Exodus 40:22

Moses placed the table in the Tent of Meeting on the north side of the tabernacle, outside the veil.

Study Bible

Moses placed the table
This refers to the Table of Showbread, which was a key piece of furniture in the Tabernacle. The table was made of acacia wood and overlaid with pure gold, symbolizing purity and divinity. It held the bread of the Presence, representing God's provision and fellowship with His people. The act of placing the table signifies obedience to God's specific instructions given in Exodus 25:23-30.

in the Tent of Meeting
The Tent of Meeting, also known as the Tabernacle, was the portable earthly dwelling place of God among the Israelites. It served as the central place of worship and sacrifice during their wilderness journey. The Tent of Meeting was where Moses would meet with God, and it symbolized God's presence with His people. This setting underscores the importance of worship and communion with God.

on the north side of the tabernacle
The specific placement of the table on the north side indicates the order and precision in the worship practices of Israel. The north side was opposite the lampstand, which was on the south side, creating a balanced and symmetrical layout within the Holy Place. This arrangement reflects the orderliness of God's creation and His instructions for worship.

outside the veil
The veil separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, where the Ark of the Covenant was kept. The veil represented the barrier between God and humanity due to sin. Only the high priest could enter the Most Holy Place once a year on the Day of Atonement. The positioning of the table outside the veil signifies that while God's presence was near, full access was not yet available. This foreshadows the tearing of the veil at Christ's crucifixion (Matthew 27:51), symbolizing the new access to God through Jesus, our High Priest.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to deliver His people from Egypt and to guide them through the wilderness. Moses is responsible for setting up the tabernacle according to God's instructions.

2. The Table
This refers to the Table of Showbread, which was placed in the Holy Place of the tabernacle. It held the bread of the Presence, symbolizing God's provision and fellowship with His people.

3. Tent of Meeting
Also known as the tabernacle, it was the portable earthly dwelling place of God among the Israelites. It was a sacred space where God met with Moses and the priests.

4. North Side of the Tabernacle
The specific location within the Holy Place where the Table of Showbread was placed. The north side was significant in the layout of the tabernacle, reflecting order and divine instruction.

5. The Veil
A curtain that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place (Holy of Holies) in the tabernacle. It symbolized the separation between God and humanity due to sin.

Teaching Points

Obedience to Divine Instructions
Moses' careful placement of the table as instructed by God highlights the importance of obedience in our walk with God. We are called to follow His commands with precision and reverence.

God's Provision and Presence
The Table of Showbread symbolizes God's continual provision and desire for fellowship with His people. In our lives, we can trust in God's provision and seek His presence daily.

The Significance of Sacred Spaces
The tabernacle was a sacred space where God met with His people. Today, we can create sacred spaces in our hearts and homes where we intentionally seek God's presence.

Separation and Access
The veil in the tabernacle represented separation due to sin, but through Christ, we have direct access to God. This encourages us to approach God with confidence and gratitude.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Moses' obedience in setting up the tabernacle challenge us in our own obedience to God's instructions today?

2. In what ways can we create "sacred spaces" in our daily lives to meet with God, similar to the Tent of Meeting?

3. How does the symbolism of the Table of Showbread as God's provision encourage us to trust in His provision in our current circumstances?

4. What does the veil in the tabernacle teach us about the separation caused by sin, and how does this relate to the access we have through Jesus Christ?

5. How can understanding the layout and significance of the tabernacle enhance our appreciation for the work of Christ as described in the book of Hebrews?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 24:5-9
This passage provides further instructions on the preparation and placement of the showbread on the table, emphasizing the ongoing covenant relationship between God and Israel.

Hebrews 9:2
This New Testament reference describes the layout of the tabernacle, including the placement of the table, highlighting its significance in the worship practices of Israel.

John 6:35
Jesus refers to Himself as the "bread of life," drawing a spiritual connection to the showbread as a symbol of God's provision and presence.