What was constantly displayed on the table of the presence

The Bread of the Presence consisted of 12 loaves arranged in 2 piles of 6 on top of the golden Table of the Presence. These loaves are also called the bread of piles 1 Chronicles ; , the continual or regular bread Numbers , and holy bread 1 Samuel Their number seems to represent the 12 tribes of Israel, whose provision is always before the face presence of God.

So entrenched was the symbolism of the bread with the provision of God that it later became a saying in Jewish tradition that if one wanted material blessing, they should point their feet North when they prayed Bava Batra , 25b 8 , the Table of Bread aka. Show bread was oriented on the North side of the Tabernacle. In 1 Chronicles , we learn that the Kohathite family of the Levitical priests were tasked with the special service of baking the bread of the presence. While most modern representations of the Table of Showbread are rather straightforward — a table with a golden rim around its top — modern Judaism has kept the tradition that the loaves were separated by golden reeds or rods, adding support to the unleavened bread.

Made of acacia wood symbolizing the humanity of Christ , and covered with pure gold symbolizing His divinity , the table held twelve loaves of bread, which were eaten weekly by the priests.

The ark is the meeting place of God and man, and the table of presence is the place where the communion between God and man gives us the strength to carry out His will. The blood-sprinkled ark is the basis of our fellowship with God, while the table provides the substance of our fellowship.

It is significant that not only were the ark and the table the same height, but also the grate around the altar, each a cubit and a half high Exodus , Whereas we must all meet with God individually and accept His free gift of salvation personally, the table shows us that God never intends our relationship with Him to be private. Christianity Expert. Mary Fairchild is a full-time Christian minister, writer, and editor of two Christian anthologies, including "Stories of Cavalry.

Facebook Facebook Twitter Twitter. Updated March 06, Cite this Article Format. Fairchild, Mary. Table of Showbread. Explore the Tabernacle in the Wilderness. Christian Symbols Illustrated Glossary. Why Is the Tabernacle Important Today? Scripture Readings for the Third Week of Lent. Scripture Readings for the Fourth Week of Lent.

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