Introduction:
The Table for the Bread of the Presence, also known as the Table of Showbread, is a significant element in the worship practices of ancient Israel, as described in the Old Testament. It was a sacred piece of furniture located in the Holy Place of the Tabernacle and later in the Temple. This table held the Bread of the Presence, symbolizing God's perpetual covenant with Israel and His provision for His people.

Biblical Description:
The instructions for constructing the Table for the Bread of the Presence are found in Exodus 25:23-30. According to the Berean Standard Bible , the table was to be made of acacia wood, overlaid with pure gold, and measured two cubits long, one cubit wide, and one and a half cubits high. It was to have a gold molding around it and a rim a handbreadth wide with a gold border. Four gold rings were to be attached to the table's corners to hold poles for carrying the table, also made of acacia wood and overlaid with gold.

Function and Symbolism:
The primary function of the table was to hold the Bread of the Presence, which consisted of twelve loaves made from fine flour, representing the twelve tribes of Israel. These loaves were placed on the table every Sabbath and were to remain before the Lord continually. Leviticus 24:5-9 provides further details on the preparation and arrangement of the bread. The bread was a perpetual offering, signifying God's eternal covenant and His sustenance of the nation of Israel.

The Bread of the Presence served as a reminder of God's provision and His desire to dwell among His people. It symbolized the spiritual nourishment that God provides and foreshadowed the coming of Jesus Christ, who declared Himself to be the "bread of life" (John 6:35).

Priestly Duties:
The priests were responsible for maintaining the Table for the Bread of the Presence. Each Sabbath, the old loaves were replaced with fresh ones, and the priests were permitted to eat the removed bread in a holy place, as it was considered most holy (Leviticus 24:9). This practice underscored the holiness of the bread and the sanctity of the priestly office.

Theological Significance:
The Table for the Bread of the Presence holds deep theological significance within the context of the Old Covenant. It represents God's unending provision and His intimate relationship with His chosen people. The table and its bread prefigure the New Covenant, where Jesus Christ fulfills the symbolism by offering Himself as the true bread from heaven, providing eternal life to all who believe in Him.

Historical Context:
The Table for the Bread of the Presence was initially placed in the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary used by the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings. When Solomon built the Temple in Jerusalem, the table was placed in the Holy Place, continuing its role in the worship practices of Israel. The table's presence in both the Tabernacle and the Temple highlights its enduring importance in the religious life of the nation.

Conclusion:
The Table for the Bread of the Presence is a profound symbol of God's covenantal faithfulness and provision. It serves as a tangible reminder of His desire to dwell among His people and to sustain them both physically and spiritually. Through the lens of the New Testament, the table's significance is magnified in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who fulfills the promise of divine sustenance and communion with God.