Topical Encyclopedia The concept of shewbread, also known as the "bread of the Presence," holds significant theological and symbolic meaning within the biblical narrative, particularly in its foreshadowing of Christ as the Bread of Life. The shewbread was a sacred offering placed on a table in the Holy Place of the Tabernacle and later in the Temple, as described in Exodus 25:30: "And place the Bread of the Presence on the table before Me at all times" . This bread was a perpetual offering, symbolizing God's provision and presence among His people, Israel.In the Old Testament, the shewbread consisted of twelve loaves, representing the twelve tribes of Israel, and was replaced every Sabbath. The priests consumed the bread in a holy place, signifying a covenantal relationship between God and His chosen people. Leviticus 24:5-9 provides detailed instructions for the preparation and consumption of the shewbread, emphasizing its sanctity and the divine order established by God. The New Testament reveals the fulfillment of the shewbread's symbolism in the person of Jesus Christ. In John 6:35, Jesus declares, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to Me will never hunger, and whoever believes in Me will never thirst" . This statement highlights Christ as the ultimate source of spiritual sustenance and eternal life, surpassing the temporal provision of the shewbread. Just as the shewbread was a continual reminder of God's presence and provision, Jesus embodies the living presence of God, offering Himself as the sustenance for all who believe. The connection between the shewbread and Christ is further illuminated in the context of the Last Supper. During this pivotal event, Jesus institutes the Lord's Supper, breaking bread and sharing it with His disciples as a representation of His body given for the salvation of humanity. In Matthew 26:26, it is recorded, "While they were eating, Jesus took bread, spoke a blessing and broke it, and gave it to the disciples, saying, 'Take and eat; this is My body'" . This act signifies the new covenant established through Christ's sacrificial death and resurrection, inviting believers to partake in the divine life He offers. The shewbread, therefore, serves as a profound typology of Christ's redemptive work. It points to the reality that true nourishment and life are found in a relationship with Jesus, the Bread of Life. As the shewbread was a constant presence in the Tabernacle, so is Christ a constant presence in the lives of believers, sustaining and nurturing them through His Word and Spirit. The invitation to partake of this bread is extended to all, promising eternal satisfaction and communion with God through faith in Jesus Christ. Torrey's Topical Textbook John 6:48I am that bread of life. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Concerning the Holy and Immaculate Mysteries of the Lord. The Feeding of the Four Thousand - to Dalmanutha - the Sign from ... Removing the Veil The Pharisees' Sabbath and Christ's The Jewish World in the Days of Christ - the Jewish Dispersion in ... The Two Sabbath-Controversies - the Plucking of the Ears of Corn ... The Sabbath Works which Hallow the Sabbath Conclusion The Ark of his Covenant Resources What was the bread of the Presence (Exodus 25:30)? | GotQuestions.orgShewbread: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Shewbread (Showbread) for the Temple Shewbread (Showbread): (Also Called the Bread of the Presence) Shewbread (Showbread): "Unlawfully" Eaten by David Shewbread (Showbread): Called Hallowed Bread Shewbread (Showbread): Consecration of Shewbread (Showbread): Furniture of Shewbread (Showbread): How Removed Shewbread (Showbread): Its Position in the Tabernacle Shewbread (Showbread): Ordinance Concerning Shewbread (Showbread): Ordinances Concerning Shewbread (Showbread): Placed on the Table of Shewbread (See Table of, Below) Shewbread (Showbread): Prepared by the Levites Shewbread (Showbread): Provided by a Yearly Per Capita Tax Shewbread (Showbread): Required to be Kept Before the Lord Continually Shewbread (Showbread): Table of Shewbread was Changed Every Sabbath Day Shewbread: After Removal from the Table Given to the Priests Shewbread: Called Hallowed Bread Shewbread: Christ As the Bread of Life Shewbread: Materials For, Provided by the People Shewbread: Not Lawful for Any But the Priests to Eat, Except in Extreme Shewbread: Placed in Two Rows on the Table by the Priests Shewbread: Prepared by Levites Shewbread: Pure Frankincense Placed On Shewbread: Table of Covered With Gold Shewbread: Table of Dimensions of Shewbread: Table of Directions for Removing Shewbread: Table of had an Ornamental Border Shewbread: Table of had Dishes, Spoons, Covers, and Bowls of Gold Shewbread: Table of had Rings of Gold in the Corners for the Staves Shewbread: Table of had Staves of Shittim Wood Covered With Gold Shewbread: Table of Placed in the North Side of the Tabernacle Shewbread: Twelve Cakes of Fine Flour Related Terms |
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