THE TABERNACLE: THE TABLE OF SHEWBREAD
1. THE TABLE ITSELF
Read: Exodus 25:23-30; Leviticus 24:9; Hebrews 9:2
The table symbolizes fellowship (I Corinthians 10:16; John 12:1-2). Its construction shows why we can fellowship with God. It was made of wood Exodus 25:3. Wood symbolizes humanity. Christ is a man, Fellowship is possible with God because Christ became a man. Hebrews 2:9,14: I Timothy 2:5. “One mediator….the man Christ Jesus.”
IT WAS COVERED WITH GOLD - Exodus 25:24
More than humanity, even the perfect, was needed to restore us to fellowship with God. Christ is not only man; he is also God, the God-man. John 5:18, “equal with God”; Job 9:32-33. Only Christ can lay hold of both God and man.
IT WAS ORNAMENTED WITH CROWNS
This suggests the present position of Christ, “crown with glory and honor.” Hebrews 2:9. It was through the glorified God-man that we can have fellowship with God. Hebrews 8:1; 9:24 “in the presence of God for us.”
2. THE BREAD OF THE TABLE
While the table reveals the PERSON of Christ (his being), the bread speaks rather of His work (His activities).
FINE FLOUR - THE PERFECT LIFE OF CHRIST Leviticus 24:5
The life or character of Christ was flawless, even, pure. John 8:46, “which of you can convince me of sin?”
BAKED, PIERCED - THE SUFFERING OF CHRIST leviticus 24:5
“cakes” (Hebrew “calloth”) means pierced cakes. Hebrews 2:10 “perfect through suffering” I Corinthians 11:24 “this is my body, which is broken for you.”
FRANKINCENSE - Leviticus 24:7 GOD"S ACCEPTANCE OF CHRIST
The sweet incense shows how pleasing Christ is to God. Matthew 3:17 “this is my beloved Son…I am well pleased.”
TWELVE LOAVES - THE SUFFICIENCY OF CHRIST - Leviticus 24:5
All 12 tribes were to find the bread wholly sufficient. Each loaf was the same weight, although the tribes varied in numbers, in faithfulness, in need II Corinthians 12:9.
NEW EACH WEEK - THE CONSTANT NEWNESS OF CHRIST - Leviticus 24:28
Constant renewal, always new and fresh; so also Christ is the eternal delight of God the unending joy of His own. Numbers 4:7 “the continual bread shall be thereon.” Hebrews 1:11-12 “Thou art the same…Thy years shall not fail.”
3. THOSE WHO ATE IT
The bread, between the people and God, was for both.
IT WAS THE BREAD OF GOD–CHRIST SATISFIES GOD
Exodus 25:30, “set…shewbread before ME always” John 6:33
IT WAS THE BREAD OF MAN– CHRIST SATISFIES MAN
Leviticus 24:9 “they shall eat it.” They represented the nation. John 8:25-58 “he that eatheth of THIS bread shall live…”
