Exodus 35 13

Exodus 35:13 kjv

The table, and his staves, and all his vessels, and the showbread,

Exodus 35:13 nkjv

the table and its poles, all its utensils, and the showbread;

Exodus 35:13 niv

the table with its poles and all its articles and the bread of the Presence;

Exodus 35:13 esv

the table with its poles and all its utensils, and the bread of the Presence;

Exodus 35:13 nlt

the table, its carrying poles, and all its utensils;
the Bread of the Presence;

Exodus 35 verses

Exodus 35 13 Meaning

Exodus 35:13 describes specific components designated for the Tabernacle: the table for the showbread, along with its carrying poles, all its accompanying utensils, and the showbread itself. This verse lists elements required for the priestly service within the holy place, emphasizing God's meticulous instructions for His dwelling among His people. It highlights the purpose of the table as holding the sacred "bread of the presence," symbolizing God's perpetual provision and fellowship.

Exodus 35 13 Context

Exodus chapter 35 details Moses' call to the Israelite community to contribute materials and skilled labor for the construction of the Tabernacle. This instruction comes after the incident of the golden calf (Exod 32), signifying a renewed covenant and God's desire to dwell among His people. Verses 10-19 provide a comprehensive list of all the items required for the Tabernacle's structure, furnishings, and priestly garments, mirroring the detailed commands given by God on Mount Sinai (Exod 25-31). Exodus 35:13 specifically focuses on the sacred furniture within the Holy Place, the table for the showbread, emphasizing its components as essential for maintaining God's prescribed worship. The chapter culminates in the people's willing and abundant response to this divine instruction, highlighting their repentance and eagerness to follow God's commands.

Exodus 35 13 Word analysis

• the table (Hebrew: הַשֻּׁלְחָן֙, hash-shul-chan):
  • This is not merely a common dining table but a sacred piece of furniture for divine service.
  • It was specifically made of acacia wood overlaid with pure gold, signifying purity, enduring strength, and divine glory.
  • Its precise dimensions (Exod 25:23) underscored its holy purpose as mandated by God, not human design.
• also (Hebrew: גַּם, gam):
  • Indicates this item is an addition to the preceding list of Tabernacle components, such as the ark of the testimony (Exod 35:12), showing continuity in God's commands.
• for the showbread (Hebrew: לֶ֥חֶם הַפָּנִ֖ים, le-chem ha-pa-nim - lit. "bread of the face" or "bread of the presence"):
  • Signifies bread presented before the face of God, denoting His perpetual presence and the Israelites' communion with Him.
  • It was twelve loaves, representing the twelve tribes of Israel, set out weekly, emphasizing God's covenant with His entire people.
  • The "bread of the presence" symbolized God's continual provision and sustenance for His covenant people. It stands against any notion of an absent deity, affirming an ever-present God who sustains His people.
• and its poles (Hebrew: וּבַדָּ֖יו, u-bād-dāw):
  • These poles, also gold-overlaid acacia wood, were inserted into rings on the table (Exod 25:27-28).
  • They were crucial for transporting the Tabernacle's furnishings during Israel's nomadic journey, underscoring the portable nature of God's presence and worship.
  • The poles were to remain in the rings, not removed, emphasizing the readiness for movement and the continuous sanctity of the items.
• and all its utensils (Hebrew: וְאֶת־כְּלָ֑יו, wə-’et-kə-lāw):
  • Refers to specific tools used in connection with the showbread service, including plates, dishes, bowls, and pitchers (Exod 25:29).
  • These utensils were also made of pure gold, highlighting their sacred function and the divine holiness associated with the ritual of the showbread.
• and the showbread (Hebrew: וְלֶ֥חֶם הַפָּנִֽים, wə-le-ḥem hap-pā-nîm):
  • The repetition of "showbread" emphasizes its critical importance. It's not just the table but the actual bread itself that is central.
  • This highlights the consumable and life-sustaining nature of God's provision, reinforcing the physical representation of spiritual truth.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "the table also for the showbread": This phrase establishes the specific purpose and sacred function of this particular piece of furniture. It is consecrated not just as a table, but as the support for God's continual presence with His people through the symbolic bread. It subtly emphasizes a theological point: worship spaces are designed around the worship activities, in this case, a table centered on God's provision.
• "and its poles, and all its utensils": This grouping highlights the completeness and functionality of the sacred furniture. The poles ensure mobility for God's dwelling, underscoring that His presence is not confined to one static location. The utensils indicate that a complete, precise service is required, emphasizing the orderliness and precision demanded in worship. These details signify that nothing related to the Lord's service is an afterthought; all must be perfect and prepared according to His will.

Exodus 35 13 Bonus section

The construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings, including the showbread table, represents a divinely ordained "sanctuary" or sacred space (Exod 25:8). This concept was pivotal in ancient Near Eastern religions, but here, it's polemical in nature. While surrounding cultures built temples for their gods to "reside," the Tabernacle showed that Yahweh was not limited by physical structures; instead, He chose to dwell among His people, moving with them. The Showbread table also countered pagan practices of offering food to inanimate idols; here, the "Bread of the Presence" was an offering to the living God, symbolizing His active relationship with His people and His divine self-sufficiency and constant provision, rather than a god needing food from humans. This commitment to precise instruction, down to every utensil and pole, taught Israel that true worship requires absolute obedience and adherence to God's revealed will, contrasting sharply with human-devised religious practices.

Exodus 35 13 Commentary

Exodus 35:13, as part of the detailed inventory for the Tabernacle, precisely lists the components of the showbread table: the table itself, its poles, its various utensils, and the showbread. This meticulous detail underscores the absolute necessity of following God's commands for building His dwelling. The "bread of the presence" served as a powerful symbol of God's faithful sustenance and communion with His covenant people, always laid before Him in the Holy Place. The poles demonstrate the portable nature of God's dwelling, signifying that His presence accompanies Israel throughout their journey. All parts were vital for a functioning sacred service. The repeated mention of "showbread" highlights its theological significance as a perpetual offering and symbol of life sustained by God's constant watchfulness. The Tabernacle, with items like the showbread table, was a shadow of divine realities (Heb 8:5), pointing to Christ as the ultimate Bread of Life who offers Himself for the sustenance of His people (John 6:35, 48-51).