Question on 1 Samuel 21
Question
In 1 Samuel 21, it talks about how David Hamelekh eats the lechem hapanim which is usually forbidden, but Rashi explains that it was pikuach nefesh and thus allowed.
However, in the story they were asked if they were tamei or tahor, and David Hamelekh ensures them that they're tahor.
If it was a case of Pikuach nefesh in which you should rush to feed them, why make a point of asking if they were tamei or tahor? Would that change the permissiveness of eating the lechem hapanim even in a case of pikuach nefesh?
Sources would be great. Thank you
However, in the story they were asked if they were tamei or tahor, and David Hamelekh ensures them that they're tahor.
If it was a case of Pikuach nefesh in which you should rush to feed them, why make a point of asking if they were tamei or tahor? Would that change the permissiveness of eating the lechem hapanim even in a case of pikuach nefesh?
Sources would be great. Thank you
Answer
Shalom!
Thank you for your question.
While this site is primarily intended for questions on Jewish law, I will share with you two answers that are offered to your good question.
1. Some say it was “shaat hadechak” and not true “pikuach nefesh” which is why their ritual status was clarified.
2. Similar to the above, it was permitted only under “Kavod Malchus” honor due the king, in which ritual purity is still important.
Hence, not everyone agreed that Pikuach Nefesh was an issue here, and hence, confirming ritual purity was justified.
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