I have been trying to figure out how to understand Daniel 1 in light of 1 Samuel 21, in which David and his men eat the consecrated bread while on the run from Saul. Jesus even references this passage in response to the accusation that his disciples were breaking the Sabbath.
“Haven’t you ever read what King David and his men did when they were hungry? They entered the house of God and ate the sacred bread of God’s presence, violating the law by eating bread that only the priests were allowed to eat.” (Matthew 12:3-4)
Why was it permissible for David to violate the Law in order to eat, but not permissible for Daniel and friends?
