26. He is not clean. With all his evil traits, Saul was evidently a stickler for form. He understood that any ceremonial uncleanness would be sufficient reason for David’s absenting himself from such a special feast (see Lev. 15; 1 Sam. 21:3-5; etc.). His main concern at this moment was not, however, with the form of service, but with the whereabouts of a young man who had dared receive the plaudits of the populace ahead of the king.