Exodus 37:10
And he made the table of shittim wood: two cubits was the length thereof, and a cubit the breadth thereof, and a cubit and a half the height thereof:
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּ֥עַשׂ
And he made
H6213
וַיַּ֥עַשׂ
And he made
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
1 of 12
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַשֻּׁלְחָ֖ן
the table
H7979
הַשֻּׁלְחָ֖ן
the table
Strong's:
H7979
Word #:
3 of 12
a table (as spread out); by implication, a meal
וְאַמָּ֥ה
thereof and a cubit
H520
וְאַמָּ֥ה
thereof and a cubit
Strong's:
H520
Word #:
6 of 12
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 #:
8 of 12
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)
Historical Context
The table of showbread stood in the Holy Place (just outside the veil), on the north side opposite the golden lampstand. Twelve loaves of bread sat on it continually, replaced each Sabbath. Only priests could eat the removed bread (Leviticus 24:5-9), prefiguring 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 this table prefigure communion, where Christ provides the bread of life and invites believers to fellowship?
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Analysis & Commentary
Bezaleel makes the table (שֻׁלְחָן, shulchan) of shittim wood, continuing the pattern of acacia overlaid with gold—humanity clothed in divinity. The table held the bread of the Presence (לֶחֶם הַפָּנִים, lechem ha-panim, 'bread of the faces'), representing God's provision and Israel's perpetual presentation before Him. This table anticipates communion—Christ the bread of life (John 6:35) inviting believers to fellowship at His table, where He provides spiritual sustenance and we present ourselves as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1).