Matthew 9:26

House of God. At the time of the incident here referred to the Temple had not yet been built. The “house of God” still consisted only of the tabernacle, at that time at Nob.

Abiathar. Abiathar was the son of Ahimelech, who was titular high priest at the time this incident occurred (see 1 Sam. 21:1, 6). The words of Jesus seem to suggest that Abiathar was deputy to his aging father and so actually performing at least some of the functions of the high priestly office even during the latter’s lifetime, and under his supervision. When Ahimelech was slain Abiathar fled to David, carrying with him the sacred ephod, symbol of the high priestly office (see 1 Sam. 22:20). An analogous situation prevailed in Christ’s day, when Caiaphas was high priest, but Annas was recognized by all as being a kind of high priest emeritus (see Acts 4:6; see on Luke 3:2).

Shewbread. See on Ex. 25:30. Elaborate rules for the preparation and use of the “bread of the Presence” set it apart as holy. The old bread, removed from the table of shewbread in the holy place, was to be eaten by the priests within the sacred precincts of the sanctuary (see on Lev. 24:5-8).

Not lawful to eat. None but the priests might eat the consecrated bread (see Lev. 24:9).