Exodus 35:16
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 35:16
16 The altar of burnt offering, with his brasen grate, his staves, and all his vessels, the laver and his foot,
Chapter Context
Exodus 35 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of covenant, salvation, holiness. Written during the Egyptian bondage and wilderness wandering (c. 1446-1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Egypt was the dominant superpower with a complex polytheistic religion and a god-king pharaoh.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-35: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Exodus and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Exodus 35:16
16 The altar of burnt offering, with his brasen grate, his staves, and all his vessels, the laver and his foot,
Analysis
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.
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.
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'?
Word Studies
- Altar: מִזְבֵּחַ (Mizbeach) H4196 - Altar, place of sacrifice