**Cross Reference**: #table_of_bread, #god_provision, #worship, #fellowship, #tabernacle # The Table for the Bread of the Presence ## Introduction The [[Table for the Bread of the Presence]] is one of the primary furnishings in the [[Tabernacle]], symbolizing [[God]]’s provision and fellowship with the [[Israelites]]. Placed within the Holy Place, this table held twelve loaves of bread, representing the twelve tribes of Israel. The table and its bread are often seen as a reminder that God sustains His people and desires a close, covenantal relationship with them. This sacred furnishing invites the Israelites to recognize God as their provider and t... ## Historical Background and Construction God instructed Moses to construct the table according to precise measurements, as outlined in [Exodus 25:23-30](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus+25.23-30&version=AMP). Crafted from [[acacia wood]] and overlaid with gold, the table measured two cubits long, one cubit wide, and one and a half cubits high. Golden dishes, pans, pitchers, and bowls accompanied the table, emphasizing its sanctity and the importance of maintaining reverence in every aspect of worship. ### Theological Significance 1. **Symbol of God’s Provision and Sustenance**: The bread of the Presence signifies God’s continual provision for His people. It serves as a reminder that God supplies not only physical needs but also spiritual nourishment. 2. **Fellowship and Relationship with God**: The bread on the table represents Israel’s fellowship with God, signifying that He invites His people into a covenantal relationship, much like a shared meal strengthens bonds in a family. #### Call to Action: - **Trust in God’s Provision**: The table calls believers to rely on God for all their needs, recognizing Him as the source of sustenance in every aspect of life. - **Embrace Fellowship with God**: The bread of the Presence encourages believers to value their relationship with God, approaching worship with a heart that seeks communion with Him. ## Symbolism of the Bread of the Presence The twelve loaves, replaced every Sabbath, were a perpetual offering before God. According to [Leviticus 24:5-9](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Leviticus+24.5-9&version=AMP), the bread was placed in two rows of six on the table, signifying Israel’s dedication and dependence on God. The priests would later consume the bread as part of their duties, symbolizing a shared fellowship with God. 1. **Twelve Loaves Representing the Tribes of Israel**: The twelve loaves reflect that God’s provision extends to all of Israel. Each tribe is represented, underscoring that God’s care encompasses the entire community. 2. **Shared Communion and the Priesthood’s Role**: The consumption of the bread by the priests signifies a deeper communion with God. This act represents the covenantal relationship between Israel and God, highlighting that worship involves both giving and receiving. #### Call to Action: - **Value Community and Unity in Worship**: Believers are reminded of the importance of community in worship, acknowledging that God’s provision and care extend to all His people. - **Embrace Spiritual Nourishment Through Fellowship**: The table encourages believers to seek God’s presence as the ultimate source of spiritual sustenance, nurturing their relationship with Him through regular worship. ## New Testament Fulfillment and Reflection The table and bread of the Presence find fulfillment in the [[00.New Testament]], where Christ identifies Himself as the “[[Bread of Life]]” in [John 6:35](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+6.35&version=AMP). Jesus’ statement reveals that He is the true sustainer, offering eternal life and spiritual nourishment to all who believe in Him. This connection illustrates that the table of bread foreshadows the ultimate provision found in Christ. 1. **Christ as the Bread of Life**: Jesus’ claim to be the Bread of Life fulfills the symbolism of the bread of the Presence. He is the true source of sustenance, offering believers eternal life and a lasting relationship with God. 2. **Invitation to Ongoing Fellowship with Christ**: The table points to the believer’s invitation to commune with Christ continually, much like the bread served as a reminder of God’s constant presence and provision. #### Call to Action: - **Seek Christ as the True Source of Spiritual Life**: Believers are encouraged to look to Christ for spiritual nourishment, recognizing Him as the fulfillment of God’s provision. - **Engage in Regular Communion with Christ**: The table’s symbolism invites believers to embrace fellowship with Christ, allowing His presence to sustain them in every aspect of their faith. ## Conclusion: Provision, Fellowship, and Communion in Worship The Table for the Bread of the Presence underscores the importance of God’s provision, the value of fellowship, and the invitation to communion with Him. Through the bread and the table, Israel recognized God as their sustainer and provider. Believers are called to embrace these principles, seeking spiritual nourishment in Christ and valuing the relationship that God extends through worship. ## Related Concepts: - [[Spiritual Nourishment]] - [[Christ as the Bread of Life]] - [[Fellowship with God]] - [[Communion in Worship]]