EXODUS 25
23 “You shall make a table of acacia wood. Two cubits shall be its length, a cubit its breadth, and a cubit and a half its height. 24 You shall overlay it with pure gold and make a molding of gold around it. 25 And you shall make a rim around it a handbreadth wide, and a molding of gold around the rim. 26 And you shall make for it four rings of gold, and fasten the rings to the four corners at its four legs. 27 Close to the frame the rings shall lie, as holders for the poles to carry the table. 28 You shall make the poles of acacia wood, and overlay them with gold, and the table shall be carried with these. 29 And you shall make its plates and dishes for incense, and its flagons and bowls with which to pour drink offerings; you shall make them of pure gold. 30 And you shall set the bread of the Presence on the table before me regularly. – Exodus 25:
EXODUS 25 INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE TABLE OF THE BREAD
A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses
God instructed the Israelites to prepare a table made of acacia wood
Its dimensions are; 3 feet long, 1 foot, 6 inches wide, and 2 feet, 3 inches high
Four rings of gold should be fastened to the four corners of its legs
This will hold the poles that would be inserted in it to carry the table
Everything else will be made out of pure gold including the dishes for incense
They must meet with the Lord on that table to thank him for the things they received.
According to Morgan “In the East a table was always the symbol of fellowship. Thus, the people were reminded of the possibility created of constant communion with God.” Meyer calls the showbread “presence-bread.” Bread is necessary for survival, and the link was a reminder that fellowship with God was just as necessary for man. Leviticus 24:5-9, showbread was made of fine flour, and twelve cakes of showbread – one for each tribe of Israel – set on the table, sprinkled lightly with frankincense. Once a week, the bread was replaced, and normally only priests could eat the old bread.
We use tables to gather and eat together. This account reminds us how important it is for us to gather at the table (presence of God) so we can remember and thank him for all the provisions that he gave us and also to never forget to gather in love and fellowship.
REFLECTION
· How does our modern-day lifestyle change the importance of gathering together for a meal to thank God for all his provision of both physical and spiritual food?
