Exodus 39:36

KJV

The table, [and] all the vessels thereof, and the shewbread,

KJV (with Strong's)

The table {H7979}, and all the vessels {H3627} thereof, and the shewbread {H6440}{H3899},

Complete Jewish Bible

the table, all its utensils and the showbread;

Berean Standard Bible

the table with all its utensils and the Bread of the Presence;

American Standard Version

the table, all the vessels thereof, and the showbread;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 39:36 provides a precise inventory of foundational elements within the Tabernacle's Holy Place, specifically listing "the table, and all the vessels thereof, and the shewbread." This verse is part of the culminating account detailing the completion and presentation of the Tabernacle's components to Moses, serving as a testament to the meticulous obedience of the Israelite craftsmen to God's divine blueprint. It highlights the sacredness, specific purpose, and readiness of these items for the sacred worship and communion intended for God's dwelling among His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 39 marks the triumphant culmination of the Tabernacle's construction, following the detailed divine instructions given in earlier chapters, primarily [Exodus 25](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Instructions for the Tabernacle") through [Exodus 31](/exodus/31 "Exodus 31 - The Call of Bezalel and Aholiab"), and the actual execution of the work described in [Exodus 35](/exodus/35 "Exodus 35 - Offerings for the Tabernacle") through [Exodus 38](/exodus/38 "Exodus 38 - Construction of the Tabernacle"). This chapter meticulously recounts the completion of the priestly garments and the various components of the Tabernacle, emphasizing the repeated phrase "as the LORD commanded Moses" (used over 20 times in this chapter alone). Verse 36 is an integral part of a comprehensive list (verses 33-41) of all the finished items being brought to Moses for his inspection and approval, signifying the successful completion of the entire project before its erection and consecration in [Exodus 40](/exodus/40 "Exodus 40 - The Tabernacle Erected"). This detailed accounting underscores the divine origin of the design and the human faithfulness in its execution.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The construction of the Tabernacle occurred during Israel's formative period of wilderness wanderings, a pivotal time in their development as a covenant nation. This portable sanctuary was not merely a structure but the physical manifestation of God's presence among His people, central to their identity and worship. In a nomadic culture, a movable tent shrine was essential, distinguishing Israel's worship from the fixed temples of surrounding pagan nations. The detailed specifications for the Tabernacle and its furnishings, including the [Table of Showbread](/exodus/25-23-30 "Exodus 25:23-30 - Instructions for the Table of Showbread"), were not simply architectural plans but profound theological statements, communicating God's holiness, His desire for communion, and the precise manner in which He was to be approached. The "shewbread" itself, a unique feature, represented God's continuous provision and Israel's perpetual communion with Him, a concept distinct from common ancient Near Eastern practices of offering food to idols which often involved appeasement rather than covenant fellowship.

