The Table for the Showbread, also known as the Table of Shewbread, is a significant element within the Tabernacle, as described in the Old Testament. This sacred piece of furniture was designed according to divine instructions given to Moses on Mount Sinai. The table was intended to hold the "bread of the Presence" (Exodus 25:30), symbolizing God's perpetual covenant with Israel and His provision for the twelve tribes.

Biblical Specifications

The design of the Table for the Showbread is detailed in Exodus 25:23-30. According to the Berean Standard Bible, the table was to be constructed from acacia wood, a durable and resilient material, signifying the enduring nature of God's covenant. The dimensions were specified as two cubits long, one cubit wide, and one and a half cubits high (Exodus 25:23). This translates to approximately three feet long, one and a half feet wide, and two feet three inches high, using the common cubit measurement of eighteen inches.

The table was overlaid with pure gold, reflecting its sacred purpose and the holiness of God. A gold molding was to be placed around it, adding to its ornate appearance and signifying the divine glory associated with the table (Exodus 25:24).

Functional Elements

The table featured a rim, a handbreadth wide, with a gold border around the rim (Exodus 25:25). This design element served both a practical and symbolic purpose, preventing the showbread from falling off and representing the protective nature of God's covenant.

Four gold rings were to be attached to the table's corners, near the legs, to hold the poles used for carrying the table (Exodus 25:26-27). The poles, also made of acacia wood and overlaid with gold, allowed the Levites to transport the table without directly touching it, maintaining its sanctity (Exodus 25:28).

Sacred Utensils

The table was accompanied by various utensils, all made of pure gold. These included plates, dishes, pitchers, and bowls used for pouring out drink offerings (Exodus 25:29). The use of gold for these items underscored the table's holy function and the reverence due to the offerings presented upon it.

Symbolism and Purpose

The primary purpose of the Table for the Showbread was to hold the twelve loaves of bread, representing the twelve tribes of Israel. These loaves were to be placed before the Lord continually, as a perpetual offering by the Israelites (Leviticus 24:5-9). The bread symbolized God's provision and the sustenance He provided to His people, both physically and spiritually.

The table, situated in the Holy Place of the Tabernacle, served as a constant reminder of God's presence and His covenantal relationship with Israel. It was a visual representation of the fellowship between God and His people, emphasizing the importance of worship and obedience to His commands.

In summary, the design of the Table for the Showbread reflects the intricate and purposeful nature of God's instructions for worship. Each element of the table, from its materials to its dimensions and accompanying utensils, was crafted to honor the holiness of God and to facilitate the sacred rituals of the Israelite community.