What does the Bible say about shewbread?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible presents the shewbread as holy bread set continually before the Lord, signifying Israel’s covenant fellowship with Him and His gracious provision for His people. Twelve loaves were arranged on the pure table, representing the twelve tribes, and were renewed each Sabbath (Leviticus 24:5-8; Exodus 25:30; Exodus 40:23). The priests ate the replaced bread in a holy place, teaching reverence for God’s appointed worship. Israel supported this service through the temple offerings (Nehemiah 10:32-33), and Levites were assigned its preparation (1 Chronicles 9:32; 23:29). David’s reception of the consecrated bread in need also shows that God’s ceremonial gifts serve mercy, not empty ritual (1 Samuel 21:4).
Study outline
Curated topical outlines from classic public-domain study works.
Torrey's New Topical Textbook
- Twelve cakes of fine flour Leviticus 24:5
- Called hallowed bread 1 Samuel 21:4
- Materials for, provided by the people Leviticus 24:8; Nehemiah 10:32; Nehemiah 10:33
- Prepared by Levites 1 Chronicles 9:32; 1 Chronicles 23:29
- Placed in two rows on the table by the priests Exodus 25:30; Exodus 40:23; Leviticus 24:6
- Table of
- Dimensions of Exodus 25:23
- Covered with gold Exodus 25:24
- Had an ornamental border Exodus 25:25
- Had staves of shittim wood covered with gold Exodus 25:28
- Had rings of gold in the corners for the staves Exodus 25:26; Exodus 25:27
- Had dishes, spoons, covers, and bowls of gold Exodus 25:29
- Placed in the north side of the tabernacle Exodus 40:22; Hebrews 9:2
- Directions for removing Numbers 4:7
- Pure frankincense placed on Leviticus 24:7
- Was changed every Sabbath day Leviticus 24:8
- After removal from the table given to the priests Leviticus 24:9
- Not lawful for any but the priests to eat, except in extreme cases 1 Samuel 21:4-6; Matthew 12:4
- Illustrative of
- Christ as the bread of life John 6:48
- The Church 1 Corinthians 5:7; 1 Corinthians 10:17
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