Leviticus 24:6

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 24:6 provides precise instructions for the arrangement of the showbread within the Tabernacle, detailing that twelve loaves were to be set in two rows of six upon the pure table, perpetually displayed before the LORD. This seemingly simple directive underscores profound theological truths concerning divine order, God's faithful provision for His people, and the ongoing nature of the covenant relationship maintained through a visible, sacred offering in His presence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 24 outlines specific instructions for the perpetual maintenance of the sacred elements within the Tabernacle's Holy Place. Verses 1-4 detail the care of the lampstand and its oil, ensuring a continuous light before the LORD. Immediately following, verses 5-9 focus on the "bread of the Presence" or "showbread" (Hebrew: *lechem ha-panim*), specifying its composition, arrangement, and weekly renewal. Verse 6, specifically, dictates the precise layout of these loaves on the golden table. The chapter concludes with an account of a blasphemer and the laws concerning capital offenses, juxtaposing the meticulous order of divine worship with the severe consequences of dishonoring God's name and covenant, thus emphasizing the sanctity of the divine presence and the laws governing interaction with it.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The instructions in Leviticus 24:6 pertain to the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary where God's presence dwelt among Israel during their wilderness wanderings and before the construction of the Temple. The "pure table" refers to the [Table of Showbread](/exodus/25-23 "Exodus 25:23 - Construction of the Table of Showbread"), a piece of furniture made of acacia wood overlaid with pure gold, situated in the Holy Place, opposite the golden lampstand. The showbread itself consisted of twelve loaves, representing the [twelve tribes of Israel](/genesis/49-28 "Genesis 49:28 - Jacob's Blessing of the Twelve Tribes"), symbolizing God's perpetual provision for His entire nation. These loaves were baked weekly on the Sabbath and placed on the table, remaining there for a full week before being eaten by the priests in a holy place, as described in [Leviticus 24:8-9](/leviticus/24-8 "Leviticus 24:8-9 - Weekly Renewal of the Showbread"). This continuous display "before the LORD" served as a constant reminder of Israel's dependence on divine sustenance and God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Pure (Hebrew, _tahor'_):** This adjective, used to describe the "pure table" (*shulchan ha-tahor*), signifies ceremonial cleanliness, sanctity, and freedom from ritual impurity. In the Old Testament, purity was essential for anything or anyone approaching God's holy presence. The table's "purity" was not merely about physical cleanliness but its consecrated status, set apart for sacred use in the Tabernacle. This emphasis highlights the meticulous standards God set for worship and the objects used in His service, reflecting His own unblemished holiness.
* **Before the LORD (Hebrew, _lifnei Yahweh'_):** This phrase denotes a direct presentation or placement in the immediate presence of God. It emphasizes that the showbread was not merely a ritual performed for human benefit or observation, but an act of worship and communion directly addressed to God Himself. The perpetual presence of the bread "before the LORD" underscored the ongoing nature of the covenant relationship and Israel's constant reliance on divine provision, serving as a visible memorial of their dependence and God's commitment.
* **Two rows, six on a row (Hebrew, _shtei ma'arakhot shesh ha-ma'arakhah'_):** This precise instruction details the specific arrangement of the showbread. The twelve loaves, representing the twelve tribes of Israel, were to be divided into two stacks of six. This numerical and symmetrical arrangement signifies completeness, order, and the unified representation of all Israel before God. It speaks to God's desire for order and intentionality in worship, ensuring that every aspect of the Tabernacle service was conducted with precision and purpose, reflecting divine perfection.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And thou shalt set them":** This imperative command is directed at the priests, specifically Aaron and his sons, who were responsible for the Tabernacle's daily operations. It underscores the priestly duty to meticulously arrange the showbread, highlighting that this was not an optional or casual task but a divinely ordained ritual requiring careful execution. The "them" refers to the twelve loaves of showbread, which were made from fine flour and baked weekly.
* **"in two rows, six on a row":** This clause provides the exact spatial arrangement for the loaves. The twelve loaves were to be stacked in two piles, with six loaves in each pile. This specific configuration was not arbitrary but held symbolic significance, likely representing the unity and completeness of the twelve tribes of Israel, all equally present and represented before God. The precision emphasizes God's demand for order and intentionality in worship.
* **"upon the pure table":** This specifies the sacred piece of furniture upon which the showbread was to be placed. The "pure table" (Table of Showbread) was one of the central furnishings in the Holy Place of the Tabernacle, crafted from acacia wood overlaid with pure gold. Its designation as "pure" signifies its consecrated status, set apart for holy use and ritually clean, reflecting the sanctity required for all objects in God's presence.
* **"before the LORD":** This crucial phrase indicates the ultimate recipient and audience of this offering. The showbread was placed directly in the divine presence, signifying a perpetual memorial and an ongoing act of worship and communion between God and His people. It underscored Israel's constant dependence on God's provision and His unwavering covenant faithfulness to them, as the bread remained continually before Him.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 24:6 primarily employs **Symbolism** and **Precision** as key literary devices. The showbread itself is a powerful **symbol** of God's perpetual provision for the twelve tribes of Israel, representing their sustenance and the ongoing covenant relationship. The very act of placing it "before the LORD" **symbolizes** the continuous presence of Israel before God, a constant memorial of their dependence and His faithfulness. The detailed instruction "in two rows, six on a row" exemplifies **precision**, emphasizing the divine demand for order, exactness, and intentionality in worship. This meticulousness reflects God's own perfect and orderly character, contrasting with human sloppiness or indifference. Furthermore, the "pure table" is a **symbol** of the holiness required in God's presence, where only consecrated and ritually clean objects could reside. The entire arrangement functions as a **type**, foreshadowing a greater reality of spiritual sustenance and divine presence in Christ.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 24:6, with its meticulous instructions for the showbread, powerfully communicates core theological themes of divine order, God's unwavering provision, and the nature of covenant relationship. The precision demanded in arranging the bread reflects God's own character of perfect order and His expectation of reverence in worship. The twelve loaves, representing the tribes of Israel, served as a perpetual reminder of God's commitment to sustain His people, both physically and spiritually, demonstrating His faithfulness even when they were unfaithful. This act of placing the bread "before the LORD" signified an ongoing, visible covenant presence, a constant memorial of Israel's dependence and God's enduring commitment to dwell among them. It was a tangible expression of their reliance on Him for life itself, a weekly reaffirmation of their unique relationship.

