Read the Daily Bible Verse – Exodus 35:13 To Strengthen Your Spiritual Journey.
The Context of Exodus 35:13 KJV
Exodus 35:13 (KJV) states: “The table, and his staves, and all his vessels, and the shewbread.” This verse is part of a detailed description in Exodus 35 about the materials and plans for constructing the Tabernacle, a place where the Israelites could meet with God. The Tabernacle, as described in the Book of Exodus, was a portable sanctuary where God’s presence would dwell among the people of Israel. This verse specifically refers to the table for the showbread, one of the key elements in the Tabernacle.
The events leading up to Exodus 35 include the Israelites receiving the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai and their subsequent transgression in the sin of the golden calf (Exodus 32). After this incident, Moses interceded on their behalf, and the Lord renewed His covenant with Israel. Exodus 35 marks a shift from judgment to restoration. Moses instructs the people to bring offerings for the construction of the Tabernacle, and in this context, Exodus 35:13 outlines one of the sacred items to be created: the Table of Showbread.
In Exodus 25:23-30, God had given Moses detailed instructions for building the Tabernacle, including the table for the showbread. Now, in Exodus 35:13, we see the fulfillment of that commandment. The “table” mentioned here is not just a piece of furniture; it is a symbol of God’s provision and presence with His people. The showbread, or “bread of the Presence,” was placed on this table as an offering to God, and it was to remain in the Tabernacle at all times.
The Meaning of Exodus 35:13
The Table for the Showbread
The “table” mentioned in Exodus 35:13 was to be made of acacia wood, overlaid with gold (Exodus 25:23-30). It was placed in the holy place of the Tabernacle, along with other sacred furnishings. The table held twelve loaves of unleavened bread, which represented the twelve tribes of Israel. These loaves were placed on the table in two rows of six, and they were replaced every Sabbath by fresh loaves (Leviticus 24:5-9). The priests would eat the old loaves, and the new loaves would remain on the table before the Lord as an offering.
The table itself, along with its accessories such as the staves and vessels, served both a functional and symbolic purpose. Functionally, the table was used to hold the showbread, which was a form of sustenance provided to God in the Tabernacle. Symbolically, the table represented God’s covenant with Israel and His constant provision for them.
The Shewbread (Showbread)
The term “shewbread” refers to the bread of the Presence, a sacred offering placed on the table. The bread was not just ordinary food; it was a sign of the relationship between God and His people. The twelve loaves of bread were a visible reminder that God was the provider for the twelve tribes of Israel, and that His covenant with them was everlasting.
The bread had to be made of fine flour and was to be baked without leaven, symbolizing purity and the holiness of God’s presence. The significance of the showbread lies in its constant reminder of God’s sustaining power and faithfulness. By providing the bread to be placed in His presence, the Israelites acknowledged that all their sustenance—both physical and spiritual—came from God.
The Staves and Vessels
The “staves” mentioned in Exodus 35:13 were poles that were inserted into rings attached to the sides of the table, allowing the table to be carried from place to place as the Israelites traveled through the wilderness. This emphasis on mobility highlights the transient nature of the Tabernacle and the ongoing journey of the Israelites toward the Promised Land.
The “vessels” mentioned in this verse refer to the utensils used for the showbread, such as bowls, plates, and pitchers, which were to be made of gold. These vessels served both a functional and ceremonial role, ensuring that the offerings were properly presented and that the sacred elements of the Tabernacle were treated with reverence and respect.
Exodus 35:13 Application in Life
God’s Provision and Faithfulness
One of the key applications of Exodus 35:13 is the recognition of God’s provision and faithfulness in the lives of His people. The showbread on the table symbolized God’s sustenance for the twelve tribes of Israel, and in the same way, Christians today can acknowledge that God is their ultimate provider. Just as God provided the Israelites with daily sustenance in the wilderness, He continues to provide for His people today—spiritually, physically, and emotionally.
Exodus 35:13 invites believers to recognize that everything they have comes from God. In a world that often emphasizes self-reliance and material success, this verse reminds us of the importance of relying on God’s provision. It encourages believers to trust in God’s ability to meet their needs, as He did for the Israelites in the desert.
The Importance of Sacred Spaces and Worship
The table of showbread represents a sacred space where God’s presence was honored. Similarly, today, Christians are called to create and respect spaces for worship, whether that is a church building, a home altar, or any space where they can meet with God. Just as the table in the Tabernacle was consecrated for a holy purpose, Christians today are called to consecrate their lives and their spaces for the worship and service of God.
