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 the Table of Showbread in the Holy Place of the Tabernacle and later in the Temple. This bread was a perpetual offering before the LORD, symbolizing God's provision and His covenant with the twelve tribes of Israel.Biblical Instructions and Preparation The preparation and presentation of the shewbread were detailed in the Mosaic Law. According to Leviticus 24:5-9 , the LORD instructed Moses: "You are to take fine flour and bake twelve loaves of bread, 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 part of their perpetual share of the offerings made by fire to the LORD." Role of the Levites The Levites, specifically the descendants of Aaron, were entrusted with the sacred duty of preparing and arranging the shewbread. As part of their priestly responsibilities, they ensured that the bread was baked and placed on the Table of Showbread every Sabbath. This task was a significant aspect of their service, highlighting the importance of maintaining the sanctity and order of worship in the Tabernacle and Temple. Symbolism and Significance The shewbread served as a continual reminder of God's presence and His sustenance for His people. Each of the twelve loaves represented one of the tribes of Israel, signifying their unity and collective relationship with God. The bread's presence in the Holy Place underscored the idea that God was the provider of all nourishment, both physical and spiritual. Consumption by the Priests After being displayed for a week, the shewbread was consumed by the priests in a holy place, as it was considered most holy. This consumption was not only a practical matter but also a symbolic act, representing the priests' participation in the covenant and their role as mediators between God and the people. New Testament Reference The shewbread is mentioned in the New Testament in the context of Jesus' teachings. In Matthew 12:3-4 , Jesus refers to an incident involving David: "Have you not read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? He entered the house of God, and he and his companions ate the consecrated bread, which was not lawful for them to eat, but only for the priests." This reference highlights the shewbread's sacred status and the flexibility of the law in the face of human need. The shewbread, therefore, stands as a testament to God's enduring covenant with Israel, His provision, and the sacred duties of the Levitical priesthood. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Chronicles 9:32And other of their brothers, of the sons of the Kohathites, were over the show bread, to prepare it every sabbath. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Chronicles 23:29 Library The Annunciation of St. John the Baptist Perfection in Faith The Temple and Its Dedication Ancestors of the Blessed virgin 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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