Topical Encyclopedia IntroductionThe concept of shewbread, also known as "showbread" or "bread of the Presence," holds significant theological and symbolic meaning within the Christian tradition. In the Old Testament, the shewbread was a sacred offering placed in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple, representing God's provision and presence among His people. This entry explores the typological and spiritual connections between the shewbread and the Church, drawing from biblical texts and theological insights. Biblical Background The shewbread is first mentioned in Exodus 25:30, where God instructs Moses, "And place the Bread of the Presence on the table before Me at all times." This bread consisted of twelve loaves, representing the twelve tribes of Israel, and was placed on a golden table in the Holy Place of the Tabernacle (Leviticus 24:5-9). The bread was to be continually before the Lord, signifying a perpetual covenant and fellowship between God and His people. Symbolism and Typology The shewbread serves as a profound symbol of God's provision and sustenance. In the New Testament, Jesus Christ identifies Himself as the "bread of life" (John 6:35), drawing a direct connection between the physical sustenance provided by the shewbread and the spiritual nourishment He offers to believers. Just as the shewbread was a constant presence in the Tabernacle, Christ is the ever-present source of life and sustenance for the Church. The Church as the Fulfillment The Church, as the body of Christ, embodies the spiritual reality that the shewbread foreshadowed. In 1 Corinthians 10:17 , Paul writes, "Because there is one loaf, we who are many are one body; for we all partake of the one loaf." This passage highlights the unity and communal aspect of the Church, akin to the twelve loaves representing the unity of the twelve tribes. The Church, nourished by Christ, becomes a living testament to God's presence in the world. The Eucharistic Connection The shewbread also prefigures the Eucharist, a central sacrament in Christian worship. During the Last Supper, Jesus took bread, gave thanks, broke it, and gave it to His disciples, saying, "This is My body, which is given for you" (Luke 22:19). The Eucharist, therefore, becomes a means by which the Church participates in the life of Christ, receiving His grace and sustaining its spiritual vitality. Priestly Role of the Church In the Old Testament, only the priests were permitted to eat the shewbread (Leviticus 24:9). In the New Testament, believers are described as a "royal priesthood" (1 Peter 2:9), indicating that all members of the Church are called to partake in the spiritual blessings and responsibilities once reserved for the Levitical priesthood. This priestly role involves offering spiritual sacrifices and living lives that reflect God's holiness and presence. Conclusion The shewbread, as a symbol of God's provision and presence, finds its ultimate fulfillment in the Church through Christ. As the body of Christ, the Church is called to embody the unity, sustenance, and priestly service that the shewbread represented in the Old Testament. Through the Eucharist and the indwelling presence of Christ, the Church continues to be a living testament to God's covenant and fellowship with His people. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Corinthians 5:7Purge out therefore the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, as you are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Corinthians 10:17 Library How St. Augustine, Being Made a Bishop, Sent to Acquaint Pope ... The Fall of Jerusalem. Removing the Veil What is the Sanctuary? The Two Sabbath-Controversies - the Plucking of the Ears of Corn ... The Temple and Its Dedication "Lo, I Come": Exposition The Lawful and Unlawful Use of Law. Things which Defile The New Covenant. 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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