“And you shall set the showbread on the table before Me always.”
-Exodus 25:30
Today we’re going to talk about the 12 loaves of bread that were placed on top of a table located at the North wall of the Holy Place.
Recall that the Holy Place was the 2nd zone of Holiness and was the room adjoining the Holy of Holies (where the Ark of the Covenant was placed).
Like the Ark of the Covenant, the table that this bread was to be placed on was to be made out of Acacia wood and overlaid with pure gold.
The measurements of the table were 3 feet in length, 1.5 feet in width, and about 2.5 feet tall.
The Hebrew for these loaves of bread is LECHEM HA-PANIM (לחם הפנים).
LECHEM means “bread”.
PANIM means “face”.
However, the meaning of “face” being used here is different than how we would think of it today.
When the Bible talks about the Lord’s face being upon you, what it really means is that His Presence is with you.
So although the King James version uses the weird sounding word “Showbread” which might have made sense to its 16th century audience, you’ll notice that more modern translations like the NIV or the Complete Jewish Bible will use the phrase “BREAD OF THE PRESENCE”, which I think is much more accurate.
Later we will be given a recipe on how to make this “Bread of the Presence”.
The Lord will command that every 7th day or every Sabbath, the bread is to be replaced by 12 fresh loaves.
The old loaves will serve as food for the priests but it is to be eaten ONLY inside the area of the Tabernacle.
In chapter 21 of 1st Samuel, the incident is told of how David, when he was on the run from King Saul, entered the tabernacle dwellings and ate some of the showbread.
Yeshua also related this incident in Matthew chapter 12.
One important point.
Do NOT confuse the showbread with the Challah bread that Jews bake every Sabbath for their own use.
These two are COMPLETELY different with one major distinction being that the Showbread was to be unleavened (no yeast).
How do we know this in spite of no specific Scripture reference?
Because it was a meal offering.
And ALL meal offerings were to contain ZERO leaven or yeast.
Remember, in the Bible leaven symbolizes sin.
Now the Scriptures don’t give us much explanation about the symbolic meaning of this “Bread of the Presence”.
As a result, wild theories abound (especially in the gentile Christian camp) about what the true symbolic meaning of these loaves of bread really are.
Probably one of the most common explanations you’ve heard is that the loaves represent the “bread of life” and are therefore representative of Yeshua’s ministry and that He is the bread of life for the church.
While that explanation may not be entirely incorrect, I think it overlooks a whopping MAJOR POINT.
These 12 loaves of UNLEAVENED bread represent the 12 Tribes of Israel.
They represent a sinless source of sustenance for ONLY the 12 Tribes of Israel.
The Bread of Presence was NOT for non-Hebrews.
Remember, the Tabernacle and everything in it was ONLY for the 12 Tribes of Israel.
So let this be a sober reminder if you are a gentile (and that would include me).
The covenants of God, both the Old and New Covenants, have ONLY been made with Israel.
There is no such thing as a universal covenant for all mankind or a gentile covenant.
Remember the Apostle Paul said gentiles have been joined or grafted in to the covenants God has ONLY made with Israel.
CONNECTING THIS TEACHING TO THE NEW TESTAMENT
“I ask then:
Did God reject his people?
By no means!
I am an Israelite myself,
a descendant of Abraham,
from the tribe of Benjamin.
God did not reject his people,
whom he foreknew.”
-Romans 11:1-2
“If some of the branches have been broken off,
and you, though a wild olive shoot,
have been grafted in among the others
and now share in the nourishing sap
from the olive root,
do not consider yourself to be superior
to those other branches.
If you do, consider this:
You do not support the root,
but the root supports you.”
-Romans 11:17-21
Then Yeshua said to the woman,
“I was sent only to help God’s lost sheep
–the people of Israel.”
-Matthew 15:24
“Haven’t you read what David did
when he and his companions were hungry?
He entered the house of God,
and he and his companions
ate the consecrated bread—
which was not lawful for them to do,
but only for the priests.“
-Matthew 12:3-4
I speak the truth to you in love. You are overlooking some very important truths … Jesus said “I am the Bread of Life ” When Jesus pronounced desolation over the nation of Israel .Lament over Jerusalem
37O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those sent to her, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were unwilling! 38Look, your house is left to you desolate. 39For I tell you that you will not see Me again until you say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.’”.That means no more animal Sacrifice and until the nation of Israel can believe and trust in the name of the Lord they must be saved like everyone else. All Jews were placed under unbelief just as the Gentiles …No difference now in the Jews and the Gentiles There is no other way to be saved but through the name of Jesus now. The Church was birthed after His Death through the power and the presence of the Holy Spirit who is the Lord. Yes . God is not through with the Jewish people ,,,,there is coming a day when they will no longer be blind. 12Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fulness?…4If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them. 14if I can somehow make my own people jealous and save some of them.
