1 Chronicles 28:16

KJV

And by weight [he gave] gold for the tables of shewbread, for every table; and [likewise] silver for the tables of silver:

KJV (with Strong's)

And by weight {H4948} he gave gold {H2091} for the tables {H7979} of shewbread {H4635}, for every table {H7979}; and likewise silver {H3701} for the tables {H7979} of silver {H3701}:

Complete Jewish Bible

also the gold by weight for the tables for the showbread, for each table; and silver for the tables made of silver;

Berean Standard Bible

the weight of gold for each table of showbread, and of silver for the silver tables;

American Standard Version

and the gold by weight for the tables of showbread, for every table; and silver for the tables of silver;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 28:16 details King David's precise and generous provision of precious metals for the sacred furnishings of the future temple in Jerusalem. Specifically, it highlights the allocation of gold, given "by weight," for the tables designated to hold the holy shewbread, and silver for other tables, underscoring the immense value and meticulous care invested in every aspect of God's dwelling place. This verse is a testament to the reverence and intentionality with which the temple was to be constructed and equipped for divine worship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a pivotal moment in Israel's history, as King David, nearing the end of his reign, formally passes the torch of leadership and the monumental task of temple construction to his son, Solomon. In [1 Chronicles 28](/1_chronicles/28 "1 Chronicles 28 - David's Charge to Solomon and Temple Plans"), David gathers the leaders of Israel and publicly charges Solomon to build the temple, providing him with the divinely revealed architectural plans and an immense treasury of materials. Verses 11-19 detail the specific designs and material allocations for various temple components, from the porch and treasuries to the cherubim and the sacred vessels. Verse 16, therefore, is a specific line item within this comprehensive inventory, emphasizing the meticulous nature of the preparations and the sacredness of even the furnishings. It follows David's declaration that he received these plans "by the hand of the LORD" ([1 Chronicles 28:19](/1_chronicles/28-19 "1 Chronicles 28:19 - David's Divine Blueprint")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The construction of a permanent temple in Jerusalem was a long-cherished dream for David, a desire that stemmed from the understanding that God, who had delivered Israel and established His covenant with them, deserved a fixed dwelling place among His people. Prior to this, Israel's worship centered around the portable Tabernacle, a tent of meeting. The temple, as envisioned by David and built by Solomon, would become the spiritual and national epicenter of Israel, symbolizing God's presence and covenant faithfulness. In the ancient Near East, the use of vast quantities of gold and silver for sacred structures was common among powerful empires, reflecting the deity's perceived status and the ruler's wealth. David's provision, therefore, not only aligned with regional cultural norms for grand religious architecture but also surpassed them in its scale and dedication, establishing Jerusalem as a preeminent religious center. The "shewbread" itself, with its origins in the Mosaic Law ([Exodus 25:30](/exodus/25-30 "Exodus 25:30 - Instructions for the Shewbread Table")), carried deep historical significance as a perpetual offering symbolizing God's provision and covenant presence.
* **Key Themes:** Several major themes emerge from this verse and its immediate context. First, there is the theme of **Meticulous Detail and Precision** in worship. The phrase "by weight" underscores the exactitude and care required for sacred objects, reflecting the divine standard for all things pertaining to God's presence. Second, the verse highlights the **Value and Sacredness of Worship Furnishings**. The use of gold and silver for the tables, especially those for the shewbread, demonstrates the immense worth placed on the physical elements used in God's service. These were not mere utilitarian objects but consecrated instruments of worship, reflecting the glory and holiness of the God they served. Finally, the verse exemplifies **Generous Provision for the Temple**. David's extensive gathering of materials, detailed further in [1 Chronicles 29:2-5](/1_chronicles/29-2 "1 Chronicles 29:2-5 - David's Abundant Provision"), showcases a king's profound commitment to ensuring that the house of the Lord was built and furnished with the finest resources, setting a precedent for future generations regarding sacrificial giving for God's work.