* [1 Samuel 21:6](/1_samuel/21-6 "1 Samuel 21:6 - David Eats the Showbread")
* [Matthew 12:4](/matthew/12-4 "Matthew 12:4 - Jesus References David and the Showbread")
* [John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus Declares Himself the Bread of Life")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed instructions in Leviticus 24:6, though seemingly archaic, offer profound lessons for contemporary believers. The emphasis on order, purity, and intentionality in setting the showbread "before the LORD" challenges us to consider the quality and sincerity of our own worship and service. Are we presenting our lives and offerings to God with the reverence and precision He deserves, or are we approaching Him casually? This verse reminds us that God values not just the act of worship, but the heart and intentionality behind it. Furthermore, the showbread's symbolism of God's perpetual provision calls us to deeper trust and dependence. Just as Israel relied on the weekly provision of bread, we are to rely on God for all our needs—physical, emotional, and spiritual. It encourages us to live a life continually "before the LORD," mindful of His presence and seeking to honor Him in every aspect, recognizing that true sustenance comes from Him alone.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail in this verse challenge my approach to worship and service?**
* **In what areas of my life do I need to cultivate greater intentionality and "purity" in my walk "before the LORD"?**
* **How does the symbolism of God's perpetual provision in the showbread encourage my trust in Him for daily needs?**

### FAQ
**What was the purpose of the showbread mentioned in Leviticus 24:6?**

Answer: The showbread, also known as the "bread of the Presence," served multiple significant purposes within the Tabernacle. Primarily, it symbolized God's perpetual provision for the twelve tribes of Israel, representing His faithfulness to sustain His people. Each of the twelve loaves stood for one of the tribes, signifying their unified presence before the LORD. It was a constant reminder of the covenant relationship between God and Israel, a visible memorial of their dependence on Him and His commitment to dwell among them. Its weekly renewal on the Sabbath underscored the ongoing nature of this divine-human relationship and the continuous need for divine sustenance.

**Why were there "two rows, six on a row" of showbread? What is the significance of this arrangement?**

Answer: The instruction to arrange the showbread in "two rows, six on a row" meant that the twelve loaves were stacked in two piles, with six loaves in each pile. This precise arrangement was highly symbolic. The number twelve is consistently used in the Bible to represent completeness and the entirety of God's people (e.g., the [twelve tribes of Israel](/genesis/49 "Genesis 49 - Jacob's Blessings and the Twelve Tribes"), the [twelve apostles](/matthew/10 "Matthew 10 - Jesus Calls the Twelve Apostles")). The two stacks could symbolize the two divisions of the tribes (e.g., northern and southern kingdoms, or simply a balanced representation of the whole). The meticulousness of the instruction itself highlights God's demand for order, precision, and reverence in worship, reflecting His own perfect nature. It ensured that the offering was presented in a way that honored His holiness and the unity of His people.

**What does "upon the pure table before the LORD" imply about the showbread and its setting?**

Answer: The phrase "upon the pure table before the LORD" emphasizes the sanctity and sacredness of the showbread and its context. The "pure table" (the Table of Showbread) was a consecrated piece of Tabernacle furniture, made of gold-overlaid acacia wood, signifying its separation for holy use. "Pure" here refers to ritual cleanliness and holiness, not just physical cleanliness. Placing the bread "before the LORD" means it was set directly in God's presence, in the Holy Place of the Tabernacle. This implies that the showbread was not merely a human ritual but a direct presentation to God Himself, a perpetual offering and memorial. It underscored the reverence required in God's presence and the ongoing, intimate nature of the covenant relationship, where Israel was continually represented before their divine Provider.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 24:6, with its detailed instructions for the showbread, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The showbread, perpetually displayed "before the LORD" as a symbol of God's provision and presence, points directly to Jesus as the true and living sustenance for humanity. He declared Himself the "[Bread of Life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")," stating that whoever comes to Him will never hunger and whoever believes in Him will never thirst. Unlike the physical bread that sustained Israel for a week, Jesus offers eternal spiritual nourishment, a life that truly satisfies. His body, broken on the cross, is the ultimate fulfillment of the sacrificial provision, enabling us to have true communion with God, just as the showbread facilitated a form of communion in the Tabernacle. Moreover, the showbread's placement "before the LORD" symbolized Israel's constant presence before God; in Christ, we have a superior and eternal High Priest who perpetually intercedes for us and represents us [before the Father](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Jesus Intercedes for Us"), granting us access to God's presence not through ritual bread, but through His own perfect sacrifice and ongoing advocacy. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, making us truly "pure" to stand [before the LORD](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Christ's Blood Purifies Conscience"), far beyond the ceremonial purity of the Tabernacle.

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 25:23

¶ 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: