Exodus 40:22
And he put the table in the tent of the congregation, upon the side of the tabernacle northward, without the vail.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּתֵּ֤ן
And he put
H5414
וַיִּתֵּ֤ן
And he put
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
1 of 11
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 11
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 #:
3 of 11
a table (as spread out); by implication, a meal
בְּאֹ֣הֶל
in the tent
H168
בְּאֹ֣הֶל
in the tent
Strong's:
H168
Word #:
4 of 11
a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)
מוֹעֵ֔ד
of the congregation
H4150
מוֹעֵ֔ד
of the congregation
Strong's:
H4150
Word #:
5 of 11
properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for
עַ֛ל
H5921
עַ֛ל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
6 of 11
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
יֶ֥רֶךְ
upon the side
H3409
יֶ֥רֶךְ
upon the side
Strong's:
H3409
Word #:
7 of 11
the thigh (from its fleshy softness); by euphemistically the generative parts; figuratively, a shank, flank, side
הַמִּשְׁכָּ֖ן
of the tabernacle
H4908
הַמִּשְׁכָּ֖ן
of the tabernacle
Strong's:
H4908
Word #:
8 of 11
a residence (including a shepherd's hut, the lair of animals, figuratively, the grave; also the temple); specifically, the tabernacle (properly, its w
צָפֹ֑נָה
northward
H6828
צָפֹ֑נָה
northward
Strong's:
H6828
Word #:
9 of 11
properly, hidden, i.e., dark; used only of the north as a quarter (gloomy and unknown)
Cross References
Exodus 26:35And thou shalt set the table without the vail, and the candlestick over against the table on the side of the tabernacle toward the south: and thou shalt put the table on the north side.Ephesians 3:8Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;
Historical Context
The table's north side position (Exodus 26:35) meant the priest entering the Holy Place saw it on his right. The showbread's weekly replacement established regular priestly ministry rhythm. The bread's consumption by priests alone (Leviticus 24:5-9) emphasized mediatorial privilege—they ate on Israel's behalf.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the table's accessibility (outside the veil) versus the ark's inaccessibility illustrate already/not yet aspects of salvation?
- What does Christ as accessible Bread of Life providing current sustenance reveal about believers' present privileges?
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Analysis & Commentary
The table's placement 'on the side of the tabernacle northward, without the vail' positions provision in the Holy Place but outside the Most Holy Place. The showbread's accessibility (priests ate replaced loaves weekly, Leviticus 24:9) contrasts with the ark's inaccessibility, teaching that some covenant blessings are immediately accessible while others await consummation. The table's position 'without the vail' meant priests saw it during service, symbolizing God's visible provision. Christ, the Bread of Life (John 6:35), is accessible now, though full communion awaits glorification.