1 Chronicles 28:16
“And by weight he gave gold for the tables of shewbread, for every table; and likewise silver for the tables of silver.”
Historical Context:In the preceding verses, King David had assembled all the leaders of Israel and conveyed to them his desire to build a temple for the Lord (1 Chronicles 28:1-3). However, God instructed David that his son Solomon would be the one to build the temple (1 Chronicles 28:6). David then gathered all the materials necessary for the construction of the temple and entrusted Solomon with the task (1 Chronicles 28:11-19).
Symbolism of the Tables:The “tables of shewbread” mentioned in the verse refer to the special tables that held the showbread, which was a set of twelve loaves of bread placed in the holy place of the temple (Exodus 25:23-30). These loaves were to be replaced every Sabbath day and were a representation of God’s provision and the twelve tribes of Israel (Leviticus 24:5-9). The use of gold and silver for these tables signifies the significance and value of the bread used in the service of God.
Faithfulness in Worship:The tables of shewbread remind us of the importance of faithful worship and service to God. Just as the loaves were replaced regularly, we should continually seek to honour and serve God with our lives, offering Him our best.
God’s Provision:The provision of gold and silver by David for the tables of shewbread illustrates God’s abundant provision for His people. God not only provides for our physical needs but also equips us with the necessary resources to serve Him.
Symbolic Representation:The use of gold and silver emphasizes the sacredness and holiness of the temple and its furnishings. It points to the reverence and honour due to God’s dwelling place. In a broader sense, it reminds us of the value and worth we should attribute to God and His kingdom.
Foreshadowing Jesus Christ:The showbread itself was a foreshadowing of Jesus, who referred to Himself as the “bread of life” (John 6:35). Just as the bread sustained the priests in the temple, Jesus is the sustainer of our spiritual lives and provides eternal life to all who believe in Him.
Offering our Best:We should strive to offer our best to God in worship and service. Just as David provided the finest materials for the tables, we should give our best in terms of time, talents, and resources, recognising that everything we have comes from God.
Recognising God’s Provision:Reflect on the ways God has provided for you in the past and present. Express gratitude for His faithfulness and trust in His continued provision.
Honouring God’s Presence:Just as the gold and silver emphasised the sacredness of the temple, we should honour God’s presence in our lives. Recognise His holiness and seek to live in a manner that reflects His glory.
Finding Spiritual Nourishment:Jesus, the true Bread of Life, provides nourishment for our souls. Seek Him daily through prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with other believers, finding sustenance and strength in His presence.
In conclusion, 1 Chronicles 28:16 highlights the provision of gold and silver for the tables of shewbread in the temple. This verse teaches us about faithful worship, God’s provision, the value we should attribute to God and His kingdom, and points us to Jesus Christ as the ultimate source of spiritual nourishment.
