The Table for Bread
Exodus 25:23-30
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Exo.25.23 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ועשית: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- שלחן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עצי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- שטים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- אמתים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ארכו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- ואמה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- רחבו: NOUN,m,sg,abs,3,m,sg
- ואמה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- וחצי: CONJ,NOUN,m,sg,const
- קמתו: NOUN,f,sg,abs,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Exod.37:10 (verbal): Bezalel's construction of the table repeats the same dimensions and materials, echoing the command in Exod 25:23 (direct workmanship/replication of the pattern).
- Lev.24:5-9 (structural): Prescribes the arrangement and use of the table (the showbread/’bread of the Presence’) placed on the table made as described in Exod 25–30, linking form to cultic function.
- 1 Sam.21:1-6 (thematic): Narrates David receiving and eating the showbread from the sacred table — an episode that presupposes the table and its ritual role described in Exod 25:23–30.
- Mark 2:25-26 (allusion): Jesus cites David eating the consecrated bread (the showbread) to justify an action, alluding to the table’s cultic function established in the Exodus instructions.
Alternative generated candidates
- And you shall make a table of acacia wood—two cubits long, a cubit wide, and a cubit and a half high.
- And you shall make a table of acacia wood—two cubits long, a cubit wide, and a cubit and a half high.
Exo.25.24 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וצפית: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- אתו: PRON,3,m,sg,acc
- זהב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- טהור: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- ועשית: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- זר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- זהב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- סביב: ADV
Parallels
- Exodus 25:11 (verbal): Same formula of overlaying a sacred object with pure gold and making a 'crown' (molding) of gold round about — here applied to the ark (instructional parallel within the same chapter).
- Exodus 37:16 (verbal): Bezalel’s actual construction of the table repeats the language: he overlaid it with pure gold and made a crown of gold round about (direct narrative fulfillment of the instruction).
- 1 Kings 6:21-22 (thematic): Solomon’s temple interior and its furnishings are overlaid with gold — thematically parallels the cultic practice of gilding sacred furniture to denote holiness and splendor.
- Hebrews 9:4 (allusion): The New Testament description of the tabernacle’s holy objects (including the ark) as overlaid with gold echoes the OT practice of gilding sacred pieces, showing continuity in the depiction of cultic furnishings.
Alternative generated candidates
- And you shall overlay it with pure gold, and you shall make for it a gold molding all around.
- And you shall overlay it with pure gold; and you shall make on it a gold molding all around.
Exo.25.25 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ועשית: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- מסגרת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- טפח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- סביב: ADV
- ועשית: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- זר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- זהב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- למסגרתו: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,cons+PRON,3,m,sg
- סביב: ADV
Parallels
- Exod.25.31-40 (verbal): Immediate parallel in the same unit: the wider description of the golden lampstand uses the same language of branches, knops, and ornamental work (frames/rims and gold molding) and completes the constructional instructions for the menorah.
- Exod.37.17-24 (structural): Craftsman Bezalel’s execution of the lampstand repeats and fulfills the earlier commands (Exod.25), echoing the same design motifs—knops, branches, and hammered/gold work—showing a direct textual repetition.
- Zech.4.2-3,11-14 (thematic): Zechariah’s vision of a golden lampstand with seven lamps (and attendant olive trees) draws on the lampstand motif from Exodus; both use the golden lampstand as a symbol of God’s presence and sustaining power.
- Rev.1.12-13,20 (allusion): John’s image of seven golden lampstands (the churches) alludes to the biblical menorah tradition begun in Exodus; the lampstand motif is repurposed to represent divine presence, witness, and illumination among the communities.
- 1 Kings 7:49 (thematic): Description of temple furnishings in Solomon’s temple (including golden utensils and lampstand-like items) reflects continuity with the Exodus instructions for cultic objects—similar materials (gold) and cultic function link back to Exodus’ menorah specifications.
Alternative generated candidates
- And you shall make for it a frame a handbreadth wide all around, and you shall make a gold molding for its frame all around.
- And you shall make for it a frame a handbreadth high all around, and you shall make a gold molding for its frame all around.
Exo.25.26 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ועשית: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- ארבע: NUM,card,f
- טבעת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- זהב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ונתת: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- הטבעת: NOUN,f,sg,def
- על: PREP
- ארבע: NUM,card,f
- הפאת: NOUN,f,pl,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- לארבע: PREP+NUM,card,f,pl
- רגליו: NOUN,m,pl,abs,suff:3,m
Parallels
- Exod.37.10 (verbal): Bezalel's execution of the table: repeats the command to make four rings of gold and set them on the four corners (direct craft parallel).
- Exod.25.12 (verbal): Instruction to cast four golden rings on the four corners of the Ark of the Covenant; same language and the same functional provision for poles.
- Exod.30.4 (verbal): Command to make four rings of gold for the altar of incense (placed under the moulding) for the insertion of poles — similar construction and purpose.
- Exod.25.13-15 (structural): Immediate/adjacent instructions specifying poles of acacia wood to be overlaid with gold and inserted into the rings — shows the functional relationship between rings and carrying poles.
- Hebrews 9.4 (thematic): NT summary of the tabernacle's sacred furnishings (ark, altar, etc.); thematically links the table's fittings to the broader cultic equipment of the sanctuary.
Alternative generated candidates
- And you shall make for it four rings of gold, and you shall put the rings on the four corners that are at its four legs.
- And you shall make for it four rings of gold, and you shall put the rings on the four corners at its four legs.
Exo.25.27 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- לעמת: PREP
- המסגרת: NOUN,f,sg,def
- תהיין: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,pl
- הטבעת: NOUN,f,sg,def
- לבתים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- לבדים: ADV
- לשאת: VERB,qal,inf
- את: PRT,acc
- השלחן: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Exodus 25:28 (structural): Immediate continuation of the same instructions for the table—specifies the border and directs making staves of acacia wood to carry the table, completing the unit of description begun in 25:27.
