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Study this verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Leviticus 24:1–9. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
Care is here taken, and orders are given, for the decent furnishing of the candlestick and table in God's house.
I.The lamps must always be kept burning.
The law for this we had before, Exo 27:20, Exo 27:21. It is here repeated, probably because it now began to be put in execution, when other things were settled.
1.The people were to provide oil (Lev 24:2), and this, as every thing else that was to be used in God's service, must be of the best, pure olive-oil, beaten, probably it was double-strained. This was to cause the lamps to burn; all our English copies read it lamps, but in the original it is singular in Lev 24:2 - to cause the lamp to burn; but plural in Lev 24:4 - he shall order the lamps. The seven lamps made all one lamp, in allusion to which the blessed Spirit of grace is represented by seven lamps of fire before the throne (Rev 4:5), for there are diversities of gifts, but one Spirit, Co1 12:4. Ministers are as burning and shining lights in Christ's church, but it is the duty of people to provide comfortably for them, as Israel for the lamps. Scandalous maintenance makes a scandalous ministry.
2.The priests were to tend the lamps; they must snuff them, clean the candlestick, and supply them with oil, morning and evening, Lev 24:3, Lev 24:4. Thus it is the work of the ministers of the gospel to hold forth that word of life, not to set up new lights, but, by expounding and preaching the word, to make the light of it more clear and extensive. This was the ordinary way of keeping the lamps burning; but, when the church was poor and in distress, we find its lamps fed constantly with oil from the good olives immediately, without the ministry of priest or people (Zac 4:2, Zac 4:3); for, though God has tied us to means, he has not tied himself to them, but will take effectual care that his lamp never go out in the world for want of oil.
II.The table must always be kept spread. This was appointed before, Exo 25:30. And here also,
1.The table was furnished with bread; not dainties nor varieties to gratify a luxurious palate, but twelve loaves or cakes of bread, Lev 24:5, Lev 24:6. Where there is plenty of bread there is no famine; and where bread is not there is no feast. There was a loaf for every tribe, for in our Father's house there is bread enough. They were all provided for by the divine bounty, and were all welcome to the divine grace. Even after the revolt of the ten tribes this number of loaves was continued (Ch2 13:11), for the sake of those few of each tribe that retained their affection to the temple and continued their attendance on it.
2.A handful of frankincense was put in a golden saucer, upon or by each row, Lev 24:7. When the bread was removed, and given to the priests, this frankincense was burnt upon the golden altar (I suppose) over and above the daily incense: and this was for a memorial instead of the bread, an offering made by fire, as the handful of the meat-offering which was burnt upon the altar is called the memorial thereof, Lev 2:2. Thus a little was accepted as a humble acknowledgment, and all the loaves were consigned to the priests. All God's spiritual Israel, typified by the twelve loaves, are made through Christ a sweet savour to him, and their prayers are said to come up before God for a memorial, Act 10:4. The word is borrowed from the ceremonial law.
3.Every sabbath it was renewed. When the loaves had stood there a week, the priests had them to eat with other holy things that were to be eaten in the holy place (Lev 24:9), and new ones were provided at the public charge, and put in the room of them, Lev 24:8. The Jews say, "The hands of those priests that put on were mixed with theirs that took off, that the table might be never empty, but the bread might be before the Lord continually." God is never unprovided for the entertainment of those that visit him, as men often are, Luk 11:5. Every one of those cakes contained two tenth-deals, that is, two omers of fine flour; just so much manna every Israelite gathered on the sixth day for the sabbath, Exo 16:22. Hence some infer that this show-bread, which was set on the table on the sabbath, was intended as a memorial of the manna wherewith they were fed in the wilderness. Christ's ministers should provide new bread for his house every sabbath day, the production of their fresh studies in the scripture, that their proficiency may appear to all, Ti1 4:1, Ti1 4:5.
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Summary
Leviticus 24:6 provides meticulous instructions for the arrangement of the showbread within the Tabernacle, detailing that twelve loaves were to be set in two precise rows of six upon the consecrated table, perpetually displayed in the divine presence. This seemingly simple directive encapsulates profound theological truths concerning God's demand for order and holiness in worship, His unwavering faithfulness in providing sustenance for His people, and the ongoing nature of the covenant relationship maintained through a visible, sacred offering continually presented before Him.