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Shewbread (Hebrew, _lechem panim_):** This Hebrew phrase literally translates to "bread of the presence" or "bread of the face." It refers to the twelve loaves of unleavened bread, representing the twelve tribes of Israel, that were perpetually placed on a golden table in the Holy Place of the Tabernacle and later the Temple. This bread was considered holy and was eaten only by the priests on the Sabbath. Its significance lay in symbolizing God's constant provision for His people and His abiding presence among them. The fact that specific tables of gold were designated for this "bread of the presence" underscores its profound spiritual and symbolic importance within Israel's worship.
* **By weight (Hebrew, _bamishqal_):** The phrase "by weight" emphasizes precision and exactness. In the ancient world, precious metals like gold and silver were often measured by weight to ensure their purity and value. For the temple furnishings, this detail signifies that the materials were not merely estimated or roughly allocated, but meticulously measured and distributed according to specific, divine specifications. This speaks to the high standard of craftsmanship and the sacredness attributed to every component of God's house, leaving no room for approximation or carelessness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And by weight [he gave] gold for the tables of shewbread, for every table":** This clause reveals the primary material (gold) and the specific method of distribution ("by weight"), highlighting the meticulous nature of David's provision. The gold was allocated for the "tables of shewbread," indicating their paramount importance. The repetition "for every table" emphasizes that this high standard of material and precision applied to all such tables, ensuring uniformity and excellence throughout the sacred space. This detail reflects the divine blueprint David received, which specified the exact materials and dimensions for each sacred item.
* **"and [likewise] silver for the tables of silver:"** This second clause indicates that other tables within the temple complex, while still valuable, were to be made of silver. The phrase "[likewise]" suggests a similar meticulous process of weighing and allocation. This distinction in materials (gold for the most sacred shewbread tables, silver for others) reflects a hierarchical understanding of sacred space and function within the temple, while still affirming the inherent value and sanctity of all furnishings dedicated to God's service. It also speaks to the sheer abundance of resources David had gathered.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its meaning and emphasis. **Emphasis** is clearly achieved through the repetition of "tables" and the specific mention of "by weight," drawing the reader's attention to the meticulousness and value of the provisions. The distinction between gold for the shewbread tables and silver for other tables uses **Contrast** to highlight the supreme importance and sanctity of the shewbread within the temple's ritual life. Furthermore, the materials themselves, gold and silver, carry deep **Symbolism**. Gold, throughout scripture, often symbolizes divine glory, purity, and royalty, fitting for objects directly associated with God's presence. Silver, while also precious, often represents redemption or a lesser, yet still valuable, standard. The overall description contributes to the grand, awe-inspiring **Imagery** of the future temple, a place of unparalleled beauty and precision dedicated to the worship of the Almighty.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse underscores the profound theological principle that God is worthy of our very best, not only in our spiritual devotion but also in our tangible offerings and service. David's meticulous provision for the temple, down to the precise weight of gold for the shewbread tables, reflects a deep reverence for God's holiness and presence. It teaches us that worship is not to be approached casually but with intentionality, generosity, and a commitment to excellence. The continuity from the Tabernacle to the Temple, with the shewbread maintaining its central role, highlights God's unchanging nature and the enduring significance of His covenant with Israel, symbolized by His constant provision. This preparation anticipates a dwelling place where God's glory would reside, inspiring awe and devotion among His people.

