Topical Encyclopedia The term "shewbread" or "showbread" refers to the twelve loaves of bread that were continually placed on a special table in the Holy Place of the Tabernacle, and later in the Temple, as an offering to God. This practice is rooted in the ordinances given by God to the Israelites and holds significant theological and symbolic meaning within the biblical narrative.Biblical Foundation The ordinance concerning the shewbread is primarily found in the book of Exodus. God commanded Moses regarding the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings, including the Table of Showbread. In Exodus 25:30, the instruction is given: "And place the Bread of the Presence on the table before Me at all times." This bread was to be a perpetual offering, symbolizing the covenant relationship between God and the people of Israel. Preparation and Placement The preparation and placement of the shewbread are detailed in 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. Each Sabbath, the loaves were replaced with fresh ones, and the old loaves were consumed by Aaron and his sons in a holy place, as they were considered most holy offerings. Symbolism and Significance The shewbread holds deep symbolic significance. The twelve loaves represent the twelve tribes of Israel, signifying the unity and provision of God for His people. The bread, being continually before the Lord, symbolizes the perpetual covenant and the sustenance that God provides. It also serves as a reminder of God's presence and His desire for fellowship with His people. New Testament Context In the New Testament, the shewbread is referenced in the context of Jesus' teachings and actions. In Matthew 12:3-4, Jesus refers to the incident where David ate the consecrated bread when he was in need, highlighting the principle that mercy and human need can transcend ceremonial law. This reference underscores the deeper spiritual truths that the shewbread pointed to, including the provision and presence of God fulfilled in Christ. Theological Implications The ordinance of the shewbread is a profound testament to God's provision and the sacred relationship between God and His people. It prefigures the ultimate provision of spiritual sustenance through Jesus Christ, who declared Himself to be the "bread of life" (John 6:35). The shewbread, therefore, is not only a historical ordinance but also a theological symbol pointing to the greater reality of God's eternal covenant and provision through His Son. In summary, the ordinance concerning the shewbread is a rich tapestry of divine instruction, symbolic meaning, and theological depth, reflecting God's ongoing relationship with His people and His provision for their needs, both physical and spiritual. Nave's Topical Index Leviticus 24:5-9And you shall take fine flour, and bake twelve cakes thereof: two tenth deals shall be in one cake. Nave's Topical Index Resources What was the bread of the Presence (Exodus 25:30)? | GotQuestions.orgShewbread: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Shewbread (Showbread) for the Temple Shewbread (Showbread): (Also Called the Bread of the Presence) Shewbread (Showbread): "Unlawfully" Eaten by David Shewbread (Showbread): Called Hallowed Bread Shewbread (Showbread): Consecration of Shewbread (Showbread): Furniture of Shewbread (Showbread): How Removed Shewbread (Showbread): Its Position in the Tabernacle Shewbread (Showbread): Ordinance Concerning Shewbread (Showbread): Ordinances Concerning Shewbread (Showbread): Placed on the Table of Shewbread (See Table of, Below) Shewbread (Showbread): Prepared by the Levites Shewbread (Showbread): Provided by a Yearly Per Capita Tax Shewbread (Showbread): Required to be Kept Before the Lord Continually Shewbread (Showbread): Table of Shewbread was Changed Every Sabbath Day Shewbread: After Removal from the Table Given to the Priests Shewbread: Called Hallowed Bread Shewbread: Christ As the Bread of Life Shewbread: Materials For, Provided by the People Shewbread: Not Lawful for Any But the Priests to Eat, Except in Extreme Shewbread: Placed in Two Rows on the Table by the Priests Shewbread: Prepared by Levites Shewbread: Pure Frankincense Placed On Shewbread: Table of Covered With Gold Shewbread: Table of Dimensions of Shewbread: Table of Directions for Removing Shewbread: Table of had an Ornamental Border Shewbread: Table of had Dishes, Spoons, Covers, and Bowls of Gold Shewbread: Table of had Rings of Gold in the Corners for the Staves Shewbread: Table of had Staves of Shittim Wood Covered With Gold Shewbread: Table of Placed in the North Side of the Tabernacle Shewbread: Twelve Cakes of Fine Flour Related Terms |
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