Context
Literary Context
Leviticus 24 is a chapter dedicated to the meticulous maintenance of the sacred elements within the Tabernacle's Holy Place, underscoring the importance of divine order and the sanctity of God's presence. Verses 1-4 detail the perpetual care of the golden lampstand and its pure olive oil, ensuring a continuous light before the LORD. Immediately following, verses 5-9 shift focus to the "bread of the Presence" (Hebrew: lechem ha-panim), specifying its composition, arrangement, and weekly renewal. Verse 6, the focus of this commentary, precisely dictates the layout of these twelve loaves on the golden Table of Showbread. The chapter then abruptly transitions (verses 10-23) to an account of a blasphemer and the laws concerning capital offenses, particularly for dishonoring God's name. This stark juxtaposition highlights the extreme reverence required in God's presence, contrasting the meticulous order of divine worship with the severe consequences of violating the covenant, thereby emphasizing the absolute sanctity of the divine name and presence.
Historical & Cultural Context
The instructions in Leviticus 24:6 are set within the context of the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary that served as the central place of worship and the dwelling of God's presence among Israel during their wilderness wanderings and prior to the construction of the Temple. 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, opposite the golden lampstand. The showbread itself consisted of twelve loaves, representing the twelve tribes of Israel, 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. This continuous display "before the LORD" served as a constant, tangible reminder of Israel's utter dependence on divine sustenance and God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant people, embodying a perpetual offering and memorial.
Key Themes
Leviticus 24:6 contributes significantly to several key themes prevalent throughout the book of Leviticus and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it underscores the theme of Divine Order and Holiness, demonstrating God's meticulousness in worship and His demand for precision and reverence in all that pertains to His presence. The exact arrangement of the showbread reflects the perfect order of God Himself. Secondly, the verse highlights God's Faithful Provision, as the showbread symbolized His ongoing sustenance for the twelve tribes, a tangible reminder that He provides for His people's physical and spiritual needs. This connects to themes of manna in the wilderness (e.g., Exodus 16) and God's care for His covenant community. Thirdly, it emphasizes the Covenant Relationship and Presence, as the bread was continually "before the LORD," serving as a perpetual memorial of Israel's presence before God and His commitment to dwell among them. This visible offering maintained a tangible expression of the covenant, a constant reminder of their unique status as God's chosen people, continually represented in His Holy Place.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This adjective (H2889), used to describe the "pure table" (שֻׁלְחָן הַטָּהֹר), signifies ceremonial cleanliness, sanctity, and freedom from ritual impurity. In the Old Testament, purity was not merely about physical cleanliness but a consecrated status, essential for anything or anyone approaching God's holy presence. The table's "purity" underscored its dedication to sacred use in the Tabernacle, highlighting the meticulous standards God set for worship and the objects used in His service, reflecting His own unblemished holiness and the separation required for divine encounter.
This feminine noun (H4634) denotes an arrangement, a pile, or specifically a military array, but here refers to the ordered placement of the loaves. The instruction to set the loaves in "two rows" (שְׁתֵּי מַעֲרָכֹת) emphasizes the precise, systematic, and intentional arrangement required for the showbread. This word highlights the divine insistence on order and structure in worship, contrasting with any haphazard or careless approach. It reflects God's character as a God of order, where every detail in His service is significant and purposeful, contributing to the overall sanctity and meaning of the ritual.
This plural noun (H6440), often translated as "face" or "presence" when combined with a preposition, signifies a direct presentation or placement in the immediate presence of God (לִפְנֵי יְהוָה, lifnei Yᵉhôvâh). 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 to dwell among them.
Verse Breakdown
"And thou shalt set them"
This imperative command is directed at the priests, specifically Aaron and his sons, who bore the responsibility for the daily operations and rituals within the Tabernacle. The verb "set" (H7760, sûwm) implies a deliberate, intentional placement. 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 and adherence to specific instructions. 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 distinct piles, with six loaves in each pile. This specific configuration was not arbitrary but held profound symbolic significance, likely representing the unity and completeness of the twelve tribes of Israel, all equally present and represented before God. The precision of this instruction emphasizes God's demand for order, symmetry, and intentionality in worship, ensuring that every aspect of the Tabernacle service was conducted with exactness and purpose, reflecting divine perfection.
