EXODUS 25:23-30 THE FIRST TABLE A table is made to support and keep above the earth, and contamination, whatever is placed on it. This first mention of a table in the Bible was a table made to hold the "bread of exhibition" that speaks of our Lord Jesus Christ in His perfection of character - pure, holy, balanced with a sense of evenness. There was a fragrance also at that table because of the frankincense that was put on the bread. The twelve loaves were a pound each, so they must have been rounded up in their shape to fit on the table. Each testified as to one of the tribes of Israel and the orderliness God expects from His association and unity with them. This is also a shadow of how believers today are connected in holy fellowship with our Lord Jesus Christ.
In these verses the table is what is to be considered because it is a type of our Lord Jesus Christ. We are separated from the world by Him. We "are in the world, but not of the world." The wood and the gold speak of the humanity and deity of our Lord. The table itself speaks of the need and blessing of fellowship with Him in order to find the spiritual nourishment from God we need. The crown around the edge of the table would keep everything on the table from falling off onto the ground. The "border of a hand-breath" would keep every loaf on the table in place and orderly. Each Israelite tribe was represented individually and each touched other loaves beside it. Each was different and yet similar. Their testimony was in what they had in common not their differences. The table teaches us that the One who has saved us and separated us from the world, has imparted to us His divine nature. His life is our life. We have been given eternal life. The crown around the table reminds us that we are secure and don't need to think "any man will pluck us out" of His hand and the Father's hand. He is holding us safe until we reach home.
The "border of a hand breadth" must have kept each loaf in place, and in touch with the ones next to it. The blessing of the table could only be experienced inside the Holy Place. The bread is called "cakes" (pierced cakes), probably a practical way to hasten the baking process. Our Lord Jesus was pierced when He suffered and there was a fragrance on Him and in Him that could not be mistaken. The bread is called the "shewbread", or "bread of presence" indicating a unique beauty in the order as well as the sustaining spiritual nourishment that came from the bread. The table on the right side of the Holy Place, raised that bread to where it could be easily observed and then partaken of by worshipping and serving priests once a week. In other places its is called "continual bread." It was always there even when traveling, though then it was covered with blue, then the dishes and other things placed on the table and that was covered with scarlet and the scarlet was covered with a badger's skin. The table was not available nor open to any who was not a true priest, or any priest who chose to do things his own way.
When David ate the bread from that table of shewbread, the ark wasn't there. Ahimelech could give that to ones who were not priests because the presence of God was removed from that place. A form can be followed, and is followed today in many places, that looks similar to what God intended but is not of any value because God is not there. In some places, the ordinance that is supposed to be the Lord's Supper is open to any and all who want to partake of that which speaks of Christ, but He is not there. Some take the bread thinking their sins will be forgiven. Other people have other reasons which are not biblical.
For seven days the twelve loaves rested on that table where God could look upon it and be satisfied with the testimony it gave. After that which satisfied God's heart had been there seven days and was removed and replaced with twelve new loaves, then it was given to the priests to eat in that place and satisfy their needs. The bread made of fine flour was the very best there was. The priests could take the same food that satisfied God in relation to the perfections of Christ, and make it their own. The risen and glorified Christ is typified in the table. We are risen and glorified "together with Him." He satisfies God and supports His people. We are in fellowship, nourished and sustained in the sanctuary of God by the Bread of God. Fellowship and communion must be a careful concern of ours because divine development and growth follows the divine new birth we have experienced. These loaves of bread were eaten in that special, chosen place. In order for us to enjoy Christ, we must be in fellowship with Him. In our communion with Him, our souls are fed by His Word and thoughts that feed my soul from the scriptures nourishes and strengths me to live for Him and witness about Him. His perfection has brought us to God and it is His perfection that maintains our communion with God.
The table of shewbread lifts us up from the world's dissatisfaction to where we have communion and fellowship with God because of our position in and on Christ. Then also we feed on Him and are given the sustenance to maintain an on-going testimony week by week. As the bread was changed weekly, so we are strengthened and built up in our faith week by week as our communion and fellowship together with the saints of God is continued.
What's so important about a table? It has only four legs and a top. A table in the wilderness spread with good things Is a wonderful place to stop And find what is needed to refresh the soul As well as the body with what on the table is placed.
By eating there, spirit and body become full And we are blessed as we experience God's grace.
The table lifts food up from all that defiles, From the world and its ways, we are separated. As we are seated at the table, we are greeted with smiles Of others who also to God are consecrated. A unique fellowship is shared by all who attend - In communion together with God, we are fed. The thoughts and words expressed, and the time we spend Assures us the Holy Spirit at the table has led.
A table with four legs may seem a simple thing to many, But to those world-wide in the sanctuary there is deep meaning. Sitting at that table with the Bread of God, more than any Of earth's forms, is in no way a slight or demeaning - Because the Type is there, our Lord Jesus Christ; In the table, in the bread, in His people, Brings to our hearts and minds way more than twice, The fact that in Christ we all are equal.
By sitting at a table, I hope I am reminded This simple act of fellowship lets me Experience by faith the enjoyment of what God has provided And the Object of my faith I can see. I look across and see others looking too At the provision that on the table is spread. And each expressed thought that is caused to arise anew The blessings, by which God each one of us has fed.
"I am so thankful, Father, that the Lord Jesus Christ has provided a way by which Thy people are lifted above the contaminated provisions of the world to feed upon the Living Bread from heaven. What satisfaction there is in the Bread and what great fellowship there is at His table. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."