Numbers 4:7

Over the table of the Presence they are to spread a blue cloth and place the plates and cups on it, along with the bowls and pitchers for the drink offering. The regular bread offering is to remain on it.

Study Bible

Over the table of the Presence
The table of the Presence, also known as the Table of Showbread, was located in the Holy Place of the Tabernacle. It held the bread of the Presence, symbolizing God's provision and covenant with Israel. This table was a constant reminder of God's presence among His people. The table was made of acacia wood and overlaid with gold, signifying purity and divinity. It points to Jesus Christ, who is the Bread of Life (John 6:35), fulfilling the spiritual sustenance that the showbread symbolized.

they are to spread a blue cloth
The blue cloth represents the heavenly nature and divine service associated with the Tabernacle. Blue is often associated with the heavens and the divine in Scripture, reflecting the holiness and sacredness of the items it covered. This act of covering the table with a blue cloth signifies the separation of holy objects from common use, emphasizing the sanctity of worship.

and place the plates and cups on it
The plates and cups were used for the bread and drink offerings, essential components of the sacrificial system. These utensils were made of pure gold, indicating their sacred purpose. The careful placement of these items underscores the order and reverence required in worship, reflecting God's holiness and the need for purity in approaching Him.

along with the bowls and pitchers for the drink offering
The drink offering, often wine, was poured out as a libation to the Lord, symbolizing the pouring out of one's life in service to God. This offering complements the grain and burnt offerings, representing a complete dedication to God. The use of bowls and pitchers highlights the organized and intentional nature of worship in the Tabernacle.

The regular bread offering is to remain on it
The regular bread offering, or showbread, consisted of twelve loaves representing the twelve tribes of Israel. It was a perpetual offering, replaced every Sabbath, signifying God's continual provision and the covenant relationship with His people. This bread is a type of Christ, who is the true sustenance for believers, as He declared Himself the Bread of Life. The presence of the bread on the table at all times symbolizes the eternal presence and faithfulness of God to His covenant people.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Kohathites
A Levitical family responsible for the care of the most sacred objects of the tabernacle, including the table of the Presence.

2. The Table of the Presence
A sacred piece of furniture in the tabernacle where the Bread of the Presence was placed, symbolizing God's continual presence and provision.

3. The Bread of the Presence
Also known as showbread, it was a perpetual offering before the Lord, representing the covenant between God and Israel.

4. The Tabernacle
The portable dwelling place for the divine presence among the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness.

5. The Wilderness Journey
The period when the Israelites traveled from Egypt to the Promised Land, during which the tabernacle was central to their worship and community life.

Teaching Points

Symbolism of the Bread of the Presence
The Bread of the Presence symbolizes God's provision and sustenance for His people. Just as the bread was continually before the Lord, God is continually present and providing for us.

The Role of the Kohathites
The Kohathites' responsibility to care for the sacred objects teaches us about the importance of reverence and careful stewardship in our service to God.

The Significance of the Blue Cloth
The blue cloth represents the heavenly nature of God's presence. In our lives, we should strive to cover our actions and service with a heavenly perspective, seeking to honor God in all we do.

Covenant Relationship
The Bread of the Presence is a reminder of the covenant relationship between God and His people. As Christians, we are called to live in a covenant relationship with God through Jesus Christ, who is the true Bread of Life.

Worship and Community
The centrality of the table of the Presence in the tabernacle worship underscores the importance of communal worship and fellowship in the life of believers today.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of the Kohathites in caring for the sacred objects of the tabernacle inspire us to serve in our local church communities?

2. In what ways can the symbolism of the Bread of the Presence deepen our understanding of God's provision in our daily lives?

3. How does the use of the blue cloth over the table of the Presence encourage us to maintain a heavenly perspective in our earthly responsibilities?

4. What parallels can we draw between the covenant relationship symbolized by the Bread of the Presence and our relationship with Christ as the Bread of Life?

5. How can the communal aspect of the tabernacle worship inform our approach to worship and fellowship within our church communities today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 25:23-30
Provides the initial instructions for constructing the table of the Presence and placing the Bread of the Presence on it, emphasizing its importance in worship.

Leviticus 24:5-9
Details the preparation and arrangement of the Bread of the Presence, highlighting its role in the covenant relationship between God and Israel.

Hebrews 9:1-5
Discusses the tabernacle and its furnishings, including the table of the Presence, as a foreshadowing of the heavenly realities fulfilled in Christ.