Exodus 40:22

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And he put {H5414} the table {H7979} in the tent {H168} of the congregation {H4150}, upon the side {H3409} of the tabernacle {H4908} northward {H6828}, without {H2351} the vail {H6532}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He put the table in the tent of meeting on the side of the tabernacle facing north, outside the curtain.

Berean Standard Bible

Moses placed the table in the Tent of Meeting on the north side of the tabernacle, outside the veil.

American Standard Version

And he put the table in the tent of meeting, upon the side of the tabernacle northward, without the veil.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 40:22 meticulously details Moses' obedient placement of the Table of Showbread within the Tabernacle's Holy Place, specifically on its northern side, positioned outside the inner veil. This precise action culminates the Tabernacle's assembly, underscoring the divine order, the symbolism of God's faithful provision, and the structured access to His presence, all vital elements for Israel's worship and their ongoing covenant relationship in the wilderness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 40 serves as the culminating chapter of the book, bringing to fruition the divine mandate given on Mount Sinai for the construction of the Tabernacle. Following the detailed instructions for its design and furnishings in chapters like [Exodus 25](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Instructions for the Tabernacle") through [Exodus 31](/exodus/31 "Exodus 31 - Sabbath and Skilled Workers"), and the subsequent account of its meticulous construction by skilled artisans under Bezalel and Oholiab in [Exodus 35-39](/exodus/35 "Exodus 35-39 - Construction of the Tabernacle"), chapter 40 describes Moses' faithful execution of the assembly. Verses 1-15 outline God's command for the Tabernacle's erection and the anointing of its furnishings and priests. Verses 16-33 then detail Moses' step-by-step obedience in setting up each component, from the Ark of the Covenant to the altar of burnt offering. Exodus 40:22 specifically describes the placement of the Table of Showbread, fitting into this sequence as Moses arranges the Holy Place furnishings before the glory of the Lord descends to fill the completed sanctuary, as narrated in [Exodus 40:34-38](/exodus/40-34-38 "Exodus 40:34-38 - The Glory of the Lord Fills the Tabernacle").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting for Exodus 40:22 is Israel's journey through the wilderness after their miraculous deliverance from Egyptian bondage. As a nomadic people, a portable sanctuary was not merely convenient but essential for maintaining their unique covenant relationship with Yahweh, who had chosen to dwell among them. The Tabernacle, often called the "tent of meeting," served as the physical manifestation of God's presence at the very heart of their encampment, distinguishing Israel from the surrounding polytheistic cultures with their fixed temples dedicated to numerous deities. Unlike these, the Tabernacle was a singular dwelling for the one true God, emphasizing His exclusive relationship with Israel. The exacting specifications for its construction and the precise arrangement of its sacred furnishings, including the Table of Showbread, conveyed profound theological truths about God's holiness, His order, and the necessity of approaching Him on His divinely appointed terms. This meticulousness was not arbitrary; it cultivated reverence and provided a structured pathway for divine-human encounter, preparing Israel for their future as a settled nation in the Promised Land.

