The term "shewbread" or "showbread" refers to the sacred bread that was continually placed on a special table in the Tabernacle, and later in the Temple, as an offering to God. This bread is also known as the "Bread of the Presence" (Hebrew: לֶחֶם הַפָּנִים, lechem haPanim), signifying its role as a perpetual offering before the presence of the Lord.

Biblical Description and Instructions

The instructions for the shewbread are detailed in the Book of Exodus. According to Exodus 25:30 , "And place the Bread of the Presence on the table before Me at all times." This command underscores the continuous nature of this offering, symbolizing the perpetual covenant between God and the people of Israel.

The bread was to be made of fine flour and baked into twelve loaves, representing the twelve tribes of Israel. Leviticus 24:5-9 provides further details: "You are to take fine flour and bake twelve loaves, using two-tenths of an ephah for each loaf. Arrange them in two rows—six per row—on the table of pure gold before the LORD. And you are to place pure frankincense near each row, so that it may serve as a memorial portion for the bread, an offering made by fire to the LORD. 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 offerings made by fire to the LORD."

Position in the Tabernacle

The shewbread was placed on a specially designated table within the Holy Place of the Tabernacle. This table, known as the Table of Showbread, was constructed according to specific divine instructions. Exodus 25:23-24 describes the table: "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."

The Table of Showbread was situated on the north side of the Holy Place, opposite the golden lampstand (Menorah) and adjacent to the altar of incense. This arrangement is significant, as it reflects the order and sanctity of the worship space within the Tabernacle. The placement of the shewbread in the Holy Place, rather than the Most Holy Place, indicates its role in the daily worship and sustenance of the priestly service, while still maintaining a profound connection to the divine presence.

Symbolic Significance

The shewbread holds deep symbolic meaning within the context of Israelite worship. It represents God's provision and sustenance for His people, as well as the covenant relationship between God and Israel. The bread's perpetual presence before the Lord serves as a reminder of His continual care and the spiritual nourishment He provides.

Furthermore, the shewbread prefigures the New Testament understanding of Jesus Christ as the "bread of life." In John 6:35 , Jesus declares, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to Me will never hunger, and whoever believes in Me will never thirst." This connection highlights the fulfillment of the Old Testament symbolism in the person and work of Christ, who offers eternal sustenance to all who believe in Him.

In summary, the shewbread's position in the Tabernacle, its preparation, and its symbolic significance all contribute to its role as a vital element of Israelite worship, reflecting the ongoing relationship between God and His people.Exodus 26:35
And you shall set the table without the veil, and the candlestick over against the table on the side of the tabernacle toward the south: and you shall put the table on the north side.
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Exodus 40:22
And he put the table in the tent of the congregation, on the side of the tabernacle northward, without the veil.
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What was the bread of the Presence (Exodus 25:30)? | GotQuestions.org

Shewbread: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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