Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, bread holds significant spiritual and ceremonial importance, often symbolizing God's provision and presence. Among the various types of bread mentioned in the Scriptures, the "hallowed bread" or "sacred bread" holds a special place, particularly in the religious practices of ancient Israel.Hallowed Bread in the Tabernacle and Temple The term "hallowed bread" refers primarily to the Bread of the Presence, also known as the Showbread, which was placed in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple. This bread was a vital part of the worship and ritual life of Israel, symbolizing God's perpetual covenant with His people. According to the instructions given in the Law, twelve loaves of bread were to be baked and placed on the golden table in the Holy Place every Sabbath (Leviticus 24:5-9). These loaves represented the twelve tribes of Israel and were a continual offering before the Lord. The Bread of the Presence was considered sacred and was to be eaten only by the priests. Leviticus 24:9 states, "It belongs to Aaron and his sons, who are to eat it in a holy place, for it is most holy to him from the offerings made by fire to the LORD, a perpetual share." David and the Hallowed Bread A notable biblical account involving the hallowed bread is found in 1 Samuel 21:1-6. When David was fleeing from King Saul, he came to the priest Ahimelech at Nob and requested food. The only bread available was the hallowed bread, which had been removed from before the LORD to be replaced with hot bread on the day it was taken away. Despite the law restricting its consumption to priests, Ahimelech gave the bread to David and his men, as they were in need and had kept themselves pure. This incident is later referenced by Jesus in the New Testament to illustrate the principle that human need can take precedence over ceremonial law (Matthew 12:3-4). Symbolism and Fulfillment in Christ The sacred bread also holds typological significance, pointing to Jesus Christ, who declared Himself to be the "bread of life" (John 6:35). Just as the hallowed bread was a symbol of God's provision and presence, Jesus embodies the ultimate provision for humanity's spiritual hunger. In the New Testament, the breaking of bread becomes a central act of Christian worship, commemorating Christ's sacrifice and the new covenant established through His blood (1 Corinthians 11:23-26). Thus, the hallowed bread serves as a profound symbol within the biblical narrative, representing God's sustenance, the sanctity of His covenant, and the foreshadowing of the redemptive work of Christ. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Samuel 21:4,6And the priest answered David, and said, There is no common bread under my hand, but there is hallowed bread; if the young men have kept themselves at least from women. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles, Commonly Called the Didache Jesus Defends Disciples who Pluck Grain on the Sabbath. (On the Mysteries. V. ) The Divine Liturgy of the Holy Apostle and Evangelist Mark, the ... Index of First Lines. Concerning Things Accomplished in the Synaxis. The Pious Old Man Rejoices that He Read Plato and the Scriptures ... Book Four. The Modern Moravians, 1857-1907. The Lessons of a Feast The Third Commandment 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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