15For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead? …23And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be grafted in: for God is able to graft them in again. OUR RESPONSIBILITY IS TO SHOW THE JEWS THE MERCY AND LOVE OF GOD SHOWN TO US TO LEAD US ALL TO HIS SALVATION THROUGH THE DEATH , BURIAL AND RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST.
29For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.
30As you once disobeyed God, but now have received mercy through their disobedience,
31so they too have now become disobedient in order that they too may now receive mercy as a result of God’s mercy to you.
32For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!
34 For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor?
35 Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again?
36 For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen. WHEN BOTH THE JEW AND THE GENTILE BECOMES ONE IN THE LORD THEY ARE BORN OF THE SEED OF GOD OF THE PROMISE OF GOD AND ARE IN THE CHURCH Romans 9 6 Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel:
7 Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called.
8 That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed.
Hi Edie, Wouldn’t disagree with anything you’ve shared. In my article, just wanted to bring to the fore a point often overlooked. The true meaning of the loaves of bread and the fact that salvation belongs to Israel ALONE and of course all those who are grafted into Israel via the covenants that God has ONLY made with Israel. The fact that Israel on a national level rejected Yeshua means does NOT change this fact.
You started it well Sir….so ending it, you should have built more emphasis on Jesus, who is the bread that came down from Heaven. Not only for the Jews but for the Genetiles as well. Thanks for the enlightening the concept. More Grace and insight for you in Jesus name ,Amen.
Prophet Evans, from Ghana ( 0243898480)
Thank you for sharing.
The covenant God made with Israel included the Gentiles but not until the fulness of time. It says ‘All nations of the world would be blessed ‘ and just as the people of the day was stuck in the flesh for physical food. This was also a spiritual prophesy that in the future which is the time that we are living in right now that SALVATION will be available to all men!! There are some blessings and promises specific for the Jewish people only but Salvation. was UNIVERSAL . Jesus did not decide one day to save the Gentiles, it was always a part of his plan even from the beginning of time that a slave bought with money could be circumcised.
Hi Darlene, I agree with you but what would you say about verses like this one…”He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.”?
Acts 10:27-48 (KJV) And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come together.
And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.
Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me?
And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing,
And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God.
Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee.
Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.
Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:
But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.
The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)
That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;
How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.
And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree:
Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;
Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.
And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.
To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.
While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,
Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
Thanks for the insight but I believe that salvation is nit limited to the Jews ONLY but anyone who believe in the Lord JesusChrist and accepts Him as His Lordand personal Saviour , fear God and counted righteous by God
The salvation for any gentile is based on the covenants God has ONLY MADE WITH ISRAEL. Yeshua himself “I was sent ONLY to the lost sheep of Israel” (Matthew 15:24).
Two covenants , the first was tempoary, purpose to establish a holy nation of Priests..preceding, preparing for the coming of Gods only Son to crush the Serpents head. So Israel was taken from slavery by a mighty display of Gods glory to prepare them for a huge task..but they stumbled, despite witnessing the glory of God they fell into fear shrank back from the work he called them to do. To add to that sin they then accused God of hating them , intending to kill them .
After 1500 yrs of Israels wicked behaviour the Lords day arrived..the Son of God was arrested tried and condemned by the Seed of Satan and at the hands of the Romans bruised and killed. In doing so ended the covenant of Sinai.For Caiaphas tore his Priestly robes , an act that desecrated his office, transferring the Priesthood to Jesus Christ the High Priest of the Order of Melchezedek the eternal office.
Thus at Messiahs death simultaneous change took place from the Law for righteousness annuled to be replaced by the Law of grace for righteousness, through faith in Jesus Christs deity ,death and resurrection. The previous covenant of Sinai was exclusive to Israel but the new covenant of Golgotha was for all nations.
I am not sure of all the symbolism in the tabernacle. It is so rich because it is part of Gods word so we can see new things and old things every day. I have been looking at the tabernacle like this:
The alter signifies the cross…the copper basin behind the alter symbolises our baptism … )believe then be baptised). At this point we enter the first sanctuary.
1. On the left hand side we have the candlestick. Jesus said that a candle lit is not hidden but put on the table to give light to all who are in that place. I think this is a symbolism of our witness to people. It is obvious that this is the church/congregation of the people of God (Revelation) and it has to do with the witness to the world of Jesus Christ (Rev 11/Zec 4) much more can be said on this.
