The Table of Shewbread, also known as the Table of the Presence, was a sacred piece of furniture located in the Holy Place of the Tabernacle and later in the Temple. It held significant religious importance in the worship practices of ancient Israel, symbolizing God's provision and His perpetual covenant with His people.

Construction and Design

The Table of Shewbread was constructed according to divine instructions given to Moses on Mount Sinai. It was made of acacia wood, known in the Bible as shittim wood, a durable and resilient material. The table measured two cubits in length, one cubit in width, and one and a half cubits in height (Exodus 25:23). It was overlaid with pure gold, signifying its holiness and the divine presence it represented.

The table was equipped with a gold molding around its edge and a rim a handbreadth wide, also adorned with a gold border (Exodus 25:24-25). This design emphasized the table's sacred purpose and the care with which it was to be treated.

Staves and Mobility

Integral to the table's design were the staves, or poles, used for its transportation. These staves were also made of acacia wood and overlaid with gold. They were inserted into rings attached to the table's corners, allowing the Levites to carry the table without directly touching it (Exodus 25:26-28). This method of transport underscored the table's sanctity and the reverence required in handling holy objects.

Function and Symbolism

The primary function of the Table of Shewbread was to hold the twelve loaves of shewbread, which were placed in two rows or piles. These loaves, made of fine flour, represented the twelve tribes of Israel and were a continual offering before the Lord (Leviticus 24:5-9). The bread was replaced every Sabbath, and the old loaves were consumed by the priests in a holy place, signifying the sustenance provided by God to His people.

The shewbread symbolized God's eternal covenant with Israel, His provision, and His presence among them. It served as a reminder that man does not live by bread alone but by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord (Deuteronomy 8:3).

Biblical References

The Table of Shewbread is mentioned in several key passages in the Bible, including:

· Exodus 25:23-30 : Detailed instructions for the construction of the table.
· Leviticus 24:5-9 : Instructions for the preparation and placement of the shewbread.
· 1 Kings 7:48 : Reference to the table in Solomon's Temple.

The Table of Shewbread, with its gold overlay and sacred loaves, was a profound symbol of God's provision and His enduring relationship with His chosen people, Israel.Exodus 25:28
And you shall make the staves of shittim wood, and overlay them with gold, that the table may be borne with them.
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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