And by weight he gave gold for the tables of shewbread, for every table; and likewise silver for the tables of silver:

1 CHRONICLES 28:16KJV
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1 Chronicles 28:16 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 28:16 mean?

1 Chronicles 28:16 describes how King David assigned specific amounts of gold and silver, measured by weight, for making the tables used in the temple—especially the tables for the "shewbread" (the special bread placed before God). Each table had its own designated amount of precious metal, showing careful planning and provision for temple worship.

In this verse, David is giving Solomon detailed instructions for building the temple in Jerusalem. David is not only concerned with the overall structure but also with the exact materials for each item used in worship. The mention of both gold and silver tables highlights the importance and sacredness of the temple furnishings.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 28:16

  • מִשְׁקָל (mishqal, "weight"): This word means a measured amount by weight, emphasizing that the gold and silver were carefully weighed out, not estimated or guessed. It shows the precision and intentionality in preparing for the temple.
  • זָהָב (zahav, "gold") and כֶּסֶף (kesef, "silver"): These are the Hebrew words for gold and silver, the most valuable metals, underlining the honor given to the temple and its service.
  • שֻׁלְחָן (shulchan, "table"): This word refers to the tables in the temple, especially those used for the "shewbread." The repetition in the verse ("every table," "tables of silver") suggests multiple tables, not just one.
  • לֶחֶם הַפָּנִים (lechem hapanim, "shewbread"): The "shewbread" (literally "bread of the presence") was a special offering placed before God, symbolizing Israel's fellowship with Him.

Why 1 Chronicles 28:16 matters

  • This verse shows the level of detail and care David took in preparing for the temple, highlighting that worship involved both spiritual devotion and practical excellence.
  • It clarifies that the temple's furnishings were not left to chance or personal taste; every item was assigned its own portion of precious metal, reflecting order and reverence.
  • By specifying both gold and silver tables, 1 Chronicles 28:16 connects to the broader theme of the temple as a place of great value and holiness, where every detail mattered in honoring God.

Where else these words appear

“shewbread” Hebrew H4635 · used in 9 verses

  • Leviticus 24:6 And thou shalt set them in two rows, six on a row, upon the pure table before the LORD.
  • 1 Chronicles 9:32 And other of their brethren, of the sons of the Kohathites, were over the shewbread, to prepare it every sabbath.
  • 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.

“weight” Hebrew H4948 · used in 42 verses

  • Genesis 24:22 And it came to pass, as the camels had done drinking, that the man took a golden earring of half a shekel weight, and two bracelets for her hands of ten shekels weight of gold;
  • Numbers 7:67 His offering was one silver charger, the weight whereof was an hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering:
  • 1 Chronicles 22:14 Now, behold, in my trouble I have prepared for the house of the LORD an hundred thousand talents of gold, and a thousand thousand talents of silver; and of brass and iron without weight; for it is in abundance: timber also and stone have I prepared; and thou mayest add thereto.

“tables” Hebrew H7979 · used in 62 verses

  • 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.
  • 1 Samuel 20:29 And he said, Let me go, I pray thee; for our family hath a sacrifice in the city; and my brother, he hath commanded me to be there: and now, if I have found favour in thine eyes, let me get away, I pray thee, and see my brethren. Therefore he cometh not unto the king's table.
  • Job 36:16 Even so would he have removed thee out of the strait into a broad place, where there is no straitness; and that which should be set on thy table should be full of fatness.