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. 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 instructions for the shewbread are first detailed in the Book of Exodus. God commands Moses regarding the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings, including the Table of Showbread. In Exodus 25:30, the Lord instructs, "And place the Bread of the Presence on the table before Me at all times." This command establishes the perpetual nature of the shewbread as a symbol of God's continual provision and presence among His people.

Preparation and Placement

The preparation and placement of the shewbread are further elaborated in Leviticus 24:5-9. The passage specifies that twelve loaves, made from fine flour, are to be baked and arranged in two rows of six on the pure gold table before the Lord. Frankincense is to be placed alongside the loaves as a memorial portion, an offering made by fire to the Lord. This ritual is to be performed every Sabbath, signifying a covenantal relationship between God and the twelve tribes of Israel.

Priestly Consumption

The ordinance also dictates that the shewbread is to be consumed by Aaron and his sons, the priests, in a holy place. Leviticus 24:9 states, "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." This consumption by the priests underscores the sanctity of the bread and the role of the priesthood in mediating between God and the people.

Symbolism and Significance

The shewbread serves as a powerful symbol of God's provision and sustenance. It represents the spiritual nourishment that God provides to His people, paralleling the physical sustenance of bread. The twelve loaves correspond to the twelve tribes of Israel, emphasizing the unity and collective identity of God's chosen people.

Moreover, the shewbread foreshadows the New Testament revelation of Jesus Christ as the "Bread of Life" (John 6:35). Just as the shewbread was a continual offering before the Lord, Christ offers Himself as the eternal sustenance for believers, fulfilling the spiritual hunger of humanity.

Conclusion

The ordinances concerning the shewbread highlight the intricate relationship between God and His people, marked by provision, presence, and covenant. Through the faithful observance of these commands, the Israelites were reminded of God's unwavering commitment to them, a theme that resonates throughout the biblical narrative and finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ.Exodus 25:23-28
You shall also make a table of shittim wood: two cubits shall be the length thereof, and a cubit the breadth thereof, and a cubit and a half the height thereof.
Nave's Topical Index

Exodus 37:10-15
And he made the table of shittim wood: two cubits was the length thereof, and a cubit the breadth thereof, and a cubit and a half the height thereof:
Nave's Topical Index

What was the bread of the Presence (Exodus 25:30)? | GotQuestions.org

Shewbread: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus