Leviticus 24:5

KJV

And thou shalt take fine flour, and bake twelve cakes thereof: two tenth deals shall be in one cake.

KJV (with Strong's)

And thou shalt take {H3947} fine flour {H5560}, and bake {H644} twelve {H6240} cakes {H2471} thereof: two {H8147} tenth deals {H6241} shall be in one {H259} cake {H2471}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"You are to take fine flour and use it to bake twelve loaves, one gallon per loaf.

Berean Standard Bible

You are also to take fine flour and bake twelve loaves, using two-tenths of an ephah for each loaf,

American Standard Version

And thou shalt take fine flour, and bake twelve cakes thereof: two tenth parts of an ephah shall be in one cake.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 24:5 provides precise instructions for the preparation of the showbread, also known as the "Bread of the Presence," for the Tabernacle. This verse meticulously details the required ingredients and quantities: "fine flour" for its purity, and "twelve cakes" to be baked, with each cake containing "two tenth deals" of flour. These exacting commands underscore God's demand for excellence, holiness, and precise adherence in worship, while the showbread itself profoundly symbolized His unwavering provision, continuous presence among His people, and the enduring covenant relationship with the twelve tribes of Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 24 is situated within a broader section of Leviticus (chapters 17-27) that elaborates on the practical application of holiness in Israelite life and worship. Immediately preceding this chapter are the detailed regulations for the annual feasts and the solemn Day of Atonement in [Leviticus 23](/leviticus/23 "Leviticus 23 - Feasts of the Lord"). Leviticus 24 opens with instructions for maintaining the perpetual lamp in the Holy Place ([Leviticus 24:1-4](/leviticus/24-1-4 "Leviticus 24:1-4 - The Perpetual Lamp")), ensuring continuous light. Leviticus 24:5 then transitions to the parallel instructions for the "Bread of the Presence," which was to be placed on the pure table, also within the Holy Place, beside the lampstand. This juxtaposition emphasizes the dual necessity of divine light and divine sustenance as perpetual elements of God's dwelling among His people. The commands for the showbread ([Leviticus 24:5-9](/leviticus/24-5-9 "Leviticus 24:5-9 - The Showbread")) are followed by a narrative account of a blasphemer and the subsequent laws concerning blasphemy and personal injury ([Leviticus 24:10-23](/leviticus/24-10-23 "Leviticus 24:10-23 - The Blasphemer and Laws of Justice")), underscoring the profound sanctity of God's name and the severe consequences of violating His holiness, a theme consistently woven throughout the cultic regulations of [Leviticus](/leviticus "Leviticus - The Book of Holiness").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Tabernacle served as the portable sanctuary for the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings and prior to the construction of the Temple. It was the tangible manifestation of God's dwelling among His people and the central hub of their worship. The "Bread of the Presence" (Hebrew: *lechem panim*, literally "bread of faces" or "bread of presence"), explicitly commanded in [Exodus 25:30](/exodus/25-30 "Exodus 25:30 - The Table of Showbread"), was a prominent feature of the Holy Place. It was arranged in two stacks of six cakes each, placed on a table overlaid with pure gold, and replaced every Sabbath, with the old bread being consumed by the priests within the sacred precincts ([Leviticus 24:8-9](/leviticus/24-8-9 "Leviticus 24:8-9 - Replacement and Consumption of Showbread")). This continuous offering symbolized God's faithful provision and His covenant presence with the twelve tribes of Israel, each represented by one of the twelve cakes. The specification of "fine flour" (*solet*) and precise measurements was not arbitrary; it reflected the ancient Near Eastern understanding of offering the very best and most unblemished to the gods, a principle uniquely applied in Israel to emphasize the supreme holiness and worthiness of Yahweh. The meticulousness of these instructions underscored the reverence and exactitude required when approaching a holy God.

* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 24:5 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Leviticus and the Pentateuch. The theme of **Divine Holiness and Purity** is paramount, as evidenced by the requirement for "fine flour" and the precise measurements, emphasizing that only the purest and most excellent is acceptable in God's presence. This reinforces the broader call for Israel to be holy because God is holy ([Leviticus 11:44-45](/leviticus/11-44-45 "Leviticus 11:44-45 - Be Holy, for I Am Holy")). The **Covenant Relationship and God's Presence** are also central; the twelve cakes symbolize the twelve tribes, representing the entire covenant community in perpetual communion before the Lord, a tangible sign of God's dwelling among His people ([Exodus 29:45-46](/exodus/29-45-46 "Exodus 29:45-46 - God's Dwelling Among Israel")). Furthermore, the showbread highlights **Divine Provision and Sustenance**, symbolizing God's faithfulness in sustaining His people, not just physically but spiritually, through His enduring presence and word ([Deuteronomy 8:3](/deuteronomy/8-3 "Deuteronomy 8:3 - Man Lives by Every Word of God")). Finally, the meticulous details underscore the theme of **Order and Precision in Worship**, demonstrating that God's commands are to be followed with unwavering exactitude, reflecting His own perfect order and sovereignty.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **take (Hebrew, _lâqach'_):** From H3947, a primitive root meaning "to take (in the widest variety of applications); accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win." In this context, "take" signifies the active, intentional selection and appropriation of the specific ingredients for the sacred offering, highlighting human responsibility in preparing what is due to God.
* **fine flour (Hebrew, _çôleth'_):** From H5560, from an unused root meaning to strip; flour (as chipped off); (fine) flour, meal. This term designates the highest quality, most refined flour, typically used for the most sacred grain offerings. Its specification here underscores the principle that only the purest, unblemished, and best was acceptable for offerings made directly to God in His sanctuary, symbolizing the excellence and unblemished nature required in divine service.
* **cake (Hebrew, _challâh'_):** From H2471, from חָלַל; a cake (as usually punctured); cake. This refers to the specific form of the bread, often described as round or flat. The term, used in conjunction with "twelve" and "two tenth deals," emphasizes the precise form and composition of the offering, reinforcing the divine demand for adherence to prescribed ritual forms.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And thou shalt take fine flour":** This initial command establishes the foundational quality standard for the showbread. The flour must be of the highest grade, pure and unadulterated, signifying that God deserves nothing less than the very best from His people in their acts of worship and service. It implies a deliberate selection process, reflecting intentionality in presenting an offering worthy of a holy God.
* **"and bake twelve cakes thereof":** The specific quantity of twelve cakes directly correlates to the twelve tribes of Israel. This detail indicates that the showbread was a national offering, representing the entire covenant people in their ongoing relationship and communion with God, perpetually before His presence in the Holy Place. The act of "baking" also implies a transformation and preparation, making the raw material suitable for sacred use.
* **"two tenth deals shall be in one cake":** This precise measurement dictates the exact volume of flour for each individual cake. An "omer" (tenth deal) was a specific unit of dry measure, equivalent to a tenth of an ephah. The instruction for "two tenth deals" (two omers) per cake highlights the divine insistence on meticulous adherence to instructions. This level of detail emphasizes that every aspect of God's service is divinely ordained and holds profound significance, underscoring the importance of order, precision, and reverence in worship.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 24:5, though seemingly a straightforward instruction, employs several significant literary devices that enrich its meaning. **Symbolism** is paramount; the "fine flour" symbolizes purity, excellence, and the offering of one's very best, while the "twelve cakes" powerfully symbolize the twelve tribes of Israel, representing the entire nation in perpetual communion before God. The bread itself functions as a profound symbol of divine provision and the ongoing covenant relationship between Yahweh and His people. Furthermore, the passage demonstrates a pervasive use of **Precision** and **Detailing**, characteristic of the cultic laws found throughout Leviticus. The exact measurements ("two tenth deals") and specific quantities ("twelve cakes") are not incidental but underscore the divine demand for meticulous adherence to sacred rituals, reflecting the holiness and perfect order of God. This detailed instruction also serves as a form of **Metonymy**, where the physical bread stands in for the continuous presence and sustenance God provides for His people, and by extension, their constant representation before Him. The repetitive nature of such specific commands throughout Leviticus also creates a sense of **Emphasis**, reinforcing the absolute necessity of obedience in matters of worship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 24:5, within the broader context of the showbread instructions, profoundly communicates God's nature as a faithful provider and a covenant-keeping God. The perpetual presence of the bread before the Lord symbolized His continuous sustenance for His people, not merely physical food, but spiritual nourishment derived from His very presence. It also served as a constant reminder of the unbroken covenant relationship between God and the twelve tribes of Israel, who were perpetually represented before Him. The meticulous details concerning the "fine flour" and precise measurements emphasize that worship and service to God must be characterized by excellence, intentionality, and adherence to His divine standards, reflecting the holiness and order of the One being worshipped. This passage implicitly teaches that genuine worship is not casual but demands our best, offered with reverence and according to divine prescription.