- Exodus 25:12–15 (verbal): Gives the same provision of rings and staves for the Ark of the Covenant (rings on its sides with staves), using the same language and transport method for sacred furniture.
- Exodus 27:6 (verbal): Commands that poles be made and put into rings to carry the bronze altar—parallel technical solution (rings and staves) applied to another cultic piece of furniture.
- Exodus 30:4 (verbal): Prescribes rings and staves for the altar of incense so it may be carried—another instance of the same wording and practice for movable sacred objects.
Alternative generated candidates
- Close to the frame the rings shall be, as holders for the poles to carry the table.
- And the rings shall be close by the frame, as holders for the poles, to carry the table.
Exo.25.28 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ועשית: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- הבדים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- עצי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- שטים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- וצפית: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- אתם: PRON,2,m,pl
- זהב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ונשא: VERB,qal,imprf,3,m,sg
- בם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- השלחן: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Exod.25.13-15 (verbal): Gives the same technical instruction to make staves (bars) of acacia (shittim) wood and overlay them with gold for carrying a sacred piece of furniture (here for the ark); closely parallels the wording and materials of 25:28.
- Exod.25.23-25 (structural): Adjacent instructions describing the construction of the Table of Showbread (dimensions, overlay of gold, and border), of which 25:28 is part—same object and constructional context.
- Exod.37.10-16 (quotation): Bezalel’s workshop account of actually making the table (and its fittings): repeats the design details (acacia wood, gold overlay, border) and so functions as a fulfillment/reenactment of the command in Exodus 25.
- Lev.24.6-8 (thematic): Prescribes the regular arrangement and use of the showbread on the table; thematically connected to the table’s ritual function for which the construction (including staves and gold overlay) is prescribed.
Alternative generated candidates
- And you shall make the poles of acacia wood and overlay them with gold, and with them the table shall be carried.
- And you shall make the poles of acacia wood and overlay them with gold, and the table shall be carried by them.
Exo.25.29 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ועשית: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- קערתיו: NOUN,f,sg,abs+3ms
- וכפתיו: NOUN,f,sg,abs+3ms
- וקשותיו: NOUN,f,sg,abs+3ms
- ומנקיתיו: NOUN,f,sg,abs+3ms
- אשר: PRON,rel
- יסך: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- בהן: PREP+PRON,3,f,pl
- זהב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- טהור: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- תעשה: VERB,qal,imf,2,m,sg
- אתם: PRON,2,m,pl
Parallels
- Exod.37:16-19 (verbal): Nearly identical description in the craftsman's account of the tabernacle: the table is made and 'its vessels — its plates, its bowls, its pitchers, and its bowls for pouring' are made of pure gold (verbatim parallel).
- Exod.35:11–16 (structural): Part of the earlier assembly/outfitting instructions and list of items to be made for the tabernacle (including the table and its utensils), corresponding to the production specifications given in 25:29. (Parallels the list of furnishings and materials.)
- Lev.24:5-9 (thematic): Describes the arrangement and purpose of the showbread on the table in the sanctuary; thematically connected to Exodus 25:29 because the bowls and utensils made of pure gold are those used in the service of the showbread described here.
- 1 Kings 7:48-50 (structural): Account of Solomon furnishing the temple with tables, bowls, shovels, basins, and other vessels — many of gold — reflecting the same functional set of holy utensils for sacred bread and service in the permanent temple setting.
Alternative generated candidates
- And you shall make its plates and its ladles and its pitchers and its bowls with which to pour out; of pure gold you shall make them.
- And you shall make its dishes and its ladles and its pitchers and its bowls with which to pour out drink offerings; of pure gold you shall make them.
Exo.25.30 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ונתת: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- על: PREP
- השלחן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- לחם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- פנים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- לפני: PREP
- תמיד: ADV
Parallels
- Leviticus 24:5-9 (verbal): Gives the detailed ritual instructions for the showbread (bread of the Presence), including arrangement on the table and the priests' consumption — direct cultic parallel to Exod 25:30.
- 1 Samuel 21:1-6 (thematic): Narrative example where David is given the consecrated showbread by Ahimelech; illustrates an exception/usage of the bread of the Presence described in Exod 25:30.
- Matthew 12:3-4 (allusion): Jesus cites the David-and-shewbread episode to justify his disciples' actions on the Sabbath, alluding to the function and use of the showbread in the royal/priestly tradition rooted in Exod 25:30.
- Hebrews 9:2 (verbal): New Testament description of the tabernacle furnishings explicitly names the table and the bread of the Presence, echoing the cultic furniture and function instituted in Exod 25:30.
- Ezekiel 44:30 (thematic): Prophetic/priestly regulation that assigns the bread of the Presence to the priests as a portion, reflecting the ongoing priestly significance of the showbread established in Exod 25:30.
Alternative generated candidates
- And you shall set on the table the bread of the presence before me continually.
- And you shall set on the table the bread of the Presence before me continually.
And you shall make a table of acacia wood—two cubits long, a cubit wide, and a cubit and a half high. And you shall overlay it with pure gold, and you shall make for it a gold molding all around. And you shall make for it a frame a handbreadth wide all around, and you shall make a gold molding for its frame all around. And you shall make for it four gold rings, and you shall put the rings on the four corners that are at its four legs.
Close to the frame shall the rings be, as holders for the poles, to carry the table. And you shall make the poles of acacia wood, and you shall overlay them with gold, and the table shall be carried by them. And you shall make its plates and its ladles and its pitchers and its bowls, with which to pour out drink offerings; of pure gold you shall make them. And you shall set on the table the bread of the Presence before me continually.