Exodus 25:30
And thou shalt set upon the table shewbread before me alway.
Original Language Analysis
וְנָֽתַתָּ֧
And thou shalt set
H5414
וְנָֽתַתָּ֧
And thou shalt set
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
1 of 7
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
עַֽל
H5921
עַֽל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
2 of 7
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
הַשֻּׁלְחָ֛ן
upon the table
H7979
הַשֻּׁלְחָ֛ן
upon the table
Strong's:
H7979
Word #:
3 of 7
a table (as spread out); by implication, a meal
לֶ֥חֶם
shewbread
H3899
לֶ֥חֶם
shewbread
Strong's:
H3899
Word #:
4 of 7
food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)
לְפָנַ֥י
before
H6440
לְפָנַ֥י
before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
5 of 7
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
Historical Context
Each Sabbath, fresh bread replaced the week-old loaves, which the priests would eat in the holy place (Leviticus 24:8-9). This weekly renewal maintained freshness while the perpetual presence symbolized unbroken covenant relationship.
Questions for Reflection
- What does perpetual bread 'before God' teach about His desire for fellowship with you?
- How does Christ's eternal presence before the Father secure your access?
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Analysis & Commentary
The perpetual statute: 'Thou shalt set upon the table shewbread before me alway.' The Hebrew תָּמִיד (tamid, continually/always) emphasizes unbroken fellowship. God desires constant communion with His people, symbolized by bread perpetually in His presence. The twelve loaves (Leviticus 24:5-9) represented Israel always before God. Christ eternally mediates this fellowship—His presence before the Father never ceases, ensuring our access never fails.