Exodus Chapter 35 · Verse 16
The altar of burnt offering, with his brasen grate, his staves, and all his vessels, the laver and his foot,
Original Language Analysis
אֵ֣ת׀
H853
אֵ֣ת׀
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
1 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הָֽעֹלָ֗ה
of burnt offering
H5930
הָֽעֹלָ֗ה
of burnt offering
Strong's:
H5930
Word #:
3 of 17
a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)
וְאֶת
H854
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H854
Word #:
4 of 17
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
הַנְּחֹ֙שֶׁת֙
with his brasen
H5178
הַנְּחֹ֙שֶׁת֙
with his brasen
Strong's:
H5178
Word #:
6 of 17
copper, hence, something made of that metal, i.e., coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or silver)
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
7 of 17
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
9 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בַּדָּ֖יו
his staves
H905
בַּדָּ֖יו
his staves
Strong's:
H905
Word #:
10 of 17
properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
11 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
12 of 17
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
כֵּלָ֑יו
and all his vessels
H3627
כֵּלָ֑יו
and all his vessels
Strong's:
H3627
Word #:
13 of 17
something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
14 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַכִּיֹּ֖ר
the laver
H3595
הַכִּיֹּ֖ר
the laver
Strong's:
H3595
Word #:
15 of 17
properly, something round (as excavated or bored), i.e., a chafing-dish for coals or a caldron for cooking; hence (from similarity of form) a washbowl
Historical Context
The table was made of acacia wood overlaid with gold, measuring approximately 3' × 1.5' × 2.25'. Fresh bread was placed on it each Sabbath (Leviticus 24:5-9), and the removed bread could only be eaten by priests—foreshadowing the holy meal of communion.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the table of showbread illustrate both God's provision for His people and their presentation before Him?
- In what ways does the showbread anticipate Christ's declaration 'I am the bread of life'?
Analysis & Commentary
The table (שֻׁלְחָן, shulchan) for showbread represented God's provision and fellowship with His people through the bread of His presence (לֶחֶם הַפָּנִים, lechem ha-panim, 'bread of the faces/presence'). Twelve loaves, one per tribe, sat continually before God, symbolizing Israel's perpetual presentation before Him and His constant provision for them. This anticipates Christ, the bread of life (John 6:35), who provides spiritual sustenance and invites believers to fellowship at His table.