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. These loaves symbolized the covenantal relationship between God and the twelve tribes of Israel, serving as a continual offering before the Lord.

Biblical Instructions and Symbolism

The instructions for the shewbread are detailed in the Old Testament, primarily in the book of Leviticus. According to Leviticus 24:5-9 , the Israelites were commanded to bake twelve loaves using fine flour, arranging them in two rows of six on the pure gold table before the Lord. Frankincense was placed on each row as a memorial portion, an offering made by fire to the Lord. This bread was to be set out every Sabbath day as a perpetual covenant for the Israelites.

The shewbread was a symbol of God's provision and His presence among His people. It served as a reminder that God is the sustainer of life and that He provides for the needs of His people. The bread's presence in the Holy Place also signified the fellowship between God and Israel, as it was continually before Him.

Table of Shewbread

The table on which the shewbread was placed was made of acacia wood and overlaid with pure gold, as described in Exodus 25:23-30 . It was equipped with rings and poles for transport, signifying its sacredness and the need for careful handling. The table was part of the sacred furnishings of the Tabernacle, later transferred to Solomon's Temple.

Directions for Removing the Shewbread

The removal and replacement of the shewbread were conducted with great care and reverence. Every Sabbath, the old loaves were removed and replaced with fresh ones. The priests, who were the only ones permitted to eat the shewbread, consumed the removed loaves in a holy place, as stipulated 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 portion for him from the offerings made by fire to the LORD, a perpetual share."

This practice underscored the holiness of the bread and the sanctity of the priestly office. The consumption of the shewbread by the priests symbolized their role as mediators between God and the people, partaking in the divine provision and presence.

Historical and Theological Significance

The shewbread holds significant theological implications, pointing to the sustenance and fellowship provided by God. In the New Testament, Jesus Christ alludes to the shewbread in Matthew 12:3-4 when He references David eating the consecrated bread, highlighting the principle of mercy over ritualistic observance.

Furthermore, the shewbread foreshadows the ultimate provision of spiritual sustenance through Jesus Christ, who declared Himself the "bread of life" in John 6:35 . This connection emphasizes the continuity of God's provision from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant, fulfilled in Christ.

In summary, the shewbread and its table represent a profound aspect of Israel's worship, embodying God's provision, presence, and the covenantal relationship with His people. The careful instructions for its preparation, placement, and removal reflect the sacredness of this offering and its enduring theological significance.Numbers 4:7
And on the table of show bread they shall spread a cloth of blue, and put thereon the dishes, and the spoons, and the bowls, and covers to cover with: and the continual bread shall be thereon:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

What was the bread of the Presence (Exodus 25:30)? | GotQuestions.org

Shewbread: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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