THE TABERNACLE 7

Exodus 25:26-28

This time, we consider the Table of Shewbread. It is indeed a table in the common sense, which is of special design. It's purpose is to display the 12 "cakes" formed in two rows. These cakes each represent one of the twelve tribes. It was not a large table as Exodus 25:23 reveals. The basic construction was of the shittim wood. It was to be overlaid with "pure gold". The two golden crowns assure safety of the cakes; lest they fall off in some manner. The table was made to be portable as seen by the rings on the sides, and the staves, Exodus 25:26-28.

The cake, or bread, recipe is given in Leviticus 24:5-7. It is ". . . for a memorial, even an offering made by fire unto the Lord".

It is to be set in order before the Lord continually. The children of Israel were, and are, important to the Lord; and He is ever mindful of them. This table is to give that impression. It is evident that they to ought to be mindful of His care for them as well as His being desirous of their obedience to Him.

This table was outside the vail, which separates the testimony (in ark). The words of Hebrews 4:2 reveal to us that "the gospel " was "preached unto them:". Let's consider the points in that regard:

(a) the shittim wood was the elemental material of the table - - - it speaks of Jesus' flesh: ". . . . God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, . . .", Romans 8:3.

(b) the overlay of pure gold shows His Divine nature which is shown in His life on earth. One must remember that He NEVER sinned.

(c) the crowns speak of Jesus the king of the Jews, Matthew 2:27; King of kings, Revelation 19:16; and King of Glory, Matthew 25:31-34.

The words "shew bread", Exodus 25:30, are interesting; one means to face, and the other means bread. Note the words ". . . before me alway". Robert Young translates it as "bread of the presence". You can see that He is mindful of these tribes in Revelation 7:4. He is mindful of the saints of our era, in N. T. Church capacity, Matthew 28:20; and christians both Jews and Gentiles, Hebrews 13:5. I am reminded of His care and concern for His own by a modern love ballad, one line of which says ". . . . you are always on my mind". Our Lord is so mindful of us! DDH