BREAD OF PRESENCE / SHOWBREAD
The Bread of Presence, also known as the showbread or shewbread, was a significant element in the worship practices of ancient Israel. This sacred bread played a crucial role in the tabernacle and later in the temple, symbolizing God’s presence and provision for His people. Let’s explore this concept in more detail and consider its relevance for Christians today.
The Bread of Presence in the Old Testament
God instructed Moses to create a special table for the Bread of Presence as part of the tabernacle furnishings: “Make a table of acacia wood—two cubits long, a cubit wide and a cubit and a half high. Overlay it with pure gold and make a gold molding around it… And set the bread of the Presence on this table to be before me at all times.” (Ex 25:23-24, 30)
The bread itself was prepared according to specific instructions: “Take the finest flour and bake twelve loaves of bread, using two-tenths of an ephah for each loaf. Arrange them in two stacks, six in each stack, on the table of pure gold before the Lord.” (Lev 24:5-6)
This bread was to be replaced every Sabbath, with the old bread being consumed by the priests in a holy place (Lev 24:8-9). The continuous presence of this bread before the Lord symbolized God’s constant provision for and communion with His people.
Jesus and the Bread of Presence
Jesus referred to the Bread of Presence in a conversation with the Pharisees about Sabbath observance: “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.” (Mt 12:3-4)
This incident, recorded in 1 Samuel 21:1-6, shows that while the Bread of Presence was normally reserved for the priests, there were exceptions in cases of genuine need. Jesus used this example to illustrate that the spirit of God’s law sometimes supersedes its strict letter.
REFLECTION
While the Bread of Presence is no longer part of Christian worship practices, its symbolism and the principles it represents remain relevant:
1. God’s Provision: The Bread of Presence reminds us that God is our ultimate provider. As Jesus taught us to pray, “Give us this day our daily bread” (Mt 6:11), we trust in God’s constant care for our needs.
2. God’s Presence: Just as the bread symbolized God’s presence in the tabernacle, we are reminded that God is always with us. As believers, we are now the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 6:19).
3. Communion with God: The priests’ consumption of the bread symbolized communion with God. Today, we have direct access to God through Christ and can enjoy continuous fellowship with Him (Heb 4:16).
4. Spiritual Nourishment: Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life” (Jn 6:35). He is our spiritual sustenance, nourishing our souls just as the Bread of Presence nourished the priests.
5. Grace over Legalism: Jesus’ reference to David eating the Bread of Presence teaches us that God’s love and compassion sometimes transcend strict adherence to religious rules.
In conclusion, while we no longer practice the ritual of the Bread of Presence, its rich symbolism continues to inform our understanding of God’s nature and our relationship with Him. It reminds us of God’s constant presence, His unfailing provision, and the intimate communion we can have with Him through Christ. As we reflect on this ancient practice, may we be encouraged to seek God’s presence daily, trust in His provision, and nurture our relationship with Him, knowing that in Christ, we have access to the true Bread of Life. As Christians, let us embrace the profound spiritual truths represented by the Bread of Presence, and let our lives be a testament to God’s eternal presence and provision.