Definition and Terminology:
Shewbread, also known as Showbread, refers to the consecrated bread that was continually placed on a special table in the Holy Place of the Tabernacle and later in the Temple. The term "shewbread" is derived from the Hebrew "lechem ha-panim," which translates to "bread of the presence" or "bread of the face," indicating its placement before the presence of God.

Biblical Instructions and Description:
The instructions for the preparation and presentation of the shewbread are detailed in the Old Testament. According to Exodus 25:30, "And place the Bread of the Presence on the table before Me at all times." This command was part of the broader instructions given to Moses regarding the construction and furnishing of the Tabernacle.

The shewbread consisted of twelve loaves made from fine flour, 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."

Symbolism and Significance:
The shewbread holds deep symbolic significance within the Israelite worship system. It represents God's provision and sustenance for His people, as well as the covenant relationship between God and the twelve tribes of Israel. The continual presence of the bread before the Lord signifies the perpetual nature of this covenant and the constant fellowship between God and His people.

The bread's placement on a table of pure gold underscores its sacredness and the holiness required in approaching God. The use of fine flour and the specific arrangement of the loaves highlight the order and precision in worship that God demands.

New Testament References and Fulfillment:
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 declaration points to Christ as the ultimate sustenance and source of spiritual nourishment for believers. The shewbread, as a type, foreshadows the true bread from heaven, which is Christ Himself, who provides eternal life to those who partake in Him.

Additionally, the shewbread's role in the Temple worship is referenced in the context of the priesthood. In Matthew 12:3-4, Jesus refers to the incident where David ate the consecrated bread, highlighting the principle of mercy over ritual and pointing to His authority as Lord of the Sabbath.

Conclusion:
The shewbread serves as a profound symbol of God's provision, presence, and covenant with His people. It is a testament to the holiness and order of worship in the Old Testament and finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Through the shewbread, believers are reminded of the sustaining power of God and the eternal covenant established through Christ, the true bread of life.1 Kings 7:48,50
And Solomon made all the vessels that pertained to the house of the LORD: the altar of gold, and the table of gold, whereupon the show bread was,
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2 Chronicles 4:19,22
And Solomon made all the vessels that were for the house of God, the golden altar also, and the tables where on the show bread was set;
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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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