Topical Encyclopedia IntroductionIn the context of the Tabernacle and later the Temple, the bread placed on the Table of Shewbread holds significant theological and ritual importance. This bread, also known as the "Bread of the Presence," symbolizes God's provision and His covenant with Israel. The practice of placing the bread on the Table of Shewbread is rooted in the instructions given by God to Moses and is detailed in the Pentateuch. Biblical Instructions The instructions for the Table of Shewbread and the bread itself are found primarily in the book of Exodus. God commanded Moses to construct a table of acacia wood overlaid with pure gold, with specific dimensions and design features, including a gold molding around it (Exodus 25:23-30). The bread, known as the "Bread of the Presence," was to be placed on this table before the Lord continually. Exodus 25:30 : "And place the Bread of the Presence on the table before Me at all times." Levitical Practice The book of Leviticus provides further details on the preparation and placement of the bread. Twelve loaves, representing the twelve tribes of Israel, were to be baked and arranged in two rows on the table every Sabbath. These loaves were made of fine flour and were to be an offering to the Lord, signifying the perpetual covenant between God and His people. Leviticus 24:5-8 : "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 perpetual covenant." Symbolism and Significance The Bread of the Presence is rich in symbolism. It represents God's provision and sustenance for His people, a reminder of the manna provided in the wilderness. The bread also signifies the presence of God among His people, as it was placed before Him continually. The use of fine flour and the specific arrangement of the loaves underscore the order and holiness required in worship. The bread was not merely a ritualistic offering but a profound symbol of the relationship between God and Israel. It was a tangible reminder of God's faithfulness and the covenant He established with His chosen people. Priestly Consumption The bread, after being replaced with fresh loaves each Sabbath, was consumed by the priests in a holy place. This consumption was a sacred act, emphasizing the holiness of the bread and the sanctity of the priestly role. Leviticus 24:9 : "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." New Testament Reflection In the New Testament, the symbolism of bread is expanded through the teachings of Jesus Christ. Jesus refers to Himself as the "bread of life" (John 6:35), drawing a parallel between the sustenance provided by the Bread of the Presence and the spiritual nourishment He offers. This connection highlights the continuity of God's provision from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant. Conclusion The Bread of the Presence, placed on the Table of Shewbread, is a profound element of Old Testament worship, rich with theological significance. It serves as a testament to God's enduring provision, His covenantal relationship with Israel, and the foreshadowing of the ultimate provision through Jesus Christ. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 25:30And you shall set on the table show bread before me always. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Bread of the Presence Concerning the Holy and Immaculate Mysteries of the Lord. A Description of the Temple. The Golden Lampstand This HomilyIs Intended to Shew that the Fear of Magistrates is ... The Lord's Supper Princely Service. How Ptolemy Philadelphus Procured the Laws of the Jews to be ... The Service Common to the Festivals of the Holy virgin. Letter cxxv. To Rusticus. Resources What is the meaning of “Cast your bread upon the waters” in Ecclesiastes 11:1? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the significance of unleavened bread? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean to pray for our daily bread? | GotQuestions.org Bread: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Bread in Times of Scarcity, Sold by Weight Bread was Baked: On Coals of Fire Bread with Water, the Food of Prisons Bread: (Eating Without Scarceness) of Plenty Bread: (Fulness of) of Abundance Bread: (Of Adversity) Heavy Affliction Bread: (Of Deceit) Unlawful Gain Bread: (Of Wickedness) Oppression Bread: (Partaking of) Communion of Saints Bread: (Seeking of Begging) Extreme Poverty Bread: (Want of) Extreme Poverty Bread: (When Broken) the Death of Christ Bread: Called the Staff of Life Bread: Crumb of, Used to Wipe the Fingers, Thrown Under the Table Bread: First Fruit of, offered to God Bread: How Prepared: Baked in Ovens Bread: How Prepared: Cracknels Bread: How Prepared: Made Into Loaves Bread: How Prepared: Mixed With Oil Bread: How Prepared: On Coals of Dung Bread: How Prepared: On Hearths Bread: Kinds of Bread of Affliction Bread: Kinds of Leavened (Made With Yeast) Bread: Kinds of Unleavened (Made Without Yeast) Bread: Made of Manna (In the Wilderness) Bread: Multitudes Miraculously Fed by Christ With Bread: Nutritious and Strengthening Bread: Offered With Sacrifices Bread: Often Given As a Present Bread: Often Put for the Whole Substance of Man Bread: Ordinary, Called Common Bread Bread: Placed on Table of Shew Bread Bread: Plenty of, Promised to the Obedient Bread: Sacred, Called Hallowed Bread Bread: Scarceness of, Sent As a Punishment Bread: Served Round After Funerals Bread: Symbolical of the Body of Christ Bread: The Principal Food Used by the Ancients Bread: Troughs Used for Kneading Bread: when Old, Dry and Mouldy Related Terms |
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