* **Key Themes:** Exodus 40:22 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Presence and Immanence**, as the Tabernacle was God's dwelling place among His people, a tangible sign of His commitment to them following the covenant established at Sinai (e.g., [Exodus 29:45-46](/exodus/29-45-46 "Exodus 29:45-46 - God's Promise to Dwell Among Israel")). The verse also highlights **Obedience to Divine Command**, as Moses' meticulous adherence to God's blueprint for the Tabernacle's construction and assembly is repeatedly emphasized throughout [Exodus 39-40](/exodus/39 "Exodus 39-40 - Completion and Erection of the Tabernacle"). This obedience is presented as the proper response to God's revelation and the prerequisite for His manifested glory. Furthermore, the placement of the Table of Showbread underscores the theme of **Divine Provision and Sustenance**, symbolizing God's ongoing care for His people, a theme deeply rooted in the wilderness narrative where God provided manna and water (e.g., [Exodus 16](/exodus/16 "Exodus 16 - Provision of Manna and Quail")). Finally, the verse subtly points to the theme of **Sacred Space and Ordered Worship**, where every detail of the Tabernacle's design and arrangement, including the precise location of its furnishings, was divinely ordained to facilitate proper worship and a reverent approach to a holy God, laying the groundwork for the Levitical system of worship detailed in [Leviticus](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus - Laws of Worship and Holiness").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Table (Hebrew, _shulchân_ H7979):** This refers specifically to the Table of Showbread (or Table of Presence-bread), a piece of furniture crafted from acacia wood overlaid with pure gold. It was designed to hold twelve loaves of unleavened bread, representing the twelve tribes of Israel, symbolizing God's constant and faithful provision for His people, as well as His perpetual presence among them. The weekly changing of the bread by the priests underscored a continuous, living relationship.
* **Tent of the congregation (Hebrew, _ʼôhel_ H168, _môwʻêd_ H4150):** The term _ʼôhel_ signifies a "tent" or "dwelling," while _môwʻêd_ denotes an "appointed place" or "fixed time," often referring to an "assembly" or "meeting." Combined, "Tent of the congregation" (or "Tent of Meeting") highlights the Tabernacle's primary function as the designated place where God would meet with His people, particularly through the priests, to communicate His will, receive their worship, and manifest His tangible presence. It was the nexus of divine-human encounter and the focal point for Israel's communal gatherings.
* **Vail (Hebrew, _pôreketh_ H6532):** This term denotes a "separatrix" or "screen," specifically the thick, ornate curtain that divided the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place (Holy of Holies) within the Tabernacle. Its presence signified the sacred boundary between the accessible and the most holy, underscoring God's absolute holiness and the limited, divinely ordained access to His innermost presence. The phrase "without the vail" in the verse explicitly places the Table of Showbread in the Holy Place, indicating it was accessible to the priests for their regular duties.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he put the table":** This opening phrase emphasizes Moses' direct and obedient action. As the divinely appointed leader, Moses meticulously carried out every instruction given by God for the Tabernacle's construction and assembly, highlighting the importance of faithful and precise execution of divine commands. His role was not to innovate but to implement God's perfect design.
* **"in the tent of the congregation":** This specifies the general location of the table within the larger sacred structure. The "tent of the congregation" (or "Tent of Meeting") encompassed both the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place, indicating that the table was positioned within this consecrated, divinely designated space for worship and encounter.
* **"upon the side of the tabernacle northward":** This provides the precise orientation of the table within the Holy Place. According to God's detailed blueprint (e.g., [Exodus 26:35](/exodus/26-35 "Exodus 26:35 - Placement of Tabernacle Furnishings")), the Table of Showbread was positioned on the north side, directly opposite the Golden Lampstand (Menorah) which was on the south side. This exact placement ensured proper order, balance, and adherence to the divine design within the sacred space.
* **"without the vail":** This crucial detail clarifies that the Table of Showbread was located in the Holy Place, the first chamber of the Tabernacle, rather than the Most Holy Place (Holy of Holies). The "vail" (or curtain) served as a physical and symbolic barrier separating these two chambers ([Exodus 26:33](/exodus/26-33 "Exodus 26:33 - The Veil Separating the Holy of Holies")), with the Most Holy Place containing only the Ark of the Covenant and accessible solely to the High Priest once a year. The placement of the table "without the vail" meant it was accessible to the priests for their daily and weekly duties, such as changing the showbread, thereby highlighting different levels of access to God's presence and the structured nature of worship.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 40:22, consistent with the broader Tabernacle narrative, primarily employs **Precision/Detailing** as a literary device. The meticulous description of the Table of Showbread's exact placement—"northward, without the vail"—is not merely architectural instruction but a deliberate literary technique that emphasizes the divine authorship of the Tabernacle's design and the absolute necessity of human obedience to God's commands. This unwavering precision reflects God's character as a God of order, holiness, and intentionality, where every detail matters in approaching Him. Furthermore, **Symbolism** is inherent in the very object being placed. The Table of Showbread itself is a potent symbol of God's constant provision and faithful presence among His people, a visual and tangible reminder of His covenant sustenance. The "vail" also serves as powerful **Symbolism** of separation between the holy and the most holy, and by extension, between sinful humanity and the unapproachable holiness of God, while simultaneously delineating a divinely appointed, structured pathway for priestly access.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 40:22 profoundly reinforces the themes of divine order, God's immanent presence, and His faithful provision for His people. The meticulous placement of the Table of Showbread, as an integral part of the overall Tabernacle assembly, underscores that God is a God of precision who desires worship to be conducted "decently and in order" (compare [1 Corinthians 14:40](/1_corinthians/14-40 "1 Corinthians 14:40 - Let All Things Be Done Decently and in Order")). This divine blueprint for sacred space and ritual was not arbitrary but purposefully designed to cultivate reverence, facilitate genuine encounter, and instruct Israel about God's holy character. The Table of Showbread, specifically, served as a tangible reminder of God's unwavering commitment to sustain His covenant people, both physically and spiritually, symbolizing His perpetual care and the spiritual nourishment He provides through His presence.

