Introduction
The next piece of furniture in our study is the Table of Shewbread. This is described in Exodus 25:23-30 and in Exodus 37:10-16.1. The Biblical Description
A. The Location - The Table of Shewbread was located in the Holy place which was separated from the Holy of Holies by a thick veil. In this same room was the Golden Candlestick and the Golden Altar of Incense.
B. The Table was placed on the north or right side of the room (Exodus 31:8) and was surrounded by the beauty of the hangings and the veil. In this Holy Place the priests ministered daily unlike the Holy of Holies which was entered only once a year.
C. The Table - The Table was the same height and length as the ark but was half a cubit less in width (Exodus 25:23-28). Like the Ark it was made of shittim wood overlaid with gold. There was a crown, which probably served to prevent things from falling off the Table. As with the Ark it was carried with staves. There is, as would be expected, some debate as to the certain details of its construction.
D. The Bread - Twelve loaves of bread were kept on the Table at all times (Numbers 4:7, II Chronicles 2:4). The bread is described in Leviticus 24:5-9. It was called "Shewbread" or "Bread of the face or presence" because it was laid before God continually. Fresh bread removed from the Table was eaten by the priests in the Holy Place (Leviticus 24:8-9, I Samuel 21:6, I Chronicles 9:32).
E. The Spice - Frankincense kept on the Table was sprinkled on the bread. Some of this was also burnt to create a sweet smell in the Holy Place. In connection with this there were other utensils on the Table (Exodus 25:29).2. The Symbolism
A. Anyone studying the Tabernacle becomes aware of the difficulty involved in interpreting the symbolism. We have tried to stay with the obvious rather than allow our imagination and ingenuity to find symbolism perhaps not intended by the Holy Spirit. Three things seem to stand out concerning the Table of Shewbread.
B. The Table of Shewbread displayed our communion with God. The Tabernacle was God's house and so contained a table richly loaded where His children could feast and fellowship with Him. The priests represented our position today as believer-priests in God’s house (I Peter 2:5-9). As God's children we feast at His table.
C. The Shewbread pictured Christ as the bread of life (John 6:32-33), the spiritual food of God's people. Christ is ever before the Father's face. The Frankincense revealed Christ's death as a sweet odor unto God (Ephesians 5:2). Just as bread is made of wheat that has been ground and baked so Christ's sufferings enabled Him to become bread for our souls.
D. The fact that there were twelve loaves shadowed forth the identification of Christ with His people (i.e., the twelve tribes).===============
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