Topical Encyclopedia In the rich tapestry of Old Testament symbolism, the Table of Showbread stands as a profound type of Christ, offering deep insights into His person and work. The Table of Showbread, also known as the Bread of the Presence, was a significant element within the Tabernacle, later incorporated into the Temple, and is detailed in the book of Exodus.Biblical Description and Function The instructions for the Table of Showbread are found in Exodus 25:23-30. The table was to be made of acacia wood and overlaid with pure gold, measuring two cubits long, one cubit wide, and one and a half cubits high. It was to have a gold molding around it and was equipped with rings and poles for transport. The table held twelve loaves of bread, representing the twelve tribes of Israel, which were to be placed before the Lord continually. Exodus 25:30 states, "And place the Bread of the Presence on the table before Me at all times." This bread was a perpetual offering, symbolizing the covenant relationship between God and His people, and was replaced every Sabbath (Leviticus 24:5-9). Typology of Christ 1. Bread of Life: The Showbread, as a type of Christ, prefigures Jesus 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." Just as the Showbread was a continual offering before God, Christ is the eternal sustenance for believers, providing spiritual nourishment and life. 2. Presence of God: The term "Bread of the Presence" underscores the idea of God's presence with His people. In Christ, the presence of God is fully realized. John 1:14 affirms, "The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us." Jesus, as Immanuel, "God with us," embodies the divine presence, fulfilling the symbolism of the Showbread. 3. Communion and Fellowship: The Showbread also signifies communion and fellowship with God. In the New Testament, this is mirrored in the Lord's Supper, where believers partake of the bread, symbolizing Christ's body given for them. 1 Corinthians 10:16 states, "Is not the cup of blessing that we bless a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ?" Through Christ, believers enter into a covenant relationship, sharing in His life and blessings. 4. Provision and Sustenance: The Showbread was a reminder of God's provision for the Israelites, just as Christ is the ultimate provision for humanity's spiritual needs. Philippians 4:19 assures, "And my God will supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus." In Christ, believers find their every need met, both physically and spiritually. Priestly Role and Access The priests alone were permitted to eat the Showbread, signifying a special access to God's provision. In Christ, the priesthood of all believers is established, granting every believer access to God through Him. Hebrews 4:16 encourages, "Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." Conclusion The Table of Showbread, with its rich symbolism, points to the multifaceted work of Christ as the Bread of Life, the presence of God, and the source of spiritual sustenance and fellowship. Through this typology, believers are invited to partake in the fullness of life offered in Christ, experiencing His provision, presence, and eternal communion. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 25:23-30You shall also make a table of shittim wood: two cubits shall be the length thereof, and a cubit the breadth thereof, and a cubit and a half the height thereof. Torrey's Topical Textbook John 1:16 John 6:48 Library Scriptural Types. "In Remembrance of Me" Faustus is Willing to Admit that Christ May have Said that He came ... On Communion in the Lord's Supper. Concerning the Communion, or Participation of the Body and Blood ... Christ Our Passover On the Baptism of Christ. John vi. 41, 42 Questions About the Lord's Supper Epistle Lxii. C??cilius, on the Sacrament of the Cup of the Lord. Resources What are the different types of angels? | GotQuestions.orgAre there different types of demons? | GotQuestions.org What are the different types of love mentioned in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Types of Christ: Ark of the Covenant Types of Christ: Atonement, Sacrifices offered on the Day of Types of Christ: Brazen Serpent Types of Christ: Burnt offering Types of Christ: Cities of Refuge Types of Christ: Golden Candlestick Types of Christ: Jacob's Ladder Types of Christ: Laver of Brass Types of Christ: Leper's offering Types of Christ: Morning and Evening Sacrifices Types of Christ: Peace offerings Types of Christ: Rock of Horeb Types of Christ: Table and Show Bread Types of Christ: Trespass offering Types of Christ: Vail of the Tabernacle and Temple Types of the Saviour: High Priest, Typical of the Mediatorship Types of the Saviour: Melchizedek Types of the Saviour: The Bronze Altar Types of the Saviour: The Bronze Laver Types of the Saviour: The Bronze Serpent Types of the Saviour: The Cities of Refuge Types of the Saviour: The Curtain Types of the Saviour: The Institutions Ordained by Moses Types of the Saviour: The Mercy-Seat Types of the Saviour: The Morning and Evening Sacrifice Types of the Saviour: The Paschal Lamb Types of the Saviour: The Red Heifer Types of the Saviour: The Sacrifices Types of the Saviour: The Tree of Life Types: Miscellaneous: Bride, a Type of the Body of Christ Types: Miscellaneous: The Sanctuary a Type of the Heavenly Sanctuary Types: Miscellaneous: The Saving of Noah and his Family, of the Salvation Through the Gospel Related Terms |