Definition: And the priest answered David, and said, [There is] no common bread under mine hand, but there is hallowed bread; if the young men have kept themselves at least from women.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Samuel 21, chapter 4. It’s a really important and slightly tricky passage! Here's what it means in simple terms: Basically, it’s about David needing to keep his relationship with Bathsheba separate from the men who were pursuing her. Let’s unpack that a bit: “And the priest answered David…” : This refers to a priest or religious leader who was involved in the situation. “…and said, [There is] no common bread under mine hand…” : This means the priest refused to give David any food that could be shared with anyone else – not just his friends or family. He wasn’t offering him anything casual. “…but there is hallowed bread; if the young men have kept themselves at least from women.” : “Hallowed bread” is a fancy way of saying something sacred and special. The priest was saying that he wouldn't allow David to be near or involved with anyone who was specifically focused on Bathsheba – meaning, he wasn’t allowing any interactions with her. He wanted to keep the connection between them strictly private and separate. So, what’s the big takeaway? This verse is about David's control over his emotions and priorities. It shows that he was determined to keep his focus on Bathsheba, and he wasn’t willing to let anyone else get involved in her affections. Why is this important? This passage is a key part of the story of how David eventually married Bathsheba. It highlights his dedication and self-control, which ultimately played a significant role in his later choices. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse from 1 Samuel? Discuss the context of this passage (like why it happened)? Give you some deeper meaning or interpretation?