Topical Encyclopedia The concept of the shewbread, also known as the "bread of the Presence," holds significant importance in the religious practices and rituals of ancient Israel as described in the Old Testament. The shewbread was a sacred offering placed in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple, symbolizing God's provision and His covenant with the people of Israel.Biblical Description and Instructions The instructions for the shewbread are found in the book of Leviticus. According to Leviticus 24:5-9 , the Israelites were commanded to bake twelve loaves of bread using fine flour. These loaves were to be arranged in two rows, six in each row, on the pure gold table before the LORD. The bread was to be set out every Sabbath day as a perpetual covenant for the Israelites. The passage states: "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 perpetual 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 food offerings made to the LORD." Symbolism and Significance The shewbread served as a powerful symbol of God's continual provision and presence among His people. The twelve loaves represented the twelve tribes of Israel, signifying the unity and collective relationship of the nation with God. The bread's placement on the golden table in the Holy Place, just outside the Holy of Holies, underscored its sacredness and the holiness of God's provision. The weekly renewal of the shewbread every Sabbath day highlighted the importance of the Sabbath as a day of rest and spiritual renewal. It was a reminder of God's creation and His rest on the seventh day, as well as a sign of the covenant relationship between God and Israel. The act of changing the bread each Sabbath symbolized the fresh and ongoing nature of God's covenant and blessings. Priestly Role and Consumption The responsibility for the shewbread was given to the priests, specifically the descendants of Aaron. After the bread was replaced each Sabbath, the old loaves were consumed by the priests in a holy place, as they were considered a most holy part of the offerings made to the LORD. This consumption by the priests signified their role as mediators between God and the people, partaking in the holy provisions of God. New Testament Reference The shewbread is also referenced in the New Testament, where Jesus uses it to illustrate a point about mercy and the spirit of the law. In Matthew 12:3-4 , Jesus responds to the Pharisees' criticism of His disciples for plucking grain on the Sabbath by recalling how David ate the consecrated bread when he was hungry: "Jesus replied, '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 underscores the principle that human need and mercy can transcend ritualistic observance, pointing to the deeper spiritual truths embodied in the law. Conclusion The practice of changing the shewbread every Sabbath day is a profound testament to the enduring covenant between God and His people, reflecting themes of provision, holiness, and the sacred rhythm of rest and renewal. Through the shewbread, the Israelites were continually reminded of God's presence and His sustaining grace. Torrey's Topical Textbook Leviticus 24:8Every sabbath he shall set it in order before the LORD continually, being taken from the children of Israel by an everlasting covenant. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Annunciation of St. John the Baptist The New Covenant. In the House of his Heavenly, and in the Home of his Earthly ... 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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