What does Matthew 12:4 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 12:4 tells of an incident where Jesus refers to a story from the Old Testament to make a point to the Pharisees.

The verse recounts how David entered the house of God, and he, along with his companions, ate the shewbread.

According to the Law of Moses, this bread was consecrated and was meant exclusively for the priests.

The deeper meaning of this reference by Jesus is to show that human need may take precedence over ceremonial law.

Jesus uses this example to justify his disciples plucking and eating grains on the Sabbath, emphasizing that mercy is more critical than sacrifice, and that the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.

Historical Context

The event referenced in Matthew 12:4 is found in 1 Samuel 21:1-6.

During the time of the Old Testament, shewbread, also known as the "Bread of the Presence," was a sacred part of the offerings to God and was placed in the Tabernacle, and later, the Temple.

It consisted of twelve loaves, representing the twelve tribes of Israel, and was renewed every Sabbath.

It was a holy offering and was only to be eaten by the priests in a holy place. The incident with David occurred when he was fleeing from Saul and needed provisions for his men. Ahimelech the priest gave him the shewbread because there was no other bread available.

Theological Insights

This verse provides insight into a debate about the rigidity of religious observance versus human need and mercy.

Some theological perspectives see Jesus invoking the spirit of the law rather than the letter of the law. Jesus' teaching often indicates that while the Law is essential, it should not be an instrument of oppression or blind ritual.

This verse illustrates the principle of "necessity over ceremony," suggesting that God's commands regarding mercy and human need can override ceremonial laws.

Practical Applications

The teachings of this verse can be applied in numerous ways.

It encourages individuals to prioritize the well-being and needs of others over strictly following religious rituals or traditions.

It also suggests that laws and customs should be interpreted in a manner that is charitable and life-giving, not rigidly or punitively.

Additionally, this verse invites believers to reflect on the spirit of the law and to consider the purpose and intent behind religious practices and observances.

Cross-References

• 1 Samuel 21:6 - "So the priest gave him hallowed bread: for there was no bread there but the shewbread, that was taken from before the LORD, to put hot bread in the day when it was taken away."
• Mark 2:25-26 - "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?"
• Luke 6:3-4 - "And Jesus answering them said, Have ye not read so much as this, what David did, when himself was an hungred, and they which were with him?"
• Leviticus 24:5-9 - Describes the shewbread ritual and its consumption by priests.
• Matthew 12:1-8 - The broader narrative where Jesus uses the incident to teach about the Sabbath.

Language Study

The key word in this verse is "shewbread" (Greek: ἄρτος τῆς προθέσεως), which means "bread of the presence" or "bread of the face [of God]." The word for "house of God" refers to the Jewish Temple (Greek: οἴκῳ τοῦ Θεοῦ).

Both terms are rich in cultural and religious connotations, pointing to the sacredness and the ceremonial importance of the offerings in the context of worship.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The concept of sacred food or offerings is not unique to Jewish culture.

In different ancient cultures, there were also specific foods that were reserved for religious leaders or gods, and it was often forbidden for laypeople to consume them.

In many ancient religions, including Greek, Roman, and Egyptian, offerings to the gods were an integral part of worship and daily life.

The violation of such regulations was usually taken very seriously, but exceptions could also be found in times of necessity or mercy, similar to the incident with David and the shewbread.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, the primary focus of this verse is not on elements that intersect with contemporary scientific understanding.

This verse deals with religious practice, cultural tradition, and moral teaching.

However, the concept of food being reserved for certain individuals or groups can be related to social hierarchies and resource distribution, which are topics within social sciences like anthropology and sociology.

Commentaries

Experts and biblical commentaries often focus on the Christological significance of this verse as it presents Jesus as the fulfillment of the Law who has authority even over the Sabbath.

Matthew Henry's Commentary, for instance, reflects on how David's act was a type of necessity, not of presumption or irreverence.

It sees Jesus' reference to this event as a means to confute the Pharisees' accusations and to point out their ignorance and misapplication of the law.

Similarly, the Pulpit Commentary discusses how the Pharisees misunderstood the purpose of the Sabbath, which was made for man's welfare and should be kept in a way that promoted goodness and mercy rather than strict legalism.