Topical Bible: Tabernacle: The Table of Show-Bread, the Golden Candlestick, and The

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The Tabernacle

The Tabernacle, as described in the Old Testament, served as the portable earthly dwelling place of Yahweh among the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness. It was a sacred space where God met with His people, and it was meticulously constructed according to divine specifications given to Moses on Mount Sinai (Exodus 25-31). The Tabernacle was divided into three main areas: the Outer Court, the Holy Place, and the Most Holy Place (Holy of Holies).

The Table of Showbread

The Table of Showbread, also known as the Table of the Bread of the Presence, was located in the Holy Place of the Tabernacle. It was made of acacia wood and overlaid with pure gold, measuring two cubits long, one cubit wide, and one and a half cubits high (Exodus 25:23-24). The table held twelve loaves of bread, representing the twelve tribes of Israel, which were placed in two rows of six. These loaves were replaced every Sabbath, and the old loaves were consumed by the priests in a holy place (Leviticus 24:5-9).

The presence of the showbread symbolized God's provision and sustenance for His people. It served as a continual reminder of the covenant between God and Israel, emphasizing the importance of fellowship and communion with the Divine. The bread was a tangible representation of God's promise to sustain His people both physically and spiritually.

The Golden Candlestick

The Golden Candlestick, or the Menorah, was another significant piece of furniture in the Holy Place. Crafted from a single piece of pure gold, the Menorah had a central shaft with three branches extending from each side, making a total of seven lamps (Exodus 25:31-37). These lamps were to be kept burning continually, fueled by pure olive oil, as a perpetual light before the Lord (Exodus 27:20-21).

The Menorah symbolized the light of God's presence and guidance. It illuminated the Holy Place, signifying the spiritual enlightenment and wisdom that comes from God. The continuous light of the Menorah also pointed to the eternal nature of God's covenant with His people and His unending presence among them.

Theological Significance

Both the Table of Showbread and the Golden Candlestick hold deep theological significance within the context of the Tabernacle. They not only served practical purposes but also pointed to greater spiritual truths. The Table of Showbread underscored God's provision and the importance of maintaining a covenant relationship with Him. The Golden Candlestick highlighted the necessity of divine illumination and guidance in the life of the believer.

In the New Testament, these elements find their fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Jesus declared Himself to be the "bread of life" (John 6:35), offering spiritual sustenance and eternal life to all who believe in Him. Similarly, Jesus is described as the "light of the world" (John 8:12), providing spiritual enlightenment and guidance to those who follow Him.

Thus, the Table of Showbread and the Golden Candlestick not only served as essential components of the Tabernacle worship but also foreshadowed the coming of Christ, who fulfills and transcends these symbols through His life, death, and resurrection.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 26:35
And you shall set the table without the veil, and the candlestick over against the table on the side of the tabernacle toward the south: and you shall put the table on the north side.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 40:22,24,26
And he put the table in the tent of the congregation, on the side of the tabernacle northward, without the veil.
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Hebrews 9:2
For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the show bread; which is called the sanctuary.
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Library

What is the Sanctuary?
... made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the showbread;
which is ... And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /23 what is the sanctuary.htm

Scriptural Types.
... (1.) The Mosaic tabernacle was, as ... that the outer sanctuary, with its altar of incense,
its golden candlestick, and its table of show-bread, typified God's ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxvii scriptural types.htm