Exodus 40:23
He arranged the bread on it before the LORD, just as the LORD had commanded him.
He arranged the bread on it
This phrase refers to the placement of the showbread on the table in the Tabernacle. The bread, known as the "bread of the Presence," consisted of twelve loaves representing the twelve tribes of Israel. This act symbolizes God's provision and sustenance for His people. The arrangement of the bread was a weekly ritual, emphasizing the importance of order and obedience in worship. The table of showbread was located in the Holy Place, signifying the continual fellowship between God and Israel.

before the LORD
The bread was placed "before the LORD," indicating that it was set in the presence of God, who dwelt in the Tabernacle. This highlights the sacredness of the act and the recognition of God's holiness. The phrase underscores the idea that all offerings and acts of worship are ultimately directed towards God. The presence of God in the Tabernacle foreshadows the coming of Jesus Christ, who is Emmanuel, "God with us."

just as the LORD had commanded him
This phrase emphasizes Moses' obedience to God's specific instructions. Throughout the construction and consecration of the Tabernacle, Moses followed God's commands precisely, reflecting the importance of obedience in the covenant relationship. This obedience is a recurring theme in the Pentateuch and is crucial for maintaining the covenant blessings. It also points to Jesus Christ, who perfectly fulfilled the law and the prophets, living in complete obedience to the Father.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, who was responsible for setting up the Tabernacle and arranging the elements within it according to God's instructions.

2. The Tabernacle
The portable dwelling place for the presence of God among the Israelites, where the bread was arranged.

3. The Bread of the Presence
Also known as showbread, it was placed on the table in the Tabernacle as a continual offering before the LORD.

4. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who provided specific instructions for worship and the arrangement of the Tabernacle.

5. The Israelites
The people of God, for whom the Tabernacle served as a central place of worship and a symbol of God's presence.
Teaching Points
Obedience to God's Commands
Moses' careful arrangement of the bread "just as the LORD had commanded" underscores the importance of obedience in worship. We are called to follow God's instructions in our lives with the same diligence.

Symbolism of the Bread
The Bread of the Presence symbolizes God's provision and sustenance. In our spiritual walk, we are reminded that God provides for our needs and sustains us through His presence.

The Presence of God
The arrangement of the bread before the LORD signifies the continual presence of God among His people. As believers, we are encouraged to cultivate an awareness of God's presence in our daily lives.

Worship as a Community
The Tabernacle served as a communal place of worship for the Israelites. Similarly, we are called to gather as a community of believers to worship and honor God together.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Moses' obedience in arranging the bread reflect our own call to follow God's commands in our lives?

2. In what ways does the Bread of the Presence point to Jesus as the "bread of life" in the New Testament?

3. How can we cultivate a continual awareness of God's presence in our daily routines and spiritual practices?

4. What role does community worship play in your spiritual life, and how can you contribute to it?

5. How does understanding the symbolism of the Bread of the Presence enhance your appreciation for God's provision and sustenance?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Leviticus 24:5-9
Provides detailed instructions on the preparation and arrangement of the Bread of the Presence, emphasizing its perpetual nature and sacredness.

Hebrews 9:2
Describes the layout of the Tabernacle, including the table and the Bread of the Presence, highlighting its significance in the worship practices of Israel.

John 6:35
Jesus refers to Himself as the "bread of life," drawing a spiritual parallel to the sustenance and presence symbolized by the Bread of the Presence.
The Erection of the TabernacleJ. Urquhart Exodus 40:1-33
The Tabernacle Set UpJ. Orr Exodus 40:1-33
Tabernacle ForeshadowingsW. M. Taylor, D. D.Exodus 40:1-38
The Primary and Universal Obligation to the Worship of JehovahJ. Allport.Exodus 40:1-38
The Setting Up of the Tabernacle on New Year's DayC. P. Eyre, M. A.Exodus 40:1-38
People
Aaron, Israelites, Moses
Places
Sinai
Topics
Arranged, Arrangement, Bread, Commanded, Order, Row, Setteth
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Exodus 40:22-23

     4418   bread

Library
July 7. "And the Glory of the Lord Filled the Tabernacle" (Ex. Xl. 35).
"And the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle" (Ex. xl. 35). In the last chapter of Exodus we read all the Lord commanded Moses to do, and that as he fulfilled these commands the glory of the Lord descended and filled the tabernacle till there was no room for Moses, and from that time the pillar of cloud overshadowed them, their guide, their protection. And so we have been building as the Lord Himself commanded, and now the temple is to be handed over to Him to be possessed and filled. He will
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

The Copies of Things in the Heavens
'And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 2. On the first day of the first month shalt thou set up the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation. 3. And thou shalt put therein the ark of the testimony, and cover the ark with the vail. 4. And thou shalt bring in the table, and set in order the things that are to be set in order upon it; and thou shalt bring in the candlestick, and light the lamps thereof. 5. And thou shalt set the altar of gold for the incense before the ark of the testimony, and put
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Appendix viii. Rabbinic Traditions About Elijah, the Forerunner of the Messiah
To complete the evidence, presented in the text, as to the essential difference between the teaching of the ancient Synagogue about the Forerunner of the Messiah' and the history and mission of John the Baptist, as described in the New Testaments, we subjoin a full, though condensed, account of the earlier Rabbinic traditions about Elijah. Opinions differ as to the descent and birthplace of Elijah. According to some, he was from the land of Gilead (Bemid. R. 14), and of the tribe of Gad (Tanch. on
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Exodus
The book of Exodus--so named in the Greek version from the march of Israel out of Egypt--opens upon a scene of oppression very different from the prosperity and triumph in which Genesis had closed. Israel is being cruelly crushed by the new dynasty which has arisen in Egypt (i.) and the story of the book is the story of her redemption. Ultimately it is Israel's God that is her redeemer, but He operates largely by human means; and the first step is the preparation of a deliverer, Moses, whose parentage,
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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