"upon the pure table"
This specifies the sacred piece of furniture upon which the showbread was to be placed. The "pure table" (the 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" (H2889, ṭâhôwr) signifies its consecrated status, set apart for holy use and ritually clean, reflecting the sanctity required for all objects in God's presence and the meticulous separation of the sacred from the common.
"before the LORD"
This crucial phrase indicates the ultimate recipient and audience of this offering. The showbread was placed directly in the divine presence (H6440, pânîym, combined with H3068, Yᵉhôvâh), 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, serving as a tangible symbol of their ongoing relationship.
Literary Devices
Leviticus 24:6 primarily employs Symbolism, Precision, and Typology 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 that would be fully realized in the person and work of Jesus 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, highlighting that true life and sustenance flow from His presence.
Reflection and Application
The detailed instructions in Leviticus 24:6, though seemingly archaic and tied to an ancient Tabernacle ritual, offer profound and enduring 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 to God. Are we presenting our lives, our time, our talents, and our offerings to God with the reverence, intentionality, and precision He deserves, or are we approaching Him casually, haphazardly, or with indifference? This verse reminds us that God values not just the act of worship, but the heart and intentionality behind it, calling us to a life lived with purpose and devotion. Furthermore, the showbread's symbolism of God's perpetual provision calls us to deeper trust and dependence on Him. Just as Israel relied on the weekly provision of bread, we are to rely on God for all our needs—physical, emotional, and spiritual—recognizing that He is our ultimate Sustainer. It encourages us to live a life continually "before the LORD," mindful of His omnipresence and seeking to honor Him in every aspect, recognizing that true sustenance and flourishing come from Him alone.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What was the purpose of the showbread mentioned in Leviticus 24:6?
The showbread, also known as the "bread of the Presence" (Hebrew: lechem ha-panim), 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 both physically and spiritually. Each of the twelve loaves stood for one of the tribes, signifying their unified and constant presence before the LORD. It was a tangible and continuous 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 from God's hand.
Why were there "two rows, six on a row" of showbread? What is the significance of this arrangement?
The instruction to arrange the showbread in "two rows, six on a row" meant that the twelve loaves were stacked in two distinct 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, the twelve apostles). The two stacks could symbolize the two divisions of the tribes (e.g., the historical northern and southern kingdoms, or simply a balanced and unified representation of the whole nation). The meticulousness of the instruction itself highlights God's demand for order, precision, and reverence in worship, reflecting His own perfect nature and the importance of intentionality in approaching His holiness. It ensured that the offering was presented in a way that honored His divine character and the unity of His covenant people.
What does "upon the pure table before the LORD" imply about the showbread and its setting?
The phrase "upon the pure table before the LORD" emphasizes the sanctity, holiness, and divine audience 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" (Hebrew: ṭâhôwr) here refers to ritual cleanliness and holiness, not just physical cleanliness, indicating its set-apart status for God's service. Placing the bread "before the LORD" means it was set directly in God's presence, in the Holy Place of the Tabernacle, where His glory resided. 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, acknowledging His sovereignty and sustenance.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Leviticus 24:6, with its detailed instructions for the showbread, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who embodies the true and living sustenance for humanity. The showbread, perpetually displayed "before the LORD" as a symbol of God's provision and presence, points directly to Jesus as the "Bread of Life" (John 6:35). He declared that whoever comes to Him will never hunger and whoever believes in Him will never thirst, offering eternal spiritual nourishment that truly satisfies, unlike the physical bread that sustained Israel for a week. His body, broken on the cross, is the ultimate fulfillment of the sacrificial provision, enabling us to have true and lasting communion with God, far surpassing the limited communion facilitated by the showbread 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), granting us direct access to God's presence. Through His perfect sacrifice, we are made truly "pure" (Hebrews 9:14) to stand before the LORD, not through ceremonial purity, but through the cleansing power of His blood, which takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29) and establishes a new and living way into the holiest place (Hebrews 10:19-20).