Book of Mark - Chapter 2 - Verse 25

In this verse, Jesus is referencing an incident from the Old Testament involving King David when he and his companions were hungry. The story can be found in 1 Samuel 21:1-6, where David and his men were on the run from King Saul and went to the town of Nob to seek food from the priest Ahimelech. Despite only having consecrated bread available, which was meant to be eaten only by priests, Ahimelech gives it to David and his men to eat because they were desperate and hungry. This event illustrates the principle of mercy and compassion over strict adherence to rules, as Jesus highlights to his disciples. By bringing up this story, Jesus is teaching his followers about the importance of prioritizing human needs and compassion over legalistic interpretations of the law. This serves as a reminder that showing kindness and extending help to those in need should always take precedence over rigidly following rules and regulations.

When Jesus asks his disciples if they have read what David did when he and his companions were hungry, he is referencing an event in the Old Testament where David and his men ate the consecrated bread in the tabernacle. This story can be found in 1 Samuel 21:1-6. In this passage, David, who was on the run from King Saul, went to the tabernacle and asked the priest for bread. Since there was no ordinary bread available, the priest gave him the consecrated bread, which was only meant to be eaten by the priests. Jesus uses this example to highlight the importance of mercy and compassion over legalistic rules. He is emphasizing that it is more important to care for those in need than to strictly adhere to religious laws. This passage serves as a reminder that God values compassion and kindness towards others above rigid adherence to rules and regulations.