“The table, and his staves, and all his vessels, and the shewbread.”
Context:The book of Exodus is the second book of the Bible and is part of the Pentateuch (the first five books). It primarily narrates the history of the Israelites’ liberation from slavery in Egypt and their journey to the Promised Land. In Exodus 35, the focus is on the instructions given by God to Moses for building the tabernacle, which was a portable sanctuary for worship and sacrifice.
Verse 13 is a part of a larger passage where God instructs Moses to gather offerings from the people of Israel to construct the tabernacle. It mentions specific items related to the table used in the tabernacle.
Key Points:
- The Table:The “table” referred to in this verse is one of the sacred objects used inside the tabernacle. It was made of acacia wood and overlaid with pure gold (Exodus 37:10-16). This table was also known as the “Table of Showbread” or “Table of Presence” (Exodus 25:30). It symbolized the presence of God among His people and represented their fellowship with Him.
- Staves:Staves were long, wooden poles or bars used for carrying and transporting various parts of the tabernacle, including the table. They were made of the same materials as the table, covered in gold (Exodus 37:15-16). The staves were essential for the portability of the tabernacle, allowing it to be transported during the Israelites’ travels in the wilderness.
- Vessels:The verse mentions “all his vessels,” which includes the various utensils used for arranging the showbread on the table. One of the key items on the table was the “showbread” or “bread of the Presence.” It consisted of twelve loaves of bread, representing the twelve tribes of Israel, and was replaced every Sabbath day (Leviticus 24:5-9). The table’s purpose was to hold this sacred bread before the Lord continually.
Spiritual Insights:
- God’s Presence:The table in the tabernacle with the showbread reminds us of God’s desire to dwell among His people. It signifies that God seeks fellowship with humanity and invites us to be in His presence. This foreshadows the New Testament reality of God dwelling in the hearts of believers through the Holy Spirit.
- Worship and Thanksgiving:The showbread placed on the table was a symbol of thanksgiving and worship to God. It reflects the idea of presenting our offerings to God as an act of gratitude for His provision and blessings in our lives. It also highlights the importance of regular worship and fellowship with God.
- Portability and Journey:The fact that the tabernacle was portable and designed for the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness reminds us that our relationship with God is not limited to specific places or buildings. We can worship and connect with God wherever we are, knowing that He is always with us.
- Community and Unity:The twelve loaves of showbread representing the twelve tribes of Israel emphasize the significance of community and unity among God’s people. It shows that God desires a united and diverse assembly of worshippers.
Overall, Exodus 35:13 and the surrounding passages in the book of Exodus teach us about God’s desire for fellowship with His people, the importance of worship and thanksgiving, and the idea of journeying with God as a united community.
