The Bread of the Presence, also known as the Showbread, is a significant element in the worship practices of ancient Israel, as detailed in the Old Testament. This sacred bread was a perpetual offering placed in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple, symbolizing God's eternal covenant and His provision for the Israelites.

Biblical Description and Instructions

The instructions for the Bread of the Presence are first given in the book of Exodus. God commands Moses regarding the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings, including the table for the Bread of the Presence:

"You are also to make a table of acacia wood two cubits long, a cubit wide, and a cubit and a half high. Overlay it with pure gold and make a gold molding around it. And make a rim around it a handbreadth wide and put a gold molding on the rim. Make four gold rings for the table and fasten them to the four corners at its four legs. The rings are to be close to the rim, to serve as holders for the poles used to carry the table. Make the poles of acacia wood and overlay them with gold, so that the table may be carried with them. You are also to make the plates and dishes, as well as the pitchers and bowls, with which to pour out drink offerings. Make them of pure gold. And place the Bread of the Presence on the table before Me at all times." (Exodus 25:23-30)

The bread was to be made of fine flour and baked into twelve loaves, representing the twelve tribes of Israel. These loaves were arranged in two rows or piles on the table, which was situated in the Holy Place of the Tabernacle, opposite the golden lampstand and near the altar of incense.

Priestly Duties and Symbolism

The Bread of the Presence was to be set out every Sabbath day by the priests, as described in Leviticus:

"Every Sabbath day the bread is to be set out before the LORD on behalf of the Israelites as a lasting covenant. It belongs to Aaron and his sons, who are to eat it in a holy place, because it is a most holy part of their perpetual share of the food offerings made to the LORD." (Leviticus 24:8-9)

The bread served as a continual reminder of God's provision and His covenant with Israel. It was a symbol of God's presence among His people, signifying that He was their sustainer and provider. The priests, who were allowed to eat the bread, did so in a holy place, emphasizing the sanctity and divine provision associated with it.

New Testament Significance

In the New Testament, the Bread of the Presence is alluded to in the context of Jesus Christ's ministry. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus references the Bread of the Presence when discussing the Sabbath:

"Have you not read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? He entered the house of God, and he and his companions ate the consecrated bread, which was not lawful for them to eat, but only for the priests." (Matthew 12:3-4)

This reference highlights Jesus' authority over the Sabbath and points to His role as the ultimate fulfillment of the Law. Furthermore, the Bread of the Presence foreshadows the spiritual sustenance provided by Christ, who declared Himself to be the "bread of life" (John 6:35), offering eternal life to those who believe in Him.

Theological Implications

The Bread of the Presence underscores the themes of God's provision, presence, and covenant faithfulness. It serves as a tangible reminder of God's care for His people and His desire to dwell among them. In the broader biblical narrative, it points to the ultimate provision and presence of God through Jesus Christ, who fulfills and transcends the symbols of the Old Covenant.