2. On the right side we have, the bread…is there something in why the bread was in two columns? (two tables of stone…two witnesses…two olive trees that stand before the Lord…and so on ….many more twos in the bible). To me it represents the bread of Life which is Jesus…being also HIS word. Man does not live on bread alone but by every word of God. So we eat the word which means we live the word…We are to be doers of the word and not hearers only (deceiving our ownselves it says in James if we only hear it but don’t do it). It was unleavened so it is also representative of the body of the Lord. (Jesus said this is my body broken for you – take eat) We become the body of the Lord – the church. Are we holding onto secret sins…have we forsaken our sin? This will stop us moving in service as we should…it will effect our prayer life…sin pervades the flesh it will anchor you to this world so you cannot operate in the Spirit. (Forsake it…put it to death by the Spirit)
3. Then we have the table of incense which to me is representative of prayer to God through Jesus our Lord who has removed the curtain to the holy of holies. We now have access to the throne room. Prayer is so neglected. It is strange today that prayer is so neglected because people love to talks but hardly ever listen. Most Christians think they are alone when we pray…so they don’t pray too much and some hardly ever…We like to be heard but we love to have recognition too so most don’t think God is listening. This is so neglected today. Many are guilty of this today (including myself). It has to change!
So a recap
1. The candle (Are we witnesses of Jesus. Do we love to speak His name to others…does our life show Jesus?)
2. The bread (Do we love the word of God…do we read it daily…are we living it?)
3. The incense (Do you pray regularaly to God…do we take our concerns to Him, do we spend time with just ourselves and the Lord on our knees in prayer with Him?)
Many have believed and been baptised but then stand at the outer door to the first sanctuary…we don’t move into service for the Lord. Why is it that the disciples spoke to the Lord as if speaking to others. Have a look at the book of Acts. The Lord spoke clearly to the church in the book of Acts. I think it is because we have moved away from Him so He has moved away from us. He is with us but we only allow Him on our terms. Also, we have made one ministry the center of the church…pastors…1 cor 14 is (NOT) happening today. All of this has to change if the church is to move in power. The pastors and teachers should be equipping the church and not silencing them. Church is not a service every Sunday that pays for a building…if that is all that is happening then it is dead…we are to go into the world and be a witness.
Every blessing
Loved your comments. God came first to the Jews and The nation of Israel. That is where Christ Jesus, Yeshua appeared. But no man shall put shackles on God. First to the Jew, and then the Gentile. Salvation is for all. Hallelujah!!! The new covenant is for all. AMEN. Praise be to the God of our salvation through Yeshua Hammashiach!
Amen Robert. Thanks for reading and be blessed!
“These two are COMPLETELY different with one major distinction being that the Showbread was to be unleavened (no yeast).”
You make this statement and offer no proof according to the scriptures. Please provide scripture proof that the bread of Presence was to be unleavened bread.
Leviticus 8… esp. v2, 26, 31
We are not often taught how to reconcile God’s grace for all who believe, both Jew and Gentile, with the statements that it is only Israel that will be saved. We tend to see the physical nation of Israel vs everyone else. There are several passages that speak directly to this.
I pray Ephesians 2 will bring insight for those struggling with this.
11 Therefore, remember that FORMERLY you who are Gentiles by birth and called “uncircumcised” by those who call themselves “the circumcision” (which is done in the body by human hands)— 12 remember that at that time
-you WERE separate from Christ,
-*excluded from citizenship* in Israel and
-*foreigners to the covenants of the promise*,
-without hope and without God in the world.
13 BUT NOW in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
…
18 For through Him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.
19 Consequently, you are
**no longer foreigners and strangers, but
FELLOW CITIZENS with God’s people and
also *members of His household*
Indeed we are a part of Israel now. (We can only partake in the Covenant by being a part of Israel, but see that you understand Israel in this way is a spiritual nation.)
A couple other passages that agree with and create this picture:
-Being grafted in to what was already firmly established
Rom 11:24 preceding and surrounding
-All who believe are the children of Abraham
Rom 4:16; 9:6-8 and surrounding
-We are adopted into the family
Rom 8:15; Gal 4:5; Eph 1:5
We must be careful to not become arrogant as though we are better than those who are loved due to the patriarchs (Rom 11:25 and surrounding).
Jesus did not abolish or do away with the first covenant. He fulfilled it (Matt 5:17) and traded places with us. We no longer live, but Christ lives in us. This is the new covenant in His flesh and blood. The requirements of the Law are fully met in us because we live by faith in the Son of God.
We must also be wary against the schemes of the enemy to take up again the Law, to live by it for our righteousness. Many who cling to this teaching that we are Israel, which we clearly are, also cling to the the teachings of the Law as a means to holy living. This is a dangerous and slippery slope. The Law is good and shows us God’s heart (as well as our need for the Savior). Galatians makes it very clear that we are not to attempt to live by the rules of the Law though. Romans 6 also tells us a dead person cannot keep the commandments, therefore cannot sin. We have died, being crucified with Christ (Gal 2:20; Rom 6).
What we are charged with instead is to walk with God, keeping in step with the Holy Spirit. He will lead and teach us and help us to grow into the likeness of Christ, perfect holiness. He also enables us to overcome the flesh, the world, and the kingdom of darkness.
Great comment Tracy. Be blessed!
The 12 loaves of presence represented the face of Jupiter/Yahweh appearing in each of the 12 zodiacal constellations for nearly a year each. Israel’s sanctuary was an astronomical map indicating important cycles for the entire world.