and the Bread of the Presence
The Bread of the Presence, also known as the Showbread, consisted of twelve loaves representing the twelve tribes of Israel. These loaves were placed on the table before the Lord as a continual offering, symbolizing God's perpetual covenant with Israel and His provision for His people. The bread was replaced every Sabbath, and the old loaves were consumed by the priests, as described in Leviticus 24:5-9. This practice underscores the importance of fellowship and communion with God. The Bread of the Presence is a type of Christ, who declared Himself the "bread of life" in John 6:35, indicating that He is the sustenance and provision for spiritual life.

Exodus 39 records the craftsmen bringing the completed tabernacle pieces to Moses, precisely matching the pattern God revealed earlier (Exodus 25:9; 40:16-17). Verse 36 sits in the middle of that inventory, highlighting three closely related items that belong together inside the Holy Place (Hebrews 9:2).

“the table…” (Exodus 39:36)

• Also called the “Table of Showbread” (Exodus 25:23-30).

• Made of acacia wood overlaid with pure gold, it stood on the north side of the Holy Place (Exodus 40:22).

• Its very presence spoke of covenant fellowship: God invited His people to dine in His house, a picture later fulfilled at the Lord’s Supper (Matthew 26:26-28; 1 Corinthians 10:16-17).

• Gold signifies divinity and purity; wood pictures earthiness—together hinting at the future union of heaven and earth in Christ (John 1:14; Colossians 2:9).

“…with all its utensils…”

• The craftsmen fashioned dishes, pans, bowls, and jars for drink offerings (Exodus 25:29).

• Every utensil was “of pure gold,” underscoring the holiness required to approach God (Leviticus 10:1-3).

• Nothing was left to chance; even small tools mattered, echoing Paul’s reminder that every part of Christ’s body has value (1 Corinthians 12:18-22).

• Complete preparation points to the sufficiency of Christ, who equips us for every good work (2 Timothy 3:17).

“…and the Bread of the Presence.”

• Twelve loaves baked weekly (Leviticus 24:5-9) represented the twelve tribes continually “before the LORD.”

• Replaced each Sabbath, the bread signified God’s nonstop provision and the people’s unbroken fellowship with Him (Exodus 25:30).

• Jesus picks up this theme: “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to Me will never hunger” (John 6:35).

• When David ate this holy bread in need (1 Samuel 21:3-6; Mark 2:25-26), it foreshadowed mercy triumphing over ritual when the Messiah would come.

• The table, utensils, and bread form a single picture of covenant communion: God feeds, sustains, and fellowships with His people.

• They foreshadow the New Covenant reality where believers, made priests in Christ (1 Peter 2:9), enjoy continual access to God’s presence (Hebrews 10:19-22).

• The meticulous obedience of the craftsmen models wholehearted submission to God’s Word, a standard still binding (James 1:22-25).

• Cultivate a rhythm of meeting with God—Scripture, prayer, and fellowship—just as the bread was set out regularly.

• Treat every “utensil” of service—large or small—as holy. Serving coffee at church or teaching a class both matter.

• Rest in Christ’s sufficiency: the table is prepared; the bread is provided; we simply come (Psalm 23:5; Revelation 3:20).

Exodus 39:36 celebrates the completed table, its gold utensils, and the Bread of the Presence—tangible proofs that God desires ongoing, intimate fellowship with His people and supplies everything necessary for it. Faithful craftsmanship then anticipates perfect fulfillment now in Jesus, the true Bread who invites us daily to His prepared table.

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