Exodus 25:23-30

The Table of shewbread

Verse 23-30, Thou shalt 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. {24} And thou shalt overlay it with pure gold, and make thereto a crown of gold round about. {25} And thou shalt make unto it a border of an hand breadth round about, and thou shalt make a golden crown to the border thereof round about. {26} And thou shalt make for it four rings of gold, and put the rings in the four corners that are on the four feet thereof. {27} Over against the border shall the rings be for places of the staves to bear the table. {28} And thou shalt make the staves of shittim wood, and overlay them with gold, that the table may be borne with them. {29} And thou shalt make the dishes thereof, and spoons thereof, and covers thereof, and bowls thereof, to cover withal: of pure gold shalt thou make them. {30} And thou shalt set upon the table showbread before me alway.

I.    We now look at the furniture of the Holy Place.

A.  The table of shewbread.

B.   The Golden candlestick.

C.   The golden censer.

II.   The Table of Shewbread.

A.  Description.

1.   Shittim wood covered with pure gold - a symbol of humanity covered with the glory of God.

2.   Two cubits long, one cubit deep and one and ½ cubits high.

3.   The border (sideboard) is a hand width tall.  A golden crown is the shape of this sideboard.

4.   There are four feet or legs with four rings of gold (one of each corner).  It is into these rings of gold the golden staves are placed, by which the table is carried.

5.   The dishes.

a.   Spoons - not like our spoon.  They have no handle.  The hollow of the hand or palm.

b.   The cover for the spoons.

c.   Bowls - A sacrificial vessel for holding an item.

d.   The cover for the bowl.

III. Purpose.

A.  Lev. 24:5-9 - Twelve loaves of unleavened bread kept continually (replenished each Sabbath).

B.   Purpose.

1.   A thankful acknowledgment for food (manna in the wilderness and food now).

2.   A token of communion with God.

3.   A type of spiritual provision for salvation - Christs' body.