"And upon the table of shewbread they shall spread a cloth of blue, and put thereon the dishes, and the spoons, and the bowls, and covers to cover withal: and the continual bread shall be thereon."
Context:The book of Numbers is the fourth book in the Old Testament and primarily focuses on the Israelites’ journey from Mount Sinai to the Promised Land. In this verse, the Lord gives instructions to Moses regarding the tabernacle and the responsibilities of the Levites who were assigned to carry and care for the sacred items.
The Table of Showbread:The "table of shewbread" mentioned in this verse refers to a specific piece of furniture in the tabernacle. It was a table made of acacia wood overlaid with gold and stood on the north side of the Holy Place. On this table, the priests would place twelve loaves of bread, representing the twelve tribes of Israel. The bread was replaced every Sabbath, and the old loaves were eaten by the priests.
The Cloth of Blue:The verse states that a cloth of blue was to be spread upon the table of showbread. The colour blue often represented heavenly or divine significance in the Bible. It symbolises God’s authority, royalty, and the heavenly realm.
The Dishes, Spoons, Bowls, and Covers:These items were used to handle and contain the bread on the table. The priests were responsible for arranging the bread on the table and ensuring its proper placement.
The Continual Bread:The phrase "continual bread" refers to the twelve loaves that were to be placed on the table. The bread was replaced every Sabbath, indicating a continual offering to God. This practice demonstrated the Israelites’ dependence on God as the provider of sustenance and their commitment to worship Him continually.
Symbolism and Spiritual Lessons:The table of showbread and its components hold symbolic meaning in the Bible. The bread symbolises God’s provision and sustenance for His people, while the table represents His presence and fellowship. The blue cloth indicates the divine nature and heavenly origin of the bread. The continual bread reflects the need for ongoing worship and gratitude towards God for His faithfulness.
Application:As believers today, we can draw spiritual lessons from Numbers 4: We are reminded of the importance of recognising God as our provider and sustainer. Just as the priests cared for the bread on the table, we should cultivate a heart of gratitude and worship, continually offering our lives as a pleasing sacrifice to God. We can also reflect on the symbolism of the blue cloth, understanding that our worship and fellowship with God should be founded on the recognition of His divine nature and authority.
Remember to read the surrounding verses and consult other biblical resources for a more comprehensive understanding of the passage.
