Exodus 37:10

KJV

¶ And he made the table [of] shittim wood: two cubits [was] the length thereof, and a cubit the breadth thereof, and a cubit and a half the height thereof:

KJV (with Strong's)

And he made {H6213} the table {H7979} of shittim {H7848} wood {H6086}: two cubits {H520} was the length {H753} thereof, and a cubit {H520} the breadth {H7341} thereof, and a cubit {H520} and a half {H2677} the height {H6967} thereof:

Complete Jewish Bible

He made the table of acacia-wood, three feet long, eighteen inches wide and eighteen inches high.

Berean Standard Bible

He also made the table of acacia wood two cubits long, a cubit wide, and a cubit and a half high.

American Standard Version

And he made the table of acacia wood: two cubitswasthe length thereof, and a cubit the breadth thereof, and a cubit and a half the height thereof.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 37:10 meticulously describes the construction of the Table of Showbread, a vital furnishing for the Holy Place within the Tabernacle. This verse specifies its material as durable shittim wood and provides its exact dimensions: two cubits in length, one cubit in breadth, and one and a half cubits in height. This detailed account highlights the faithful and precise execution of God's divine blueprint by Bezalel and the skilled craftsmen, underscoring the paramount importance of meticulous obedience in sacred worship and the enduring nature of the materials chosen for God's dwelling place among His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 37:10 is situated within the second major section of the book of Exodus (chapters 25-40), which details the construction and erection of the Tabernacle and its sacred furnishings. Specifically, this verse falls within the narrative of the Tabernacle's actual construction (chapters 35-40), following the detailed divine instructions given to Moses on Mount Sinai (chapters 25-31). The preceding verses in [Exodus 37](/exodus/37 "Exodus 37 - Construction of the Tabernacle Furnishings") describe the crafting of the Ark of the Covenant, while the verses immediately following 37:10 continue to detail the Table of Showbread, including its rings, poles, and utensils. This meticulous and often repetitive recounting of the instructions followed by their execution serves a crucial literary purpose: it emphasizes the Israelites' faithful adherence to every divine command, demonstrating their complete obedience in bringing God's dwelling place into physical reality, mirroring the divine blueprint found in [Exodus 25:23-30](/exodus/25-23-30 "Exodus 25:23-30 - Instructions for the Table of Showbread"). The repetition underscores the Tabernacle's centrality as the locus of worship and God's tangible presence among His people.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The selection of "shittim wood" (acacia wood) for the Tabernacle's furnishings was both profoundly practical and symbolic for the Israelites during their wilderness journey. Acacia trees were indigenous to the arid regions of the Sinai Peninsula, making this wood readily available. Crucially, acacia wood is exceptionally hard, dense, and remarkably resistant to decay, insects, and warping, qualities essential for a portable sanctuary designed to be disassembled, transported, and reassembled over decades of nomadic wandering. The Tabernacle itself was a mobile dwelling, reflecting God's dynamic presence accompanying His nomadic people, as described in [Exodus 40:36-38](/exodus/40-36-38 "Exodus 40:36-38 - The Cloud Guiding Israel"). The precise dimensions, given in cubits (an ancient unit of measurement typically from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger, approximately 18-21 inches or 45-53 cm), reflect the divine order and exactitude required for all aspects of the Tabernacle. This precision ensured both structural integrity and symbolic perfection according to God's specific, holy design, differentiating it from human-devised structures.