* For the original command regarding the shewbread table in the tabernacle: [Exodus 25:23-30](/exodus/25-23 "Exodus 25:23-30 - Instructions for the Table of Shewbread").
* To see the role of the shewbread in priestly service: [Leviticus 24:5-9](/leviticus/24-5 "Leviticus 24:5-9 - Regulations for the Shewbread").
* David's extensive preparation of materials for the temple is also noted in [1 Chronicles 29:2-5](/1_chronicles/29-2 "1 Chronicles 29:2-5 - David's Abundant Provision for the Temple").

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Chronicles 28:16 serves as a powerful reminder of the profound reverence and intentionality with which God's people in the Old Testament approached His worship. The giving "by weight" of gold and silver for sacred furnishings, especially the tables of shewbread, speaks volumes about the value placed on God's presence and the elements used in His service. While believers today do not worship in a physical temple with literal shewbread, the underlying principles remain timeless. This verse challenges us to consider the quality of our own offerings—whether of time, talent, or material resources—in service to God and His kingdom. Do we approach His work with precision, generosity, and a commitment to excellence, reflecting the honor due to His name? It encourages us to give our "best," not out of obligation, but out of a heartfelt desire to glorify the One who has given us everything. Our worship, our service, and our giving should be marked by intentionality and a deep sense of His worthiness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of David's provision for the temple challenge my own approach to giving and service in God's kingdom today?**
* **In what ways can I demonstrate reverence and intentionality in my spiritual disciplines and acts of worship, even without a physical temple?**
* **What does the emphasis on "by weight" and precious materials teach me about the value God places on holiness and excellence in all things pertaining to Him?**

### FAQ

**What was the significance of the "shewbread" in the temple?**

Answer: The "shewbread," or "bread of the presence" (_lechem panim_), was a set of twelve loaves of unleavened bread, representing the twelve tribes of Israel, that were perpetually displayed on a golden table in the Holy Place of the Tabernacle and later the Temple. It symbolized God's constant presence among His people and His faithful provision for them. Every Sabbath, the old bread was removed and eaten by the priests, and fresh bread was set out, signifying the renewal of God's covenant and His ongoing sustenance for Israel. It was a tangible reminder of God's intimate relationship with His chosen nation, as detailed in [Leviticus 24:5-9](/leviticus/24-5 "Leviticus 24:5-9 - Regulations for the Shewbread").

**Why did David specify materials "by weight" for the temple furnishings?**

Answer: The phrase "by weight" (Hebrew: _bamishqal_) emphasizes precision, exactness, and meticulous care. In the ancient world, precious metals were typically measured by weight to determine their value and ensure purity. For the temple, this detail underscored the sacredness of the project and the divine standard required for all its components. It meant that the materials were not merely estimated but precisely measured according to the divine blueprint David received ([1 Chronicles 28:19](/1_chronicles/28-19 "1 Chronicles 28:19 - David's Divine Blueprint")), leaving no room for approximation or carelessness. This level of detail reflected the immense reverence for God and the desire to build a dwelling worthy of His holy presence.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous provision for the temple, particularly the tables of shewbread, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "shewbread" symbolized God's constant presence and provision for His people, and Jesus declares Himself to be the "bread of life" in [John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life"), the true spiritual sustenance from heaven that gives life to the world. He is the ultimate manifestation of God's presence, for in Him "all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell" ([Colossians 1:19](/colossians/1-19 "Colossians 1:19 - Christ's Fullness")). The gold and silver, given "by weight" for the temple's glory, point to the immeasurable value and perfection of Christ's sacrifice and His divine nature. He is the perfect High Priest who entered the true, heavenly sanctuary, not made with human hands, offering Himself as the once-for-all sacrifice ([Hebrews 9:11-12](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-12 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). The physical temple, with its precise furnishings, was a shadow of the spiritual reality found in Christ, who is the true temple, the dwelling place of God among humanity ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection as the Temple")). Through Him, believers become living stones in a spiritual house, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones in a Spiritual House")), fulfilling the Old Testament's emphasis on a consecrated and precious dwelling for the Lord.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Chronicles 4:19

And Solomon made all the vessels that [were for] the house of God, the golden altar also, and the tables whereon the shewbread [was set];

1 Kings 7:48

¶ And Solomon made all the vessels that [pertained] unto the house of the LORD: the altar of gold, and the table of gold, whereupon the shewbread [was],

Exodus 25:23

¶ Thou shalt also make a table [of] shittim wood: two cubits [shall be] the length thereof, and a cubit the breadth thereof, and a cubit and a half the height thereof.

Exodus 25:30

And thou shalt set upon the table shewbread before me alway.

2 Chronicles 4:8

He made also ten tables, and placed [them] in the temple, five on the right side, and five on the left. And he made an hundred basons of gold.