Topical Bible: Priest: Benefits of The Shewbread

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The concept of the shewbread, also known as the "bread of the Presence," holds significant theological and practical implications within the priestly duties of ancient Israel. The shewbread was a vital component of the Tabernacle and later the Temple worship, symbolizing God's provision and covenant with His people.

Biblical Foundation

The shewbread is first introduced in Exodus 25:30, where God commands Moses, "And place the Bread of the Presence on the table before Me at all times." This bread was to be set on a specially designated table in the Holy Place, outside the Holy of Holies, and was to be continually before the Lord. Leviticus 24:5-9 provides further instructions, detailing that twelve loaves were to be baked and placed in two rows, representing the twelve tribes of Israel.

Symbolism and Spiritual Significance

The shewbread served as a perpetual offering to God, symbolizing His eternal covenant with Israel. It was a reminder of God's provision, as seen in the manna provided during the Israelites' wilderness journey. The bread also represented the sustenance and life that God provides, both physically and spiritually. In John 6:35, Jesus refers to Himself as the "bread of life," drawing a parallel to the shewbread as a symbol of divine sustenance.

Priestly Privilege and Responsibility

The consumption of the shewbread was a unique privilege reserved for the priests. According to Leviticus 24:9, "It belongs to Aaron and his sons, who are to eat it in a holy place, for it is most holy to him from the offerings made by fire to the LORD, a perpetual share." This consumption was not merely a physical act but a sacred duty, emphasizing the priests' role as mediators between God and the people.

Benefits to the Priests

1. Spiritual Nourishment: The shewbread provided spiritual nourishment, reinforcing the priests' dependence on God for sustenance. It was a tangible reminder of their sacred duties and the divine provision that enabled them to fulfill their roles.

2. Covenantal Assurance: By partaking in the shewbread, the priests reaffirmed their covenantal relationship with God. This act symbolized their commitment to uphold the laws and commands given to Israel, ensuring the continuity of God's promises.

3. Communal Identity: The shewbread reinforced the communal identity of the priesthood. As they consumed the bread together, the priests were reminded of their collective responsibility to serve God and the nation of Israel.

4. Holiness and Consecration: Eating the shewbread in a holy place underscored the importance of holiness and consecration in the priestly office. It was a constant call to purity and dedication in their service to God.

New Testament Reflection

The shewbread finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ. As the "bread of life," Jesus embodies the spiritual sustenance and eternal life that the shewbread symbolized. The New Testament reflects on this fulfillment, emphasizing the transition from the old covenant practices to the new covenant established through Christ's sacrifice.

In summary, the shewbread was more than a ritualistic element of worship; it was a profound symbol of God's provision, covenant, and the sacred duties of the priesthood. Through the shewbread, the priests experienced both physical and spiritual benefits, reinforcing their unique role in the divine plan.

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Exodus 25:30
And you shall set on the table show bread before me always.
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Leviticus 24:5-9
And you shall take fine flour, and bake twelve cakes thereof: two tenth deals shall be in one cake.
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2 Chronicles 2:4
Behold, I build an house to the name of the LORD my God, to dedicate it to him, and to burn before him sweet incense, and for the continual show bread, and for the burnt offerings morning and evening, on the sabbaths, and on the new moons, and on the solemn feasts of the LORD our God. This is an ordinance for ever to Israel.
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2 Chronicles 13:11
And they burn to the LORD every morning and every evening burnt sacrifices and sweet incense: the show bread also set they in order on the pure table; and the candlestick of gold with the lamps thereof, to burn every evening: for we keep the charge of the LORD our God; but you have forsaken him.
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Nehemiah 10:33
For the show bread, and for the continual meat offering, and for the continual burnt offering, of the sabbaths, of the new moons, for the set feasts, and for the holy things, and for the sin offerings to make an atonement for Israel, and for all the work of the house of our God.
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Matthew 12:4
How he entered into the house of God, and did eat the show bread, which was not lawful for him to eat, neither for them which were with him, but only for the priests?
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Hebrews 9:2
For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the show bread; which is called the sanctuary.
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Library

What is the Sanctuary?
... The table of shewbread and the altar of incense glittered ... in Christ, are entitled
to the benefits of His ... as a sacrifice, and the high priest represented Christ ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the great controversy/chapter 23 what is the.htm

The Incense of Prayer
... of Incense, the Golden Candlestick, and the Table of the Shewbread. ... and twice a day
there came the priest with his ... to the Lord for all His benefits?'"it is ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/the incense of prayer.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... mercenaries and their predominance in the state: the origin of the XXIInd (Bubastite)
dynasty"Sheshonq I. as king and his son Auputi as high priest of Amon ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

The Desire of the Righteous Granted;
... shadows of things in the heavens; the candlestick, the table of shewbread, the holiest ...
in the indignation of his anger, the king and the priest' (Lamentations 2 ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the desire of the righteous.htm