Numbers 4:7
And upon the table of shewbread they shall spread a cloth of blue, and put thereon the dishes, and the spoons, and the bowls, and covers to cover withal: and the continual bread shall be thereon:
Original Language Analysis
וְעַ֣ל׀
H5921
וְעַ֣ל׀
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
1 of 21
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
שֻׁלְחַ֣ן
And upon the table
H7979
שֻׁלְחַ֣ן
And upon the table
Strong's:
H7979
Word #:
2 of 21
a table (as spread out); by implication, a meal
הַפָּנִ֗ים
of shewbread
H6440
הַפָּנִ֗ים
of shewbread
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
3 of 21
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
תְּכֵלֶת֒
of blue
H8504
תְּכֵלֶת֒
of blue
Strong's:
H8504
Word #:
6 of 21
the cerulean mussel, i.e., the color (violet) obtained therefrom or stuff dyed therewith
וְנָֽתְנ֣וּ
and put
H5414
וְנָֽתְנ֣וּ
and put
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
7 of 21
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
עָ֠לָיו
H5921
עָ֠לָיו
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
8 of 21
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
9 of 21
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
11 of 21
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַכַּפֹּת֙
and the spoons
H3709
הַכַּפֹּת֙
and the spoons
Strong's:
H3709
Word #:
12 of 21
the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
13 of 21
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַמְּנַקִּיֹּ֔ת
and the bowls
H4518
הַמְּנַקִּיֹּ֔ת
and the bowls
Strong's:
H4518
Word #:
14 of 21
a sacrificial basin (for holding blood)
וְאֵ֖ת
H853
וְאֵ֖ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
15 of 21
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְלֶ֥חֶם
bread
H3899
וְלֶ֥חֶם
bread
Strong's:
H3899
Word #:
18 of 21
food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)
הַתָּמִ֖יד
and the continual
H8548
הַתָּמִ֖יד
and the continual
Strong's:
H8548
Word #:
19 of 21
properly, continuance (as indefinite extension); but used only (attributively as adjective) constant (or adverbially, constantly); elliptically the re
Historical Context
The showbread (Hebrew lechem panim—bread of the Presence) consisted of twelve loaves representing the twelve tribes perpetually before God. Priests ate the old loaves when replacing them weekly (Leviticus 24:5-9). David's eating this bread when fleeing Saul (1 Samuel 21:6) showed that ceremonial law bends for genuine need—a principle Jesus cited (Matthew 12:3-4) when criticized for Sabbath activity.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the continuous showbread teach that worship must persist through all circumstances?
- What does Christ as the true Bread of Life mean for daily spiritual sustenance?
- How do we maintain faithful ordinances even during church disruption or persecution?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The table of showbread's covering required specific items—'dishes, and spoons, and bowls, and covers to cover withal'—all included in transport. The Hebrew kelav (its vessels/implements) indicates complete provision. The bread that was continually before the Lord (Exodus 25:30) represented the twelve tribes' constant dependence on God's provision. That it was covered and transported intact teaches that worship continues even during transitions. The church similarly maintains ordinances (Lord's Supper) even during persecution or displacement. Christ, the true Bread (John 6:35), sustains His people constantly.