Exodus 39:36
The table, and all the vessels thereof, and the shewbread,
Original Language Analysis
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
1 of 8
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַשֻּׁלְחָן֙
The table
H7979
הַשֻּׁלְחָן֙
The table
Strong's:
H7979
Word #:
2 of 8
a table (as spread out); by implication, a meal
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 8
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 #:
4 of 8
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
כֵּלָ֔יו
and all the vessels
H3627
כֵּלָ֔יו
and all the vessels
Strong's:
H3627
Word #:
5 of 8
something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)
וְאֵ֖ת
H853
וְאֵ֖ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 8
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Historical Context
The showbread ritual (Leviticus 24:5-9) required fresh bread every Sabbath, with old bread consumed by priests. This perpetual offering demonstrated that Israel constantly needed and received divine provision. The twelve loaves represented sustained covenant relationship, not momentary interaction.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the showbread's perpetual presence teach that believers need constant, not occasional, spiritual nourishment?
- What does Christ as the Bread of Life reveal about believers' complete dependence on Him?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The table (שֻׁלְחָן, shulchan) with its vessels and showbread (לֶחֶם הַפָּנִים, lechem haPanim, bread of the Presence) provided perpetual offering before God. The twelve loaves, replaced weekly, represented the twelve tribes constantly before YHWH. The bread's presence taught that God's people live by His provision, not independent sustenance. Christ, the true Bread of Life (John 6:35, 48), fulfills this typology—believers feed on Him continually. The table's golden construction signifies divine provision; the bread, human dependence.