21:4 holy bread. That is, “the showbread” (v. 6; Ex. 25:30; 35:13; Lev. 24:5–9; 1 Chr. 9:32). See Jesus’ reference to this episode in Matt. 12:3, 4; Mark 2:25, 26; Luke 6:3, 4.

kept themselves from women. Ritual cleanliness was a part of consecration prior to battle or other important occasions (Ex. 19:15; Lev. 15:18; Deut. 23:9–14; Josh. 3:5; 2 Sam. 11:11–12).