* **Key Themes:** Exodus 37:10 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Meticulous Design**. Every detail of the Tabernacle, including the dimensions and materials of the Table of Showbread, was divinely ordained, emphasizing that worship and service must align perfectly with God's revealed will, not human innovation. Secondly, the verse reinforces the theme of **Obedience and Faithfulness**. The careful construction by Bezalel and the craftsmen, precisely following God's blueprint, serves as a powerful example of Israel's faithfulness in executing God's commands, a stark contrast to their earlier disobedience with the golden calf in [Exodus 32](/exodus/32 "Exodus 32 - The Golden Calf"). Finally, the Table of Showbread itself, destined to hold the loaves representing the twelve tribes, points to the theme of **God's Covenantal Provision and Sustenance**. It symbolizes God's unwavering commitment to provide for His people, both physically and spiritually, in His very presence, a theme echoed in the manna provided in [Exodus 16](/exodus/16 "Exodus 16 - Manna and Quail").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Table (Hebrew, _shulchân'_):** From the root meaning "to send" or "to spread out," this term refers to a table, often implying one that is "spread out" for a meal. By implication, it can also refer to the meal itself. In the context of the Tabernacle, it denotes the specific piece of furniture designed to hold the showbread, signifying a place of divine provision and fellowship, akin to a table set for God's people.
* **Shittim (Hebrew, _shiṭṭâh'_):** This feminine noun, appearing here in its plural form (shittim), refers to the acacia tree. It is derived from a root suggesting "scourging thorns," indicative of the thorny nature of the acacia. The wood from this tree, known for its hardness and durability, was chosen for its practical resilience in the desert environment, symbolizing the enduring and unyielding nature of the sacred objects crafted from it.
* **Cubit (Hebrew, _ʼammâh'_):** This term refers to a unit of measure, specifically the fore-arm (below the elbow). It denotes a standard linear measurement used in ancient times. Its consistent application throughout the Tabernacle's construction underscores the divine demand for precise and exact measurements, ensuring that every component of God's sanctuary was built according to His specific, unvarying design.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he made the table [of] shittim wood":** This opening clause identifies the subject of the construction, "he" referring to Bezalel (or the craftsmen under his direction), and the object being crafted: the "table" (of showbread). The material, "shittim wood" (acacia), is specified, highlighting its durability and availability in the wilderness, forming the structural core of this sacred furnishing.
* **"two cubits [was] the length thereof":** This provides the first dimension of the table, establishing its length at two cubits. This measurement (approximately 36-42 inches) indicates a substantial, yet manageable, piece of furniture, suitable for its placement within the Holy Place and for holding the twelve loaves of showbread and associated vessels.
* **"and a cubit the breadth thereof":** This specifies the width of the table as one cubit (approximately 18-21 inches). This relatively narrow dimension suggests a design optimized for the confines of the Holy Place, allowing for efficient use of space and facilitating the priests' duties around it.
* **"and a cubit and a half the height thereof":** This final dimension sets the height of the table at one and a half cubits (approximately 27-31.5 inches). This height would have been ergonomically suitable for the priests, allowing comfortable access for placing and removing the showbread and performing other ceremonial functions, emphasizing the functional design inherent in God's blueprint.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device evident in Exodus 37:10, and pervasive throughout the Tabernacle construction narrative, is **Precision** and **Repetition**. The meticulous detailing of specific dimensions (length, breadth, height) and materials (shittim wood) for the Table of Showbread is not merely an architectural specification but a deliberate literary technique. This precision underscores the divine origin of the Tabernacle's design and God's demand for absolute adherence to His revealed will in all matters of worship and service. The repetition of these detailed instructions, first given by God to Moses and then recounted as executed by the craftsmen, emphasizes the unyielding importance of following God's commands without deviation. Furthermore, **Symbolism** is deeply embedded within the text. The durable shittim wood, later overlaid with pure gold (mentioned in subsequent verses), symbolizes the permanence and sacredness of God's dwelling, while the Table itself (the Table of Showbread) symbolizes God's constant provision and covenant faithfulness to His people, pointing beyond the physical object to profound spiritual truths about God's character and His relationship with Israel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 37:10, through its precise description of the Table of Showbread, powerfully communicates several core theological themes. Firstly, it underscores the principle of divine sovereignty and the necessity of human obedience to God's revealed will. Every detail, from material to dimension, was divinely ordained, highlighting that true worship and service are not based on human ingenuity but on faithful adherence to God's blueprint. Secondly, the Table of Showbread itself, destined to hold the twelve loaves representing the twelve tribes of Israel, symbolizes God's unwavering provision and covenant faithfulness to His people. It speaks to God's desire to sustain His people, both physically and spiritually, in His presence. Finally, the sacredness of the materials and the meticulous craftsmanship point to the holiness of God and the reverence due to Him in all aspects of worship, reminding Israel that approaching a holy God requires a holy and prescribed manner.

