The term "shewbread" or "showbread" refers to the sacred bread that was continually placed on a special table in the Holy Place of the Tabernacle and later in the Temple. This bread is also known as the "Bread of the Presence" because it was set before the presence of the LORD as a perpetual offering. The practice of setting out the shewbread is rooted in the instructions given by God to Moses and is detailed in the Old Testament.

Biblical Instructions and Preparation

The preparation and presentation of the shewbread were the responsibilities of the Levites, specifically the priestly family of Kohath. According to the instructions found in the Book of Leviticus, twelve loaves of unleavened bread were to be baked and arranged in two rows or piles on the Table of Showbread, which was overlaid with pure gold (Leviticus 24:5-6). Each loaf represented one of the twelve tribes of Israel, symbolizing the covenant relationship between God and His people.

The bread was made from fine flour, and each loaf was to be of equal weight, signifying equality among the tribes. The loaves were placed on the table every Sabbath day, and the old loaves were consumed by the priests in a holy place, as they were considered most holy (Leviticus 24:8-9).

Symbolism and Significance

The shewbread held deep symbolic meaning within the Israelite worship system. It represented God's provision and sustenance for His people, reminding them of His constant presence and care. The bread also symbolized the spiritual nourishment that comes from living in accordance with God's commandments and being in His presence.

In the New Testament, the concept of the shewbread finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who declared Himself to be the "bread of life" (John 6:35). This connection underscores the belief that Christ is the ultimate source of spiritual sustenance and the fulfillment of the Old Testament symbols and rituals.

Historical and Theological Context

The shewbread was a central element of the Tabernacle and Temple worship, reflecting the holiness and order of the Israelite religious system. It was part of the broader sacrificial and ceremonial practices that pointed to the need for holiness and the anticipation of the coming Messiah.

Theologically, the shewbread emphasizes the importance of God's provision and the necessity of maintaining a covenant relationship with Him. It serves as a reminder of the spiritual truths that underpin the physical rituals of the Old Testament, pointing forward to the greater reality revealed in Christ.

Conclusion

The shewbread, as described in the Bible, is a profound symbol of God's presence and provision for His people. Its preparation by the Levites and its perpetual presence in the Holy Place highlight the centrality of worship and the covenant relationship between God and Israel. Through the lens of the New Testament, the shewbread finds its ultimate meaning in Jesus Christ, who provides eternal sustenance and life to all who believe in Him.1 Chronicles 9:32
And other of their brothers, of the sons of the Kohathites, were over the show bread, to prepare it every sabbath.
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1 Chronicles 23:29
Both for the show bread, and for the fine flour for meat offering, and for the unleavened cakes, and for that which is baked in the pan, and for that which is fried, and for all manner of measure and size;
Nave's Topical Index

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

Shewbread: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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