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

EXODUS 25:30KJV
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Exodus 25:30 (KJV)

What does Exodus 25:30 mean?

Exodus 25:30 describes God’s instruction to Moses to place “shewbread” on a special table in the tabernacle so that it is always before God. This bread was to be set out continually as an offering in God’s presence, symbolizing a lasting relationship between God and the people of Israel.

In this verse, God is speaking to Moses while giving detailed instructions for building the tabernacle, Israel’s portable place of worship in the wilderness. The “shewbread” refers to twelve loaves that represented the twelve tribes of Israel, and placing them “before me alway” means they were to be kept in God’s presence at all times, signifying ongoing fellowship and remembrance.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 25:30

  • שֻׁלְחָן (shulchan, “table”): This word refers to a specific piece of furniture in the tabernacle, not just any table, highlighting its sacred purpose as the place for the shewbread.
  • לֶחֶם (lechem, “shewbread”): Often translated as “bread of the Presence,” this bread was not for ordinary eating but was set apart as a continual offering, emphasizing Israel’s constant place before God.
  • תָּמִיד (tamid, “alway”): This word means “continually” or “regularly,” showing that the bread was to be present at all times, not just on special occasions, underlining the ongoing nature of the relationship.

Why Exodus 25:30 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the shewbread was not a one-time or occasional offering but was to be kept before God at all times, stressing the idea of continual dedication.
  • The instruction connects the physical act of placing bread with a deeper spiritual meaning: Israel’s ongoing presence and relationship with God.
  • Understanding this detail helps make sense of later passages that mention the shewbread, showing its importance in Israel’s worship and daily life in the tabernacle.

Where else these words appear

“table” 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 20:34 So Jonathan arose from the table in fierce anger, and did eat no meat the second day of the month: for he was grieved for David, because his father had done him shame.
  • 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.

“alway” Hebrew H8548 · used in 103 verses

  • Exodus 27:20 And thou shalt command the children of Israel, that they bring thee pure oil olive beaten for the light, to cause the lamp to burn always.
  • 2 Samuel 9:7 And David said unto him, Fear not: for I will surely shew thee kindness for Jonathan thy father's sake, and will restore thee all the land of Saul thy father; and thou shalt eat bread at my table continually.
  • Psalms 105:4 Seek the LORD, and his strength: seek his face evermore.