* [Exodus 25:30](/exodus/25-30 "Exodus 25:30 - The Table of Showbread Command")
* [1 Samuel 21:6](/1_samuel/21-6 "1 Samuel 21:6 - David and the Showbread")
* [Hebrews 9:2](/hebrews/9-2 "Hebrews 9:2 - Description of the Holy Place")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The ancient ritual of the showbread, while no longer practiced in its literal form, offers enduring principles for contemporary believers. Leviticus 24:5 reminds us that our offerings to God, whether in worship, service, or daily life, should be of the highest quality—our "finest flour." This isn't about legalistic adherence but about a heart attitude that desires to give our very best to the One who has given His all for us. The representation of the twelve tribes also prompts us to consider our place within God's covenant community, the Church, and how we, as a collective body, are called to live in continuous communion and dependence on Him. The divine precision in these commands challenges us to approach our spiritual disciplines and service with intentionality, order, and reverence, recognizing that God is worthy of our utmost attention and devotion. In a world that often values convenience over excellence, this verse calls us to a higher standard of devotion, reflecting the infinite worth and holiness of our God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you called to offer your "finest flour" to God, prioritizing excellence and intentionality in your service and worship?**
* **How does the symbolism of the twelve cakes remind you of God's covenant relationship with His people, and how do you see yourself as an integral part of that ongoing covenant today?**
* **What does the meticulous detail of these instructions teach us about the nature of God and the reverence due to Him in our worship and daily walk?**

### FAQ
**What was the purpose of the showbread?**

Answer: The showbread, also known as the "Bread of the Presence" (Hebrew: *lechem panim*), served as a perpetual offering before the Lord in the Holy Place of the Tabernacle. Its primary purposes were multifaceted: to symbolize God's continuous presence among His people, His faithful provision for their sustenance (both physical and spiritual), and the unbroken covenant relationship He maintained with the twelve tribes of Israel, who were represented by the twelve cakes. It was a tangible reminder that Israel lived not by bread alone, but by "every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord," as powerfully articulated in [Deuteronomy 8:3](/deuteronomy/8-3 "Deuteronomy 8:3 - Man Lives by Every Word of God").

**Why were "fine flour" and "two tenth deals" specified?**

Answer: The specification of "fine flour" (*solet*) highlighted the requirement for the highest quality and purity in all offerings made to God. This reflected the principle that only the unblemished and most excellent was deemed worthy of the divine presence, underscoring God's absolute holiness. The precise measurement of "two tenth deals" (two omers) per cake underscored God's demand for meticulous adherence to His instructions. This exactitude was not arbitrary but emphasized the sacredness of the ritual, the divine authority behind every command, and the paramount importance of order and reverence in approaching a holy God. This level of detail ensured that the offering was presented exactly as God commanded, leaving no room for human deviation in such a sacred and solemn service.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The showbread, with its profound symbolism of divine presence, sustenance, and covenant communion, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the showbread was a temporal provision and a shadow of things to come, Jesus declared Himself the "[Bread of Life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")" (John 6:35), the true spiritual nourishment from heaven that gives eternal life to the world. Unlike the bread that sustained Israel physically, Jesus offers eternal sustenance, satisfying the deepest hunger of the human soul. His body, broken on the cross, is the ultimate "Bread of Presence," making God truly and permanently present among His people in a way the Tabernacle bread could only foreshadow. Just as the twelve cakes represented the tribes of Israel in perpetual communion before God, Jesus, through His sacrifice, establishes a new covenant, gathering all who believe into one body, the Church, under His headship. He is the ultimate provision, the one through whom we have continuous access to God's presence and unending spiritual sustenance, fulfilling the very essence of what the showbread pointed towards (cf. [John 6:51](/john/6-51 "John 6:51 - Jesus Gives His Flesh for the Life of the World"), [Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19-20 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - Access to God Through Jesus' Blood")). He is the substance to which the shadow pointed, the perfect and eternal offering that brings us into unending communion with 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 25:30

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

Exodus 40:23

And he set the bread in order upon it before the LORD; as the LORD had commanded Moses.

1 Kings 18:31

And Elijah took twelve stones, according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Jacob, unto whom the word of the LORD came, saying, Israel shall be thy name:

1 Samuel 21:4

And the priest answered David, and said, [There is] no common bread under mine hand, but there is hallowed bread; if the young men have kept themselves at least from women.

1 Samuel 21:5

And David answered the priest, and said unto him, Of a truth women [have been] kept from us about these three days, since I came out, and the vessels of the young men are holy, and [the bread is] in a manner common, yea, though it were sanctified this day in the vessel.

James 1:1

¶ James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.

Acts 26:7

Unto which [promise] our twelve tribes, instantly serving [God] day and night, hope to come. For which hope's sake, king Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews.