The priest recognized David and his high status at court but was unaware of the new situation. He does not seem to have any connection with Samuel, the judge-prophet. David seeks two essential things: bread to sustain his life and a sword for his defense. What he finds is a good omen: for what better bread than that consecrated to the Lord, and what better sword than that of the Philistine? Matthew 12:1-4 cites this profane use of consecrated bread, in case of necessity, to defend the hungry disciples who pluck ears of corn on the Sabbath.