will but mention. 1. That he is born an enemy to, and living at a distance from God, by virtue of the curse of the broken covenant of …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life

Combination Illustrated.
To illustrate our method of combination, let us take Section 36, which is a fitting together of the following passages, namely: 9 And as Jesus passed by from thence, he saw a man, called Matthew, sitting at the place of toll: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him.--Matt. ix. 9. 13 And he went forth again by the sea side; and all the multitude resorted unto him, and he taught them. 14 And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphæus sitting at the place of toll, …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Call of Matthew.
(at or Near Capernaum.) ^A Matt. IX. 9; ^B Mark II. 13, 14; ^C Luke V. 27, 28. ^c 27 And after these thingsa [after the healing of the paralytic] he went forth, ^a again by the seaside [i. e., he left Capernaum, and sought the shore of the sea, which formed a convenient auditorium for him, and which was hence a favorite scene for his teaching]; and all the multitude resorted unto him, and he taught them. 14 And as he ^a Jesus passed by from thence, he saw ^c and beheld ^a a man, ^c a publican, named …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Jesus Defends Disciples who Pluck Grain on the Sabbath.
(Probably While on the Way from Jerusalem to Galilee.) ^A Matt. XII. 1-8; ^B Mark II. 23-28; ^C Luke VI. 1-5. ^b 23 And ^c 1 Now it came to pass ^a 1 At that season ^b that he ^a Jesus went { ^b was going} on the { ^c a} ^b sabbath day through the grainfields; ^a and his disciples were hungry and began ^b as they went, to pluck the ears. ^a and to eat, ^c and his disciples plucked the ears, and did eat, rubbing them in their hands. [This lesson fits in chronological order with the last, if the Bethesda …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Matthew's Feast. Discourse on Fasting.
(Capernaum.) ^A Matt. IX. 10-17; ^B Mark II. 15-22; ^C Luke V. 29-39. ^c 29 And Levi [another name for the apostle Matthew] made him a great feast in his house: ^b 15 And it came to pass, that he was sitting { ^a as he sat} at meat in the { ^b his} ^a house, ^c and there was a great multitude of publicans [Matthew had invited his old friends] and of others ^b and ^a behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with Jesus and his disciples. ^b for there were many, ^c that were sitting at meat …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Jesus Heals a Paralytic at Capernaum.
^A Matt. IX. 2-8; ^B Mark II. 1-12; ^C Luke V. 17-26. ^c 17 And it came to pass on one of those days, ^b when he entered again into Capernaum after some days, ^c that he was teaching; ^b it was noised that he was in the house. [Luke uses the general expression "those days," referring to the early portion of our Lord's ministry in Galilee. Mark says, "some days," which implies the lapse of a considerable interval. The healing of the leper created such excitement that for some time, several weeks, …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Two Sabbath-Controversies - the Plucking of the Ears of Corn by the Disciples, and the Healing of the Man with the Withered Hand
IN grouping together the three miracles of healing described in the last chapter, we do not wish to convey that it is certain they had taken place in precisely that order. Nor do we feel sure, that they preceded what is about to be related. In the absence of exact data, the succession of events and their location must be matter of combination. From their position in the Evangelic narratives, and the manner in which all concerned speak and act, we inferred, that they took place at that particular …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

The Return to Capernaum - Concerning the Forgiveness of Sins - the Healing of the Paralysed
It is a remarkable instance of the reserve of the Gospel-narratives, that of the second journey of Jesus in Galilee no other special event is recorded than the healing of the leper. And it seems also to indicate, that this one miracle had been so selected for a special purpose. But if, as we have suggested, after the Unknown Feast,' the activity of Jesus assumed a new and what, for want of a better name, may be called an anti-Judaic character, we can perceive the reason of it. The healing of leprosy …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

The Call of Matthew - the Saviour's Welcome to Sinners - Rabbinic Theology as Regards the Doctrine of Forgiveness in Contrast to the Gospel of Christ
In two things chiefly does the fundamental difference appear between Christianity and all other religious systems, notably Rabbinism. And in these two things, therefore, lies the main characteristic of Christ's work; or, taking a wider view, the fundamental idea of all religions. Subjectively, they concern sin and the sinner; or, to put it objectively, the forgiveness of sin and the welcome to the sinner. But Rabbinism, and every other system down to modern humanitarianism - if it rises so high in …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

The Kingdom of God: Its Values
The Right Social Order is the Highest Good for All The first three chapters dealt with simple human principles which are common and instinctive with all real men. Jesus simply expanded the range of their application, clarified our comprehension of them, placed them in the very center of religious duty, and so lifted them to the high level of great social and religious principles. In the next three chapters we shall take up a conception which is not universally human, but which Jesus derived from …
Walter Rauschenbusch—The Social Principles of Jesus

Links

Mark 2:26 NIV
Mark 2:26 NLT
Mark 2:26 ESV
Mark 2:26 NASB
Mark 2:26 KJV

Mark 2:26 Commentaries

Bible Hub