Leviticus 24:6

And thou shalt set them in two rows, six on a row, upon the pure table before the LORD.

And thou shalt set {H7760} them in two {H8147} rows {H4634}, six {H8337} on a row {H4635}, upon the pure {H2889} table {H7979} before {H6440} the LORD {H3068}.

Arrange them in two rows, six in a row, on the pure table before ADONAI.

and set them in two rows—six per row—on the table of pure gold before the LORD.

And thou shalt set them in two rows, six on a row, upon the pure table before Jehovah.

Commentary

Context

Leviticus 24 details instructions for maintaining the sacred elements within the Tabernacle, specifically the oil for the lamps and the bread of the Presence (showbread). Verse 6 focuses on the precise arrangement of this showbread. The "pure table" refers to the Table of Showbread, a piece of furniture made of acacia wood overlaid with pure gold, situated in the Holy Place of the Tabernacle, directly opposite the lampstand. This table was a vital part of the daily priestly duties, ensuring the presence of the bread before the LORD continually.

Key Themes

  • Divine Order and Holiness: The meticulous instructions for setting the bread—"two rows, six on a row"—underscore God's demand for precision, order, and holiness in all aspects of worship. This reflects His own perfect nature and the reverence due to Him.
  • God's Perpetual Provision: The showbread, consisting of twelve loaves representing the twelve tribes of Israel, symbolized God's unwavering faithfulness to sustain His people. It was a constant reminder that Israel lived by divine grace and provision.
  • Covenant Relationship: The presence of the bread "before the LORD" signified the ongoing covenant relationship between God and His people. It was a perpetual offering, a memorial of Israel's dependence and God's commitment.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "pure table" (Hebrew: shulchan ha-tahor) emphasizes the ceremonial cleanliness and sanctity required for objects used in divine service. The placement "before the LORD" (Hebrew: lifnei Yahweh) highlights that this act was a direct presentation to God Himself, not merely a human ritual, underscoring the sacred and reverent nature of the showbread.

Related Scriptures

The showbread plays a significant role in biblical narrative. In a moment of dire need, David ate the showbread, an act normally reserved for priests, demonstrating that human need can sometimes supersede ritual law. Jesus later referenced this event in Matthew 12:4 to teach about the spirit of the law versus the letter of the law. Ultimately, the showbread foreshadows Jesus Christ, who declared Himself the "Bread of Life" in John 6:35, the true spiritual sustenance for all who believe.

Practical Application

This verse reminds us that God values order and reverence in our worship and service. Just as the showbread was meticulously arranged, our lives and offerings should reflect intentionality and devotion before God. Furthermore, it points to God's continuous provision for us, both physically and spiritually. As believers, we are called to depend on Christ, our true spiritual sustenance, and to present our lives as a holy and living sacrifice, continually "before the LORD" (Romans 12:1).

Reflection

Leviticus 24:6, though seemingly a simple instruction, reveals profound truths about God's character and His relationship with humanity. It is a testament to His desire for an ordered, holy, and perpetual remembrance of His covenant and provision, all pointing forward to the ultimate provision found in Jesus Christ, the Bread of Life.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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 25:23

    ¶ 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 25:24

    And thou shalt overlay it with pure gold, and make thereto a crown of gold round about.

  • 2 Chronicles 13:11

    And they burn unto the LORD every morning and every evening burnt sacrifices and sweet incense: the shewbread also [set they in order] upon the pure table; and the candlestick of gold with the lamps thereof, to burn every evening: for we keep the charge of the LORD our God; but ye have forsaken him.

  • Hebrews 9:2

    For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein [was] the candlestick, and the table, and the shewbread; which is called the sanctuary.

  • 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];

  • Exodus 37:10

    ¶ 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:
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