Topical Encyclopedia The term "shewbread," also known as "showbread" or "bread of the Presence," refers to the twelve loaves of unleavened bread that were placed on a special table in the Holy Place of the Tabernacle and later in the Temple. This bread was a significant element of the ceremonial worship in ancient Israel, symbolizing God's provision and His covenant with the twelve tribes of Israel.Biblical Instructions and Placement The instructions for the shewbread are detailed in the Book of Exodus. God commanded Moses regarding the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings, including the table for the shewbread. In Exodus 25:30 , it is stated, "And place the Bread of the Presence on the table before Me at all times." This command underscores the perpetual nature of the shewbread as a continual offering before the Lord. The table for the shewbread was made of acacia wood and overlaid with pure gold, as described in Exodus 25:23-24. The bread itself was to be placed in two rows or piles, six loaves in each row, on the table. Leviticus 24:5-6 provides further details: "You are to take fine flour and bake twelve loaves with two-tenths of an ephah of flour in each loaf. Arrange them in two rows, six per row, on the table of pure gold before the LORD." Priestly Duties and Rituals The responsibility for the preparation and placement of the shewbread fell to the priests, who were descendants of Aaron. Every Sabbath, the priests would replace the old loaves with fresh ones, as instructed in Leviticus 24:8 : "Every Sabbath day the bread is to be set out before the LORD on behalf of the Israelites as a perpetual covenant." The old loaves, having been in the presence of the Lord, were considered holy and were consumed by the priests in a sacred place, as noted in 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." Symbolism and Significance The shewbread holds deep symbolic meaning within the context of Israelite worship. It represents God's continual provision and sustenance for His people, as well as His enduring covenant with the twelve tribes of Israel. The presence of the bread before the Lord signifies the offering of the fruits of the earth back to God, acknowledging Him as the ultimate provider. Moreover, the shewbread is a foreshadowing of the spiritual sustenance provided by Christ, who declared Himself to be the "bread of life" in John 6:35 : "Jesus said to them, 'I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to Me will never hunger, and whoever believes in Me will never thirst.'" This connection highlights the continuity of God's provision from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant. Historical Context and Continuity The practice of placing the shewbread continued from the time of the Tabernacle through the First and Second Temples. It was a central aspect of the priestly duties and a visible reminder of the Israelites' relationship with God. The shewbread, along with other elements of the Tabernacle and Temple worship, was part of the broader sacrificial system that pointed to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. In summary, the shewbread was a vital component of the worship practices in ancient Israel, rich in symbolism and theological significance. It served as a constant reminder of God's provision, His covenant with His people, and the promise of spiritual nourishment through Christ. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 25:30And you shall set on the table show bread before me always. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 40:23 Leviticus 24:6 Library 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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