Why did only 8 priests eat the shewbread on the sabbath?

Only the eight priests ate the shewbread on the Sabbath because they were the designated caretakers of the sanctuary and had the specific responsibility of handling the sacred items, including the shewbread. According to Jewish law, the shewbread, which was consecrated bread placed on the altar, could only be eaten by those who were ceremonially clean and in a state of priestly service. This practice highlights the importance of ritual purity and the roles of the priests within the temple service.