Exodus 25:30

And thou shalt set upon the table shew-bread— In the Hebrew, bread of the faces; so called, because it was to be placed before the sanctuary or the immediate presence of Jehovah. We refer to Leviticus 24:5; Leviticus 24:23 for a fuller account of this bread shewn or exhibited constantly before God, and therefore rendered by us shew-bread. The Gentiles imitated this custom also, with whom it was usual to have sacred tables in their temples, and to set upon them meat and drink in honour of their gods: many of whom were supposed themselves to devour the food set upon the table; a proof of which we have in the apocryphal history of Bel and the Dragon: but, in general, this meat and drink was appropriated to the use of the priests. Leviticus 24:9. Le Clerc observes, that this rite was designed to be a standing memorial to the Jews, of their being peculiarly indebted to God for furnishing them with such rich provision in the wilderness and in the land of Canaan. But, further than this, it is most likely to have had a much higher and nobler aspect to things future, as we have before observed.

REFLECTIONS.—Few words relate the glorious work of the creation of all things; here every particular is nicely described and insisted upon. Note; The church of God is more precious in his account than all the other works of his hands.

1. The ark of the testimony is described; so called, as containing God's testimony of his will and their duty. The furniture of the most holy place is first appointed; and this is the most distinguished part. A chest over-laid within and without with gold, capable of containing the two tables of stone, on which the law was to be written, was to be prepared; a cornice of gold was to surround it at the top, and four golden rings were to be placed at the corners for its more convenient carriage. Learn, (1.) Our hearts should be this ark of gold, purified by divine grace, and full of love, which is the fulfilling of the law. (2.) Where God's presence is with any soul, obedience will be its delight. (3.) Whenever the law of God is truly made our rule of conduct, and we delight in it after the inner man, it is a testimony of our simplicity and God's approbation.

2. The mercy-seat was the covering of the ark, and made of solid gold, whereon the blood of the atonement was sprinkled. Christ is the true mercy-seat, standing between a holy law and an offended God, to make reconciliation for the sins of his people.
3. The cherubim of gold: they were emblematical figures of angels, bending towards the mercy-seat, in token of adoration, or deep contemplation of the mysteries of grace therein contained; and winged, to signify the speed, alacrity, and delight, with which they obey the Divine commands. From between these cherubim, above the mercy-seat, God promises to meet and commune with his people. Note; They who draw near to God in his appointed way will find him ever ready to hear and answer them.

4. The table of shew-bread and its appurtenances are directed to be made, to stand in the holy place. Twelve loaves were placed upon it continually in token of their thankfulness for the provision in the wilderness, and afterwards for their abundance in Canaan. Note; (1.) Our daily bread is God's, and should be sanctified by daily prayer and thankful acknowledgment. (2.) They who visit God's house shall be fed with his bread. He has consolations to bestow sweeter than manna, and more strengthening to our souls than bread to our bodies.

See commentary on Exodus 25:23