* [Leviticus 24:5-9](/leviticus/24-5-9 "Leviticus 24:5-9 - Regulations for the Showbread")
* [Hebrews 9:1-2](/hebrews/9-1-2 "Hebrews 9:1-2 - Description of the Earthly Tabernacle")
* [1 Corinthians 14:33](/1_corinthians/14-33 "1 Corinthians 14:33 - God is a God of Order, Not Disorder")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The precise placement of the Table of Showbread in Exodus 40:22 invites us to reflect deeply on the nature of our own worship and our daily walk with God. Just as God meticulously designed the Tabernacle and its furnishings, revealing His character as a God of order and purpose, so too does He have a divine order for our individual lives and for the corporate life of the church. This verse reminds us that intentionality, reverence, and faithful obedience are not optional but vital in our approach to God. The Table of Showbread, symbolizing God's faithful and continuous provision, challenges us to recognize and trust in His ongoing sustenance in our daily lives—not merely for physical needs, but profoundly for spiritual nourishment through His Word, His Spirit, and His presence. Furthermore, the concept of the table being "without the vail" prompts us to consider the incredible accessibility we now have to God through Christ, while still maintaining a profound sense of awe and respect for His holiness. How do we honor God's order in our personal disciplines and our communal gatherings? Are we truly relying on Him as our ultimate provider and source of all spiritual nourishment?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the precision of the Tabernacle's construction, as exemplified in this verse, inform our understanding of God's character and His expectations for our lives and worship?**
* **In what specific ways do we experience God's daily provision, symbolized by the Table of Showbread, in our lives today, both physically and spiritually?**
* **What does the phrase "without the vail" teach us about the nature of access to God, both for the ancient Israelites and for believers in the New Covenant?**

### FAQ
**What was the purpose of the Table of Showbread?**

Answer: The Table of Showbread served multiple significant purposes within the Tabernacle. Primarily, it symbolized God's constant provision and sustenance for the twelve tribes of Israel. The twelve loaves of unleavened bread, changed weekly by the priests, represented the ongoing covenant relationship between God and His people, signifying that He would always feed and care for them. It also symbolized God's perpetual presence among His people, as the bread was literally "bread of the presence" (לֶחֶם פָּנִים, _lechem panim_). It was a tangible reminder that life and sustenance ultimately come from God alone, fostering dependence and gratitude. For more detailed instructions regarding the showbread, consult [Leviticus 24:5-9](/leviticus/24-5-9 "Leviticus 24:5-9 - Instructions for the Showbread").

**What does "without the vail" signify about the Table of Showbread's location?**

Answer: The phrase "without the vail" is a crucial detail for understanding the Table of Showbread's precise location and its theological significance. It means the table was situated in the Holy Place (also known as the Holy Sanctuary), which was the outer chamber of the Tabernacle, rather than the Most Holy Place (the Holy of Holies). The "vail" was a thick, ornate curtain that served as a physical and symbolic barrier separating these two chambers ([Exodus 26:33](/exodus/26-33 "Exodus 26:33 - The Veil Separating the Holy of Holies")). The Most Holy Place was the innermost and most sacred area, containing only the Ark of the Covenant, and was accessible solely to the High Priest once a year on the Day of Atonement. The Table of Showbread's placement "without the vail" meant it was accessible to the priests for their regular duties, such as changing the bread, indicating a level of access to God's presence that was distinct from the innermost sanctuary, yet still within the consecrated space of divine encounter.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 40:22, with its focus on the precise placement of the Table of Showbread "without the vail," finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in several profound ways. Jesus Christ is the true and ultimate "Tent of Meeting," for in Him, God literally "tabernacled among us" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), making His dwelling with humanity in a way far more intimate and complete than any physical structure. He is the divine fulfillment of the Table of Showbread, declaring Himself to be the "Bread of Life" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")), who provides eternal spiritual sustenance that infinitely surpasses the temporary physical nourishment of the showbread. Just as the showbread was a constant reminder of God's presence and provision for His people, Jesus is the living bread who continually sustains His people, offering Himself as the spiritual food that leads to everlasting life ([John 6:51](/john/6-51 "John 6:51 - Jesus Gives His Flesh for the Life of the World")). Furthermore, the phrase "without the vail" points directly to Christ's atoning work. The physical veil separating the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place in the Temple (the successor to the Tabernacle) was dramatically torn in two from top to bottom at the very moment of Jesus' death on the cross ([Matthew 27:51](/matthew/27-51 "Matthew 27:51 - The Tearing of the Temple Veil")). This powerful event symbolized that through Christ's ultimate sacrifice, the barrier between God and sinful humanity was removed, granting believers direct, unhindered, and confident access to the Father's presence in the heavenly sanctuary ([Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19-20 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - Our New and Living Way Through the Veil")). Thus, the meticulous order of the Tabernacle foreshadowed the perfect order of redemption established by Christ, who is our ultimate provision and our direct, living way to God.

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 26:35

And thou shalt set the table without the vail, and the candlestick over against the table on the side of the tabernacle toward the south: and thou shalt put the table on the north side.

John 6:53

Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you.

John 6:57

As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me.

Ephesians 3:8

Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;

Exodus 40:24

And he put the candlestick in the tent of the congregation, over against the table, on the side of the tabernacle southward.