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Numbers 4:7

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And upon the table of shewbread they shall spread a cloth of blue, and put thereon the dishes, and the spoons, and the bowls, and covers to cover withal: and the continual bread shall be thereon:

And upon the table {H7979} of shewbread {H6440} they shall spread {H6566} a cloth {H899} of blue {H8504}, and put {H5414} thereon the dishes {H7086}, and the spoons {H3709}, and the bowls {H4518}, and covers {H7184} to cover withal {H5262}: and the continual {H8548} bread {H3899} shall be thereon:

On the table of showbread they are to spread a blue cloth and place on it the dishes, incense pans, offering bowls and pitchers. The perpetual bread is to remain on the table.

Over the table of the Presence they are to spread a blue cloth and place the plates and cups on it, along with the bowls and pitchers for the drink offering. The regular bread offering is to remain on it.

And upon the table of showbread they shall spread a cloth of blue, and put thereon the dishes, and the spoons, and the bowls and the cups wherewith to pour out; and the continual bread shall be thereon:

Commentary

Numbers 4:7 details specific instructions for preparing the Table of Shewbread for transport by the Kohathite division of the Levites during Israel's wilderness journey. This verse highlights the extreme reverence and meticulous care required for handling the sacred furnishings of the Tabernacle, God's dwelling place among His people.

Context

This verse is part of a larger section in Numbers (chapters 3-4) that outlines the duties and responsibilities of the Levites concerning the Tabernacle. While the priests (Aaron and his sons) performed the sacrificial rites, the Levites were tasked with the Tabernacle's maintenance, dismantling, and transport. The Kohathites, specifically, were responsible for carrying the holiest items, including the Ark of the Covenant, the altar of incense, and the Table of Shewbread. The instructions here specify the precise coverings and handling procedures to ensure the sanctity of these items and to protect both the items and the people handling them, as direct contact could be fatal (Numbers 4:15).

Key Themes

  • Holiness and Reverence: The detailed instructions, including the specific color of the cloth and the careful arrangement of vessels, underscore the profound holiness of God's presence and the sacred objects associated with His worship. Everything connected to the Tabernacle was set apart.
  • Divine Order and Meticulousness: God's commands are precise, leaving no room for improvisation. This emphasizes the importance of obedience and order in serving Him, reflecting His own perfect nature.
  • God's Continual Provision: The "continual bread" (also known as the "bread of the presence") on the table symbolized God's faithful and unending provision for the twelve tribes of Israel. Even during transport, the symbolism of His sustenance remained.
  • Symbolism of Blue: The "cloth of blue" typically represents heavenly matters, divinity, and sanctity. Covering the holy items with blue signified their divine origin and purpose.

Linguistic Insights

The term "shewbread" (KJV) comes from the Hebrew lechem panim, which literally means "bread of the presence" or "bread of faces." This emphasizes that the bread was perpetually set before the face of God in the Holy Place, signifying constant communion and His abiding presence with Israel. It wasn't merely for show, but a tangible representation of God's covenant relationship and provision.

Practical Application

While we no longer have a physical Tabernacle, the principles of Numbers 4:7 remain relevant:

  • Reverence for God: The meticulous care shown for the Tabernacle's furnishings reminds us to approach God and His Word with reverence and respect. Our worship and service should be intentional and ordered.
  • God's Faithfulness: The "continual bread" is a powerful reminder of God's unchanging and faithful provision for His people. Just as He sustained Israel in the wilderness, He promises to meet our needs today (Philippians 4:19).
  • Christ, Our True Provision: Ultimately, the Table of Shewbread pointed forward to Jesus Christ, who declared Himself the "bread of life". He is the true and continual spiritual sustenance for all who believe, providing eternal life and spiritual nourishment.
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 (May 20, 2025) 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

  • Leviticus 24:5 (3 votes)

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

  • Leviticus 24:8 (3 votes)

    Every sabbath he shall set it in order before the LORD continually, [being taken] from the children of Israel by an everlasting covenant.

  • Exodus 37:10 (2 votes)

    ¶ 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:

  • Exodus 37:16 (2 votes)

    And he made the vessels which [were] upon the table, his dishes, and his spoons, and his bowls, and his covers to cover withal, [of] pure gold.

  • Exodus 25:23 (2 votes)

    ¶ 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 25:30 (2 votes)

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