Topical Bible: Priests: Revenues of Show-Bread After Its Removal

◄ Priests: Revenues of Show-Bread After Its Removal ►

Topical Encyclopedia

In the religious and ceremonial life of ancient Israel, the showbread, also known as the "bread of the Presence," held significant importance. It was a sacred offering placed on a table in the Holy Place of the Tabernacle, and later in the Temple, as a perpetual symbol of God's covenant and provision for His people. The showbread consisted of twelve loaves, representing the twelve tribes of Israel, and was set before the Lord every Sabbath.

The showbread was to be replaced weekly, as outlined in Leviticus 24:5-9. The Berean Standard Bible states: "You are to take fine flour and bake twelve loaves from 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 lasting covenant. It belongs to Aaron and his sons, who are to eat it in a holy place, because it is a most holy portion for them from the offerings made by fire to the LORD. This is a permanent statute."

The consumption of the showbread by the priests after its removal from the table was not merely a practical matter of sustenance but a deeply symbolic act. It signified the priests' role as mediators between God and the people, partaking in the holy offerings as representatives of the nation. The bread, having been in the presence of the Lord, was considered most holy, and thus, only those consecrated for service in the sanctuary were permitted to eat it.

The revenues or benefits derived from the showbread for the priests were part of the broader system of provision for the Levitical priesthood. As the tribe set apart for the service of the Tabernacle and later the Temple, the Levites and priests did not receive a territorial inheritance like the other tribes. Instead, their sustenance was provided through the offerings and tithes of the people, as well as specific portions of sacrificial offerings designated for their consumption.

The showbread, therefore, was both a spiritual and practical provision. Spiritually, it reinforced the covenant relationship between God and Israel, with the priests serving as intermediaries. Practically, it provided nourishment for those who served continually in the presence of the Lord, ensuring that their needs were met as they fulfilled their sacred duties.

The practice of the priests consuming the showbread also underscores the principle of holiness and the sanctity of God's provisions. The bread, having been set apart for a holy purpose, was to be treated with reverence, and its consumption was restricted to those who had been consecrated for service. This reflects the broader biblical theme of holiness, where that which is dedicated to God is to be handled with care and respect, acknowledging His sovereignty and the sacredness of His commands.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Leviticus 24:9
And it shall be Aaron's and his sons'; and they shall eat it in the holy place: for it is most holy to him of the offerings of the LORD made by fire by a perpetual statute.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Samuel 21:4-6
And 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

Matthew 12:4
How he entered into the house of God, and did eat the show bread, which was not lawful for him to eat, neither for them which were with him, but only for the priests?
Torrey's Topical Textbook