* [Leviticus 24:5-9](/leviticus/24-5-9 "Leviticus 24:5-9 - The Law of the Showbread")
* [Numbers 4:7-8](/numbers/4-7-8 "Numbers 4:7-8 - Priestly Duties for the Table of Showbread")
* [Hebrews 9:1-2](/hebrews/9-1-2 "Hebrews 9:1-2 - Description of the Earthly Sanctuary")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The meticulous detail in Exodus 37:10, describing the construction of the Table of Showbread, serves as a profound reminder for believers today regarding the importance of faithfulness in fulfilling God's commands, even in seemingly minor aspects of our lives and service. Just as Bezalel and the craftsmen diligently followed God's precise blueprint for the Tabernacle, we are called to live our lives in obedience to God's Word, understanding that every detail matters in His eyes. This verse encourages us to consider the quality and intentionality of our spiritual service, whether in our personal devotion, family life, or communal worship. It challenges us to move beyond superficial commitment to a deep, precise adherence to God's revealed will. Furthermore, by focusing on the Table of Showbread, it prompts us to reflect on God's unwavering commitment to provide for His people, both physically and spiritually. It invites us to trust in His provision, to seek constant fellowship with Him, and to acknowledge Him as the ultimate source of all sustenance, finding our deepest nourishment in His presence and His Word, recognizing that He is always faithful to sustain His covenant people.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the divine precision in the Tabernacle's construction challenge my approach to obedience and attention to detail in my spiritual life?**
* **In what ways do I recognize and rely on God's ongoing provision in my daily life, as symbolized by the Table of Showbread?**
* **What "spiritual nourishment" am I seeking, and how does my pursuit of it align with God's revealed will and presence?**

### FAQ
**What was the primary purpose of the Table of Showbread in the Tabernacle?**

Answer: The Table of Showbread, also known as the Table of Presence or the Table of the Presence Bread, served primarily to hold twelve loaves of unleavened bread, symbolizing God's constant provision for the twelve tribes of Israel. These loaves were placed before the Lord continually, signifying the ongoing covenant relationship and fellowship between God and His people. It was a tangible representation of God's faithfulness to sustain His people and His desire for their constant presence before Him, as detailed in [Leviticus 24:5-9](/leviticus/24-5-9 "Leviticus 24:5-9 - The Law of the Showbread").

**Why was shittim wood specifically chosen for the Tabernacle's furnishings?**

Answer: Shittim wood (acacia wood) was chosen for its practical and symbolic qualities. Practically, it was readily available in the Sinai wilderness, and its exceptional hardness, durability, and resistance to decay and insect infestation made it ideal for the portable and long-lasting components of the Tabernacle. Symbolically, its enduring nature underscored the permanence and sacredness of God's dwelling place, even amidst the Israelites' nomadic journey. This durable core was then overlaid with pure gold, signifying the divine glory and purity of God's presence, as seen in the instructions for the Ark of the Covenant in [Exodus 25:10-11](/exodus/25-10-11 "Exodus 25:10-11 - Instructions for the Ark of the Covenant").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The Table of Showbread, meticulously crafted from durable shittim wood and overlaid with pure gold, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the showbread symbolized God's constant provision for Israel, Jesus declares Himself to be the "Bread of Life" in [John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life"), offering eternal spiritual nourishment that far surpasses the physical sustenance of the showbread. The Tabernacle's table, with its twelve loaves, pointed to God's covenant faithfulness to His people; Jesus, through His body broken and blood shed on the cross, establishes the New Covenant, providing ultimate and enduring fellowship with God for all who believe, as commemorated in the Lord's Supper (cf. [Luke 22:19-20](/luke/22-19-20 "Luke 22:19-20 - Institution of the Lord's Supper")). He is the true and living bread that came down from heaven, giving life to the world (cf. [John 6:51](/john/6-51 "John 6:51 - Jesus Gives His Flesh for the Life of the World")), and whoever feeds on Him will live forever. Thus, the Table of Showbread, a testament to God's provision in the Old Covenant, beautifully foreshadows the person and work of Christ, who is our complete and eternal spiritual sustenance and the very presence of God dwelling among us (cf. [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")).

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

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.

Exodus 35:13

The table, and his staves, and all his vessels, and the shewbread,

Ezekiel 40:39

¶ And in the porch of the gate [were] two tables on this side, and two tables on that side, to slay thereon the burnt offering and the sin offering and the trespass offering.

Ezekiel 40:42

And the four tables [were] of hewn stone for the burnt offering, of a cubit and an half long, and a cubit and an half broad, and one cubit high: whereupon also they laid the instruments wherewith they slew the burnt offering and the sacrifice.

Exodus 40:4

And thou shalt bring in the table, and set in order the things that are to be set in order upon it; and thou shalt bring in the candlestick, and light the lamps thereof.

Exodus 40:22

And he put the table in the tent of the congregation, upon the side of the tabernacle northward, without the vail.