Topical Bible: Priest: To Place Shewbread on the Table Every Sabbath

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In the religious practices of ancient Israel, the role of the priest was central to the worship and ceremonial life of the community. Among the various duties assigned to the priests, one significant responsibility was the placement of the shewbread, also known as the "bread of the Presence," on the table in the Holy Place of the Tabernacle, and later the Temple, every Sabbath.

Biblical Foundation

The commandment regarding the shewbread is found in the Book of Leviticus. The Lord instructed Moses concerning the preparation and placement of the shewbread: "You are to take fine flour and bake twelve loaves with two-tenths of an ephah in each loaf. Arrange them in two rows—six per row—on the table of pure gold before the LORD" (Leviticus 24:5-6). This directive highlights the sacred nature of the shewbread, which was to be continually before the Lord as a perpetual offering.

Symbolism and Significance

The shewbread, consisting of twelve loaves, symbolized the twelve tribes of Israel, representing their continual presence before God. The bread was a reminder of God's provision and sustenance, both physically and spiritually, for His people. The act of placing the shewbread on the table every Sabbath underscored the covenant relationship between God and Israel, emphasizing the importance of regular, faithful worship and acknowledgment of God's sovereignty.

Priestly Duties

The priests, descendants of Aaron, were entrusted with the sacred duty of maintaining the shewbread. Each Sabbath, they would replace the old loaves with freshly baked ones, ensuring that the bread remained before the Lord at all times. The old loaves, having been sanctified, were then consumed by the priests in a holy place, as stipulated in the law: "It belongs to Aaron and his sons, who are to eat it in a holy place, because it is a most holy part of their perpetual share of the food offerings presented to the LORD" (Leviticus 24:9).

Ritual and Worship

The placement of the shewbread was not merely a ritualistic act but a profound expression of worship and obedience. It served as a weekly renewal of the covenant and a tangible reminder of God's presence among His people. The priests, acting as mediators between God and Israel, played a crucial role in this aspect of worship, ensuring that the divine instructions were meticulously followed.

Historical Context

The practice of placing the shewbread continued from the time of the Tabernacle in the wilderness through the era of the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem. This continuity reflects the enduring nature of the covenant and the unchanging character of God, who remains faithful to His promises.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the shewbread can be seen as a foreshadowing of Christ, the "bread of life" (John 6:35), who provides eternal sustenance and fulfillment. The priestly duty of placing the shewbread points to the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ, who mediates a new covenant between God and humanity.

In summary, the priestly duty of placing the shewbread on the table every Sabbath was a vital component of Israel's worship, rich in symbolism and theological depth. It underscored the perpetual presence of God among His people and the ongoing relationship established through His covenant.

Nave's Topical Index

Leviticus 24:8
Every sabbath he shall set it in order before the LORD continually, being taken from the children of Israel by an everlasting covenant.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The New Covenant.
... But there were no lamps to give light; there was no shewbread for food. ... The entering
of the high-priest into the holiest place is as prominent as the ...
/.../chapter viii the new covenant.htm

The Annunciation of St. John the Baptist
... the north side) was the table of shewbread; to his ... beside the altar of incense: From
what place did the ... vision of God, Who called upon the priest to pronounce ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter iii the annunciation of.htm

Perfection in Faith
... and the candlestick, and the table, and the shewbread, and the ... of God is a priest,
and as a priest he is ... He is now permitted to go into the place which was ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/perfection in faith.htm

In the House of his Heavenly, and in the Home of his Earthly ...
... From that lofty pinnacle the priest each morning watched ... Candlestick (south), the
Table of Shewbread (north), and ... the entrance to the Most Holy Place, which in ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter x in the house.htm

The Jewish World in the Days of Christ - the Jewish Dispersion in ...
... Zeus Olympios, what is translated by shewbread.' a constant ... turn the Macedono-Syrian
rule gave place to the ... that the dress which the High-Priest wore between ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter i the jewish world.htm