* **Key Themes:** This verse, situated within the broader narrative of the Tabernacle's completion, contributes to several overarching themes. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Revelation and Human Obedience**, as the meticulous construction of the table, vessels, and shewbread directly reflects God's precise commands, emphasizing that true worship flows from faithful adherence to His revealed will. The presence of the **Table of Showbread** itself highlights God's **Faithful Provision** for His people, symbolizing His continuous sustenance, both physical and spiritual. Furthermore, the entire Tabernacle project, including these furnishings, underscores the theme of **God's Dwelling Presence** among His people, establishing a sacred space for communion and fellowship. The detailed inventory also reinforces the **Holiness and Sacredness** of all elements associated with divine worship, demanding reverence and precision in their preparation and use.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Table (Hebrew, _shulchân'_):** From שָׁלַח (shalach), meaning "to send" or "spread out," this term (H7979) refers specifically to the Table of Showbread, a piece of furniture made of acacia wood overlaid with pure gold. Its function was to be "spread out" with the bread of presence. As an implement, it served as a sacred surface for communion and provision, symbolizing God's covenant faithfulness and His willingness to sustain His people.
* **Vessels (Hebrew, _kᵉlîy'_):** From כָּלָה (kalah), meaning "to complete" or "finish," this term (H3627) denotes something prepared or completed, encompassing any apparatus, implement, or utensil. Here, it refers to all the golden implements associated with the Table of Showbread, including dishes, spoons, bowls, and pitchers. Their precious material underscored the sanctity of the service performed at the table, signifying that every tool for worship must be set apart and pure.
* **Shewbread (Hebrew, _lechem pânîym'_):** This term is a compound of two Hebrew words: _lechem_ (H3899), meaning "food," especially "bread," and _pânîym_ (H6440), meaning "face" or "presence." Thus, "shewbread" literally translates to "bread of presence" or "bread of faces," emphasizing its placement "before the face of the LORD." This consisted of twelve loaves, representing the twelve tribes of Israel, baked from fine flour and placed in two rows on the table. It symbolized God's perpetual covenant with Israel, His continuous provision for them, and their constant communion with Him in His presence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The table,"**: This clause specifically identifies the Table of Showbread, a central and meticulously crafted piece of furniture within the Holy Place. Its construction from acacia wood overlaid with pure gold signified its sacredness and the preciousness of God's presence and provision. It stood as a constant, tangible reminder of God's covenant relationship with His people, always prepared for the sacred act of communion and sustenance.
* **"[and] all the vessels thereof,"**: This phrase encompasses the various golden implements intrinsically linked to the Table of Showbread, such as dishes for holding the bread, spoons for frankincense, and bowls and pitchers for accompanying libations. The inclusion of these vessels emphasizes the complete and meticulous nature of the Tabernacle's construction, ensuring that every detail necessary for proper worship and service was faithfully executed precisely as commanded by God, leaving no room for human improvisation.
* **"and the shewbread,"**: This final clause refers to the "bread of presence" itself—the twelve loaves arranged on the table. Its explicit mention signifies that not only the physical structure and implements were prepared, but also the symbolic elements essential for the ongoing ritual of worship. The shewbread was a tangible and vital symbol of God's sustaining power, His intimate and continuous fellowship with Israel, and their dependence upon His divine provision.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 39:36, as an entry within a larger inventory, employs several significant literary devices. **Enumeration** is a dominant feature throughout this chapter, as each item of the Tabernacle is meticulously listed. This repetitive listing reinforces the themes of comprehensive completion and precise obedience to God's commands, underscoring the divine order. The verse also utilizes **Synecdoche**, where "the table" stands in for the entire ritual and symbolic system associated with the shewbread, implying the complete readiness of this specific aspect of the sanctuary for its sacred function. Furthermore, **Symbolism** is inherent in the items themselves: the table representing God's provision and covenant faithfulness, the vessels signifying the means of sacred service and purity, and the shewbread embodying God's sustaining presence and the intimate communion between God and Israel. The detailed nature of the list, repeated throughout the chapter, creates a powerful sense of **Emphasis** on the Israelites' unwavering faithfulness in executing God's divine blueprint to the letter, highlighting their devotion and the sanctity of the task.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 39:36, by listing the Table of Showbread and its accompanying elements, powerfully reiterates God's desire for an ordered, intentional, and covenantal relationship with His people. The meticulous adherence to the divine blueprint for these items underscores the principle that true worship is not arbitrary but must align with God's revealed will and precise instructions. The "shewbread" itself is a profound symbol of God's continuous provision for His people, both physically and spiritually, reminding them that their sustenance and life come directly from Him. This constant provision fostered a sense of dependence and trust, reinforcing the covenant bond and demonstrating God's faithfulness to His promises.

