Topical Encyclopedia The shewbread, also known as the "bread of the Presence," was a significant element in the worship practices of ancient Israel, as prescribed in the Mosaic Law. This sacred bread was placed on a special table in the Holy Place of the Tabernacle and later in the Temple, symbolizing God's perpetual covenant with Israel and His provision for the twelve tribes.Biblical Instructions and Symbolism The instructions for the shewbread are detailed in the Pentateuch, particularly in the book of Leviticus. According to Leviticus 24:5-9 , the Israelites were commanded to bake twelve loaves of bread, using fine flour, and arrange them in two rows of six on the pure gold table before the LORD. These loaves were to be a continual offering, replaced every Sabbath, with the old loaves consumed by Aaron and his sons in a holy place, as they were considered most holy. Materials and Provision by the People The materials for the shewbread were provided by the people of Israel as part of their offerings to the Tabernacle and later the Temple. The primary ingredient, fine flour, was a product of the people's agricultural labor and was given as a freewill offering. This act of provision was a tangible expression of the Israelites' devotion and obedience to God's commandments. The requirement for "fine flour" (Hebrew: סֹלֶת, solet) indicates a high-quality, finely milled wheat flour, reflecting the best of what the people could offer. This flour was likely sifted multiple times to achieve the desired consistency, symbolizing purity and excellence in worship. Community Participation and Spiritual Significance The communal aspect of providing materials for the shewbread underscores the collective responsibility of the Israelites in maintaining the worship practices ordained by God. Each family or clan contributed to the supply of fine flour, ensuring that the sacred ritual could be continually observed. This participation fostered a sense of unity and shared purpose among the people, as they collectively honored the covenant relationship with Yahweh. The shewbread also served as a reminder of God's provision and sustenance. Just as the bread was continually present before the LORD, so too was God's presence and provision continually with His people. The act of providing the materials for the shewbread was not merely a ritualistic duty but a profound acknowledgment of dependence on God's grace and blessings. Priestly Role and Consumption The priests, specifically the descendants of Aaron, were responsible for the preparation and arrangement of the shewbread. Once replaced, the old loaves were consumed by the priests in a holy place, signifying their role as mediators between God and the people. This consumption was a sacred act, reinforcing the holiness of the offering and the sanctity of the priestly office. In summary, the provision of materials for the shewbread by the people of Israel was a vital component of their worship and covenantal relationship with God. It reflected their devotion, unity, and acknowledgment of God's continual presence and provision. Torrey's Topical Textbook Leviticus 24:8Every sabbath he shall set it in order before the LORD continually, being taken from the children of Israel by an everlasting covenant. Torrey's Topical Textbook Nehemiah 10:32,33 Library The Temple and Its Dedication In the House of his Heavenly, and in the Home of his Earthly ... The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus 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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