This application also extends to the way Christians approach the Lord’s Supper (Holy Communion), which in many ways parallels the idea of the showbread. In the same way that the bread on the table was a constant symbol of God’s presence, the bread of Communion is a symbol of Christ’s body given for His people. The act of communion, like the showbread, is a reminder of God’s sustenance and provision for His people.
Offering Our Best to God
Another key application is the principle of giving God our best. The table and its furnishings were crafted from the finest materials available, and the bread was made from the best flour. This highlights the importance of offering our best to God—whether it is our time, resources, or worship. God deserves our finest, and just as the Israelites brought their best to the Tabernacle, Christians today are encouraged to bring their best offerings before God.
This is also reflected in the New Testament, where Christians are called to present their bodies as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God (Romans 12:1). Just as the showbread was a sacrifice offered to God, Christians today are called to offer their lives as living sacrifices, dedicating all they are to His service.
Comparison with Other Biblical Texts
Hebrews 9:2-4 – The Tabernacle and its Furnishings
In Hebrews 9:2-4, the author describes the furnishings of the Tabernacle, including the table of showbread. This passage highlights the significance of the Tabernacle as a place of worship, emphasizing that the Tabernacle was a shadow of the heavenly things to come. The table of showbread, with its twelve loaves, is described as part of the “holy place” where God’s presence dwelled.
This comparison underscores the symbolic importance of the showbread. In the Old Testament, the showbread represented the twelve tribes of Israel, but in the New Testament, the symbolism shifts to Christ, who is the bread of life (John 6:35). Just as the showbread was offered in the Tabernacle as a sign of God’s provision, Christ offers Himself as the true bread that sustains eternal life for all who believe in Him.
John 6:35 – Jesus, the Bread of Life
In John 6:35, Jesus declares, “I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.” This passage in the New Testament connects directly to the symbolism of the showbread in Exodus 35:13. The bread in the Tabernacle was a symbol of God’s provision, but Jesus takes this symbolism further, declaring Himself to be the true bread that sustains spiritual life.
The comparison between Exodus 35:13 and John 6:35 teaches us that while the physical showbread symbolized God’s provision for His people in the wilderness, Jesus is the ultimate provision for humanity. In Him, believers find sustenance, not just for their physical lives, but for their eternal souls.
Leviticus 24:5-9 – The Showbread Commandment
Leviticus 24:5-9 provides further details about the showbread, including the commandment to place twelve loaves on the table before the Lord every Sabbath. This passage reinforces the significance of the showbread as a symbol of God’s covenant with Israel. It also emphasizes the continual nature of God’s provision, with the bread being replaced every week as a reminder that God’s care for His people never ceases.
The regular replacement of the showbread can be seen as a symbol of the ongoing need for spiritual nourishment. Just as the Israelites needed fresh bread each week, Christians today are reminded that they need continual sustenance from God’s Word, His presence, and the fellowship of the Church.
Modern-Day Relevance
The Call to Worship
Exodus 35:13 reminds Christians of the importance of creating sacred spaces for worship and honoring God’s presence. In the modern-day Church, this might involve maintaining a sense of reverence in our churches and homes, setting aside time to pray and read Scripture, and gathering with others for fellowship and worship.
Reliance on God’s Provision
Exodus 35:13 also speaks to the modern Christian’s reliance on God’s provision. In a world filled with uncertainty and materialism, this passage challenges believers to trust that God will provide for their needs. It encourages a lifestyle of gratitude and contentment, knowing that God is always faithful.
Christ as the Bread of Life
For modern-day Christians, the concept of the showbread points directly to the sacrament of Communion, where believers partake of the bread and wine as symbols of Christ’s body and blood. Just as the Israelites received bread in the Tabernacle, Christians today receive the true bread of life, Jesus Christ, who sustains them spiritually.
Conclusion
Exodus 35:13 highlights the significance of the table of showbread as both a practical and symbolic item in the Tabernacle. It speaks to God’s provision, the need for sacred spaces, and the call to offer our best to God. In the New Testament, the showbread points forward to Jesus Christ, the true bread of life, who offers eternal sustenance to all who believe in Him. The verse challenges Christians today to rely on God’s provision, consecrate their lives for His service, and worship Him with a heart of gratitude and reverence.
Exodus 35:13 Commentary
Exodus 35:13 is a reminder of the holiness of the objects in the Tabernacle and the centrality of God’s presence in the life of Israel. The table of showbread, with its twelve loaves, points to God’s provision for His people, and the staves and vessels emphasize the sacred nature of the Tabernacle and the need for reverence in approaching God.
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