the house of God] The place where the tabernacle was. the shew-bread] The Hebrews call it, Bread of faces, because it stood before the LORD all the week, upon the golden table appointed to that service, Levit. 24. 8, 9. which was not lawfull for him to eat] According to the letter of the law; yet, according to the intent of the law, not unlawfull. neither for them which were with him] It appears hence, that they did eat of the shew-bread as well as David. And this is added, lest the Pharisees should think that David might do it by an extraordinary warrant, being a prophet. They that were with him were no prophets, yet they did it also, and are not blamed, because it was in a case of necessity, to which ceremoniall laws must yeeld. but onely for the priests] Exodus 29:32-33. Leviticus 8:31. and Leviticus 24:9.