Definition and Purpose
The Showbread, also known as the "Bread of the Presence," refers to the twelve loaves of bread that were continually placed on a special table in the Holy Place of the Tabernacle and later in the Temple. These loaves symbolized the perpetual covenant between God and the twelve tribes of Israel. The Hebrew term for Showbread is "lechem ha-panim," which translates to "bread of the face" or "bread of the presence," indicating the bread's role in representing God's presence among His people.

Biblical Instructions
The instructions for the Showbread are detailed in the Book of Exodus. God commanded Moses to make a table of acacia wood overlaid with pure gold, upon which the Showbread was to be placed. "And you are to set the bread of the Presence on the table before Me at all times" (Exodus 25:30). The bread was to be arranged in two rows or piles, six loaves in each, on the table every Sabbath day. The loaves were made of fine flour and were to be baked fresh each week.

Priestly Duties and Rituals
The responsibility for the Showbread was given to the Levitical priests. Each Sabbath, the priests would replace the old loaves with fresh ones, and the removed bread was consumed by the priests in a holy place, as it was considered most holy. Leviticus 24:5-9 provides further details: "You are to take fine flour and bake twelve loaves, using two-tenths of an ephah for each loaf. Arrange them in two rows—six per row—on the table of pure gold before the LORD... 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 made by fire to the LORD" .

Symbolism and Significance
The Showbread holds deep symbolic meaning within the context of Israel's worship. It signifies God's provision and sustenance for His people, as well as His desire for fellowship with them. The bread's presence in the Holy Place served as a continual reminder of God's covenant and His sustaining grace. The twelve loaves represented the twelve tribes of Israel, underscoring the unity and collective relationship of the nation with God.

New Testament References
The concept of the Showbread is echoed in the New Testament, where Jesus Christ is described as the "bread of life." In John 6:35, Jesus declares, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to Me will never hunger, and whoever believes in Me will never thirst" . This statement highlights the fulfillment of the Showbread's symbolism in Christ, who provides spiritual nourishment and eternal life to believers.

Historical Context and Continuity
The practice of setting the Showbread continued from the time of the Tabernacle through the First and Second Temples. Historical records, including those by the Jewish historian Josephus, indicate that the tradition was maintained until the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 AD. The Showbread, as part of the Temple service, played a crucial role in the religious life of Israel, emphasizing the importance of worship, remembrance, and God's abiding presence.

Conclusion
The Showbread remains a significant element in biblical theology, illustrating God's provision and the intimate relationship He desires with His people. Through the lens of the New Testament, the Showbread finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who embodies the true and living bread from heaven.