“And thou shalt set the table without the vail, and the candlestick over against the table on the side of the tabernacle toward the south: and thou shalt put the table on the north side.”
This verse is part of the detailed instructions given by God to Moses regarding the construction of the tabernacle, a portable sanctuary that served as a place of worship and the dwelling of God’s presence among the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness.
Setting the Table: The verse begins by instructing Moses to place the table outside the veil, referring to the veil that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place within the tabernacle. This table is commonly known as the Table of Showbread. It was a wooden table overlaid with gold and served as a designated place to present twelve loaves of bread before the Lord (Exodus 25:23-30). The placement of the table outside the veil signifies that it was located in the Holy Place, the outer part of the tabernacle.
The Candlestick: The verse continues by stating that the candlestick, also known as the Golden Lampstand, should be positioned opposite the table, on the side of the tabernacle facing south. The Golden Lampstand was a seven-branched lampstand made of pure gold (Exodus 25:31-40). It was to be placed on the opposite side of the Holy Place, opposite to the table. The lamps on the candlestick were to be kept burning continually, representing the divine light of God’s presence and guidance.
The Position of the Table: The verse concludes by mentioning that the table should be placed on the north side of the tabernacle. The precise reason for this specific positioning is not explicitly explained in the text. However, it is important to note that the north side was associated with the presence of God (Psalm 48:2) and was considered a position of honor. The table’s placement on the north side may signify the significance and sacredness of the table and the offering of the showbread.
Overall, Exodus 26:35 provides specific instructions regarding the placement of the Table of Showbread and the Golden Lampstand within the tabernacle. While the verse primarily focuses on the physical aspects of the tabernacle, it also symbolizes the significance of God’s provision (represented by the bread) and divine illumination (represented by the lamps) in His presence among His people.
