“And he set the bread in order upon it before the LORD; as the LORD had commanded Moses.”
Context:In Exodus 40, we see Moses carrying out God’s instructions to set up the Tabernacle and consecrate it for worship. This is a significant event as it marks the completion of the Tabernacle’s construction, and it signals the moment when God’s presence would dwell among His people as they journey through the wilderness.
The Table of Showbread:The Table of Showbread was a sacred piece of furniture located on the north side of the Holy Place, the inner part of the Tabernacle (Exodus 26:35). It was made of acacia wood and overlaid with pure gold. The table was about three feet long, one and a half feet wide, and two feet three inches high. It had a crown or a border around the top to prevent the bread from falling off.
The Bread of the Presence:The bread placed on the Table of Showbread was known as the “bread of the Presence” or “shewbread” (Leviticus 24:5-9). The Israelite priests would prepare twelve loaves of bread each week, representing the twelve tribes of Israel. The bread was arranged in two rows of six on the table. The loaves were replaced every Sabbath day, and the old loaves were reserved for the priests to eat in a holy place.
Spiritual Significance:The Table of Showbread and the bread of the Presence hold spiritual symbolism:
- God’s Presence and Provision:The Table represented the presence of God among His people. The fact that it was placed inside the Holy Place, right before the Veil that separated it from the Most Holy Place (where the Ark of the Covenant was kept), signifies God’s desire to commune with His people. The showbread also represented God’s provision and sustenance for His chosen people.
- Community and Unity:The twelve loaves, each representing a tribe of Israel, signified the unity and the people’s collective offering to God. It showed that all the tribes were equal before God, and they were part of a united community.
- Jesus Christ, the Bread of Life:In the New Testament, Jesus referred to Himself as the “bread of life” (John 6:35). The Table of Showbread and the bread it held foreshadowed Christ, who came to provide spiritual sustenance and eternal life for all who believe in Him.
- Eternal Fellowship:The weekly replacement of the bread speaks of the continuous fellowship between God and His people, perpetuated through generations. It symbolizes the everlasting nature of our relationship with God.
Application:As we reflect on Exodus 40:23 and the significance of the Table of Showbread, several applications can be drawn for our lives:
- Seeking God’s Presence:Just as the Table of Showbread represented God’s presence among the Israelites, we should also seek to dwell in God’s presence through prayer, worship, and studying His Word.
- Gratitude for God’s Provision:The showbread reminded the Israelites of God’s provision in their journey through the wilderness. We should cultivate a heart of gratitude for all the blessings God provides in our lives.
- Unity and Fellowship:The arrangement of the twelve loaves on the table symbolized unity and fellowship among the tribes of Israel. As believers, we should strive to maintain unity within the body of Christ and love one another as Christ loved us.
- Jesus, the Bread of Life:Let us remember that Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of the showbread’s symbolism. He is the Bread of Life, and through faith in Him, we find true spiritual nourishment and eternal life.
In conclusion, Exodus 40:23, with its mention of the Table of Showbread, reminds us of God’s presence, provision, and eternal fellowship with His people. It also points to Jesus Christ, the ultimate source of spiritual sustenance and life. Let us draw closer to God, seeking His presence and provision while maintaining unity and fellowship with fellow believers.
