²⁴ The Pharisees said to Jesus, “Why are your followers doing what is not lawful on the Sabbath day?” [^CGleaning was viewed as work, and therefore forbidden on the Sabbath; Ex. 34:21.]

²⁵ Jesus answered, “Have you never read what David did when he and ·those with him [his companions] were hungry and needed food [1 Sam. 21:1–6]? ²⁶ ·During the time of Abiathar [or, In the account about Abiathar] the high priest, David went into God’s house and ate the ·holy bread [consecrated bread; ^Lbread of presentation], which is lawful only for priests to eat [Ex. 25:30; Lev. 24:5–9]. And David also gave some of the bread to those who were with him.”