Exodus 25:30 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And you shall set the bread of the Presence on the table before me regularly.

NIV: Put the bread of the Presence on this table to be before me at all times.

NASB: And you shall set the bread of the Presence on the table before Me continually.

CSB: Put the Bread of the Presence on the table before me at all times.

NLT: Place the Bread of the Presence on the table to remain before me at all times.

KJV: And thou shalt set upon the table shewbread before me alway.

NKJV: And you shall set the showbread on the table before Me always.

Scripture refers to this bread as either "showbread" (1 Chronicles 9:32), "bread of the Presence," or "continual bread" (Numbers 4:7). These are twelve loaves each made from around four liters, or a gallon, of fine flour (Leviticus 24:5). The loaves were stacked in two piles of six (Leviticus 24:6) on a golden table (Exodus 25:23–29). Each week, on the Sabbath, the loaves were eaten by the priests and replaced (Leviticus 24:8–9).

When critics challenged Jesus about breaking Sabbath regulations (Matthew 12:2), He responded by recalling an incident with soon-to-be-King David (Matthew 12:3–4). With the priest at Nob's permission, David, on the run from King Saul, ate this consecrated bread (1 Samuel 21:3–6). That event highlighted the fact that God does not value traditions over human lives.

This table (Exodus 25:23–24) is one of several items created for God's sanctuary (Exodus 25:8–9). Others are the ark of the covenant (Exodus 25:10–11), the menorāh (Exodus 25:31), an altar of sacrifice (Exodus 27:1–8), and an altar of incense (Exodus 30:1–10). Each item serves a purpose in worship of the Lord.

Exodus 25:23–30 describes a small table designed to hold special bread in the sanctuary of the Lord. The table is to be made of wood overlaid with gold. The table is the same height as the ark (Exodus 25:10) and slightly narrower and shorter. On this Israel will keep twelve loaves (Leviticus 24:5–7) to be eaten under tightly controlled rules (Leviticus 24:8–9). Like the ark, the table has rings so it can be carried by poles. Israel is also told to fashion solid gold plates and bowls for use in various offerings.

Israelites are to contribute precious metals, cloth, oils, and other resources to create a sanctuary for worship and sacrifice. These will be used to form various sacred objects. Among these are the renowned ark of the covenant, a table for consecrated bread, and a lampstand with seven ornate lamps. These will be kept in the most sacred parts of the sanctuary. Upcoming chapters will focus on an elaborate tent which will serve as a portable temple (Exodus 26—28).

The Lord has given the foundations of His covenant to Israel (Exodus 20—23) and they have affirmed it (Exodus 24). Now God gives Moses detailed instructions for a system of worship. This begins with designs for a sacred container—the ark of the covenant—as well as a table and lampstand. These will be kept in the "tabernacle:" an ornate tent used as a portable temple for Israel (Exodus 26—28).

The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.