Exodus Chapter 25 · Verse 23
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.
Original Language Analysis
וְעָשִׂ֥יתָ
Thou shalt also make
H6213
וְעָשִׂ֥יתָ
Thou shalt also make
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
1 of 11
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
וְאַמָּ֥ה
thereof and a cubit
H520
וְאַמָּ֥ה
thereof and a cubit
Strong's:
H520
Word #:
5 of 11
properly, a mother (i.e., unit of measure, or the fore-arm (below the elbow), i.e., a cubit; also a door-base (as a bond of the entrance)
וְאַמָּ֥ה
thereof and a cubit
H520
וְאַמָּ֥ה
thereof and a cubit
Strong's:
H520
Word #:
7 of 11
properly, a mother (i.e., unit of measure, or the fore-arm (below the elbow), i.e., a cubit; also a door-base (as a bond of the entrance)
Cross References
Hebrews 9:2For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the shewbread; which is called the sanctuary.1 Kings 7:48And Solomon made all the vessels that pertained unto the house of the LORD: the altar of gold, and the table of gold, whereupon the shewbread was,2 Chronicles 4:8He made also ten tables, and placed them in the temple, five on the right side, and five on the left. And he made an hundred basons of gold.
Historical Context
The table would hold twelve loaves representing the twelve tribes (Leviticus 24:5-9), replaced weekly and eaten by the priests. This sacred bread sustained the mediators, prefiguring Christ who sustains all believers in their priestly service.
Questions for Reflection
- How does shared bread symbolize fellowship between God and His people?
- In what ways does Christ, the 'bread of life,' sustain your relationship with God?
Analysis & Commentary
The table of showbread is made of acacia wood overlaid with gold (humanity and divinity united), measuring 2 cubits × 1 cubit × 1.5 cubits. Unlike the Ark (God's throne), this table serves fellowship—God and man sharing bread. The Hebrew לֶחֶם פָּנִים (lechem panim, 'bread of the presence/face') means bread constantly before God's face. Christ declares 'I am the bread of life' (John 6:35), the sustenance of divine-human fellowship.