The term "shewbread" or "showbread" refers to the twelve loaves of bread that were placed on the Table of Showbread in the Holy Place of the Tabernacle, and later in the Temple, as an offering to God. These loaves symbolized the twelve tribes of Israel and served as a continual reminder of God's covenant and provision for His people.

Biblical Instructions and Rituals

The instructions for the preparation and placement of the shewbread are detailed in the Old Testament. According to Leviticus 24:5-9 , the bread was to be made from fine flour, baked into twelve loaves, and arranged in two rows of six on the pure gold table before the LORD. Frankincense was placed on each row as a memorial portion, to be burned as an offering by fire to the LORD.

Removal and Replacement

The removal and replacement of the shewbread were part of a sacred ritual performed every Sabbath. The process is described in 1 Samuel 21:6 and further elaborated in Leviticus 24:8-9 : "Every Sabbath day the bread is to be set out before the LORD on behalf of the Israelites as a perpetual 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."

The priests, who were descendants of Aaron, were responsible for this task. Each Sabbath, the old loaves were removed and replaced with fresh ones. The removed loaves were then consumed by the priests in a holy place, signifying their participation in the sustenance and holiness provided by God.

Significance and Symbolism

The shewbread held deep symbolic meaning within the Israelite worship system. It represented God's provision and the sustenance He provided to His people, both physically and spiritually. The act of replacing the bread weekly underscored the continuous and unending nature of God's covenant with Israel.

Furthermore, the consumption of the shewbread by the priests symbolized the intimate relationship between God and His chosen servants, who were set apart to serve Him. This act of eating in a holy place highlighted the sanctity and reverence required in handling the sacred elements of worship.

New Testament Reference

In the New Testament, Jesus references the shewbread in a discussion with the Pharisees, as recorded in Matthew 12:3-4 : "He answered, '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.'" This reference underscores the principle that mercy and human need can transcend ritual law, pointing to the deeper spiritual truths embodied in the shewbread.

In conclusion, the shewbread was a vital component of Israelite worship, rich in symbolism and meaning. Its removal and replacement were not merely ritualistic acts but profound expressions of God's enduring provision and covenant with His people.Numbers 4:7,15
And on the table of show bread they shall spread a cloth of blue, and put thereon the dishes, and the spoons, and the bowls, and covers to cover with: and the continual bread shall be thereon:
Nave's Topical Index

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