* [Leviticus 24:5-9](/leviticus/24-5 "Leviticus 24:5-9 - Regulations for the Shewbread")
* [Numbers 4:7](/numbers/4-7 "Numbers 4:7 - The Priestly Duty to Cover the Table of Showbread")
* [Hebrews 9:2](/hebrews/9-2 "Hebrews 9:2 - Description of the Holy Place and its Furnishings")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The meticulous detail and faithful execution described in Exodus 39:36, particularly concerning the Table of Showbread, invite us to reflect deeply on the nature of our own worship and service to God. Just as the Israelites were called to precise obedience in crafting God's dwelling, we are called to intentionality, diligence, and reverence in our spiritual lives. This verse reminds us that God is a God of order, and He desires that our approach to Him be thoughtful, disciplined, and reverent, reflecting His holiness and not merely our convenience or preferences. Furthermore, the enduring symbolism of the shewbread—God's continuous provision—serves as a powerful reminder that our ultimate sustenance, both physical and spiritual, comes solely from Him. In a world that often encourages self-reliance and self-sufficiency, this passage calls us back to a posture of humble dependence on the Lord, trusting Him to meet our deepest needs and to sustain us in every season of life. Our faithfulness in seemingly small details can powerfully reflect a larger faithfulness to God's grand design for our lives and His kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail in the Tabernacle's construction challenge my approach to worship and service, both individually and corporately?**
* **In what specific ways do I recognize and actively rely on God's continuous provision in my daily life, mirroring the dependence symbolized by the shewbread?**
* **What "details" or specific instructions in God's Word might He be calling me to be more intentional and obedient about in my spiritual walk?**

### FAQ
**What was the primary purpose of the Table of Showbread and the shewbread itself?**

Answer: The Table of Showbread, along with the shewbread, served multiple crucial purposes within the Tabernacle's Holy Place. Primarily, it symbolized God's continuous presence and unfailing provision for the twelve tribes of Israel. The twelve loaves, representing each tribe, were perpetually "before the face of the LORD" ([Leviticus 24:8](/leviticus/24-8 "Leviticus 24:8 - Regulations for the Shewbread")), signifying an unbroken covenant relationship and God's faithfulness to sustain His people. It was a tangible reminder that Israel lived by God's grace and provision, not by their own strength or resources. Additionally, the ritual of replacing the bread weekly and its subsequent consumption by the priests underscored the sacred communion between God and His chosen people, mediated through priestly service, emphasizing the ongoing nature of their fellowship with the Divine.

**Why was such extreme detail given for the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings, including the items in Exodus 39:36?**

Answer: The extreme detail in the divine instructions for the Tabernacle and its furnishings, as seen in [Exodus 25](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Instructions for the Tabernacle") through [Exodus 31](/exodus/31 "Exodus 31 - The Call of Bezalel and Aholiab") and their faithful execution in [Exodus 35](/exodus/35 "Exodus 35 - Offerings for the Tabernacle") through [Exodus 39](/exodus/39 "Exodus 39 - Completion of the Tabernacle"), served several vital purposes. First, it emphasized God's absolute holiness and transcendence, demonstrating that He is to be approached on His terms, not human terms or preferences. Second, it ensured uniformity, purity, and reverence in worship, preventing human innovation from corrupting divine revelation. Third, every detail was imbued with profound symbolic meaning, pointing to deeper spiritual truths and ultimately foreshadowing the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Finally, the meticulous obedience required of the Israelites underscored the paramount importance of faithfulness and reverence in their relationship with God, setting a precedent for all future generations regarding the sanctity of divine commands.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The Table of Showbread and the shewbread, meticulously crafted and listed in Exodus 39:36, find their ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "bread of presence" that continually lay before the Lord in the Tabernacle prefigured Jesus, who declared Himself to be the "Bread of Life" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")). Unlike the physical bread that sustained Israel in the wilderness, Jesus offers eternal spiritual nourishment, promising that "whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life" ([John 6:54](/john/6-54 "John 6:54 - Eating Jesus' Flesh and Drinking His Blood")). He is the true and living bread that came down from heaven, providing ultimate sustenance for humanity ([John 6:51](/john/6-51 "John 6:51 - Jesus, the Living Bread")). Furthermore, just as the shewbread symbolized God's constant presence with His people, Jesus is Emmanuel, "God with us" ([Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Prophecy of Emmanuel")), the very embodiment of God's presence among humanity. The Tabernacle, with all its furnishings and rituals, was a shadow; Christ is the substance and reality ([Colossians 2:17](/colossians/2-17 "Colossians 2:17 - Christ is the Substance")). Through His atoning sacrifice, Jesus has become our access to God's presence, establishing a new and living way into the holiest place ([Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19-20 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - Access to the Holy Place Through Christ")), fulfilling the communion symbolized by the Table of Showbread, and making it possible for believers to perpetually feast on Him, the true Bread of Life, in an unending covenant relationship.

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

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 25:30

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