Topical Encyclopedia The "Table of Testimony," more commonly referred to as the "Table of the Covenant" or "Table of the Presence," is a significant artifact described in the Old Testament, specifically within the context of the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary used by the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings. This table held a central role in the religious life and worship practices of the Israelites as prescribed by God through Moses.Biblical Description and Specifications The instructions for the construction of the Table of Testimony are detailed in the Book of Exodus. According to Exodus 25:23-30 , God commanded Moses: > "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. And make a rim around it a handbreadth wide and put a gold molding on the rim. Make four gold rings for the table and fasten them to the four corners at its four legs. The rings are to be close to the rim, to serve as holders for the poles used to carry the table. Make the poles of acacia wood and overlay them with gold, so that the table may be carried with them. You are also to make the plates and dishes, as well as the pitchers and bowls, with which to pour out drink offerings. Make them of pure gold. And place the Bread of the Presence on the table before Me at all times." The table was constructed from acacia wood, a durable and resilient material, and overlaid with pure gold, signifying its sacred purpose and the holiness of the items it would hold. The dimensions and design elements, such as the gold molding and rings, were meticulously specified, underscoring the importance of following divine instructions in worship. Function and Symbolism The primary function of the Table of Testimony was to hold the "Bread of the Presence" (also known as "Showbread"), which consisted of twelve loaves representing the twelve tribes of Israel. These loaves were to be placed before the Lord continually, as a perpetual offering and a symbol of God's provision and covenant with His people. Leviticus 24:5-9 provides further details on the preparation and arrangement of the bread: > "You are to take fine flour and bake twelve loaves with it, 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 permanent 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 food offerings made by fire to the LORD." The Bread of the Presence served as a tangible reminder of God's constant presence and sustenance. It was a sacred duty of the priests to maintain this offering, reflecting the ongoing relationship between God and His chosen people. Theological Significance The Table of Testimony, with its Bread of the Presence, holds deep theological significance. It prefigures the New Testament understanding of Christ as the "bread of life" (John 6:35), who provides spiritual nourishment and sustenance to believers. The table and its offerings symbolize God's desire to dwell among His people and His provision for their needs, both physical and spiritual. In the broader context of the Tabernacle and later the Temple, the Table of Testimony represents the order, holiness, and reverence required in worship. It underscores the importance of obedience to God's commands and the centrality of His presence in the life of the covenant community. Nave's Topical Index Exodus 31:18And he gave to Moses, when he had made an end of communing with him on mount Sinai, two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God. Nave's Topical Index Exodus 32:15 Exodus 34:29 Library The Soul's Testimony Table of Contents. We have a Testimony to the Use of Easter Hymns in Church in the ... Table of Contents. A Table of the Chief Things. The Testimony of the Lectionaries Shewn to be Absolutely Decisive ... The Testimony of the Lectionaries Shewn to be Absolutely Decisive ... The Copies of Things in the Heavens Of the Birth of Our Saviour, Whereby the Word was Made Flesh; and ... The Third Resources What is the significance of the folded napkin in Christ's tomb after the resurrection? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of the Parable of the Great Banquet (Luke 14:15-24)? | GotQuestions.org Why is there so much disagreement about holy communion? | GotQuestions.org Table: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Table: A Slab Upon Which Inscriptions Were Made Table: An Article of Furniture Table: An Article of Furniture: Made of Silver Table: of Testimony were Broken Table: of Testimony were Placed in the Ark of the Covenant Table: of Testimony: A Second Set Engraved Table: of Testimony: The Commandments Engraved Upon Related Terms Tax-gatherers (16 Occurrences) Over-against (156 Occurrences) Mephib'osheth (13 Occurrences) |
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