Topical Encyclopedia The term "shewbread," also known as "showbread" or "bread of the Presence," refers to the twelve cakes of fine flour that were continually placed on a specially designated table in the Holy Place of the Tabernacle, and later in the Temple. This practice is rooted in the instructions given by God to Moses and is detailed in the Old Testament, primarily in the books of Exodus and Leviticus.Biblical Instructions and Description The instructions for the preparation and presentation of the shewbread are found in Exodus 25:30 and Leviticus 24:5-9. According to Exodus 25:30 , "And place the Bread of the Presence on the table before Me at all times." This command underscores the perpetual nature of the shewbread's presence before God. Leviticus 24:5-9 provides further details: "You are to take fine flour and bake twelve loaves, 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." Symbolism and Significance The shewbread holds deep symbolic significance in the worship practices of ancient Israel. The twelve loaves represent the twelve tribes of Israel, signifying the continual presence and sustenance of God among His people. The bread's placement on the table of pure gold in the Holy Place, just outside the Most Holy Place, highlights its sacred nature and the holiness required in approaching God. The use of fine flour and the specific arrangement of the loaves in two rows of six each reflect the order and precision in the worship of God, emphasizing the importance of obedience to His commands. The inclusion of frankincense as a memorial portion further signifies the offering's role in worship and remembrance before God. Priestly Role and Consumption The shewbread was a vital part of the priestly duties, as it was the responsibility of the priests to prepare, arrange, and replace the bread every Sabbath. The old loaves, having been replaced with fresh ones, were consumed by Aaron and his sons in a holy place, as stipulated in Leviticus 24:9. This consumption by the priests underscores the concept of holiness and the special role of the priesthood in mediating between God and the people. New Testament Reference The shewbread is also referenced in the New Testament, where Jesus alludes to it in a discussion with the Pharisees. In Matthew 12:3-4 , Jesus says, "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 broader principle of mercy over ritualistic observance. Conclusion The shewbread, as a perpetual offering before the Lord, serves as a powerful symbol of God's provision and presence among His people. Its preparation, presentation, and consumption by the priests reflect the holiness and order inherent in the worship of God, as well as the special role of the priesthood in the covenant community of Israel. Torrey's Topical Textbook Leviticus 24:5And you shall take fine flour, and bake twelve cakes thereof: two tenth deals shall be in one cake. Torrey's Topical Textbook 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 Manifestation (11 Occurrences) |
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