“The table, and all the vessels thereof, and the shewbread,”
In this verse, we see the mention of "the table" which was one of the important pieces of furniture in the Tabernacle. This table is often referred to as the "Table of Showbread" or "Shewbread." It was made of acacia wood and overlaid with pure gold (Exodus 25:23-30).
The Table of Showbread had a particular significance in the worship practices of the Israelites. It was located in the Holy Place of the Tabernacle, on the north side, opposite the golden lampstand (Exodus 40:22-24). The table was used to hold twelve loaves of bread, which were baked fresh each week and arranged in two rows of six (Leviticus 24:5-9). These loaves were considered holy and were set before the Lord as an offering.
The term "Showbread" comes from the Hebrew word "lechem ha-panim," which means "bread of the presence" or "bread of the faces." The bread symbolized the continuous fellowship and communion between God and His people. The twelve loaves represented the twelve tribes of Israel, signifying the unity and oneness of the nation before God.
The priests would eat the previous week’s loaves, and then fresh loaves were placed on the Table every Sabbath. This practice demonstrated the provision and sustenance provided by God to His people. It also emphasized the importance of regular worship and the acknowledgment of God’s presence in the life of the community.
Overall:Exodus 39:36, with its mention of the Table of Showbread, reminds us of the importance of regular worship, fellowship, and communion with God. It represents God’s desire to dwell among His people and the invitation for His people to draw near to Him with reverence and thanksgiving. As with all aspects of the Tabernacle, it also points forward to the greater spiritual truths fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who referred to Himself as the "Bread of Life" (John 6:35) and the one who offers eternal sustenance and fellowship with God.
