Exodus 37:16

He also made the utensils for the table out of pure gold: its plates and dishes, as well as its bowls and pitchers for pouring drink offerings.

Study Bible

He also made the utensils for the table out of pure gold:
The use of pure gold for the utensils signifies the holiness and sanctity of the items used in the Tabernacle. Gold, being a precious and incorruptible metal, symbolizes the divine nature and glory of God. In the ancient Near East, gold was often associated with royalty and deity, underscoring the sacredness of the Tabernacle as God's dwelling place among His people. The craftsmanship of these utensils reflects the skill and dedication required for worship, emphasizing that offerings to God must be of the highest quality.

its plates and dishes:
These items were used for holding the bread of the Presence, also known as the showbread, which was placed on the table in the Holy Place. The bread symbolized God's provision and His covenant with Israel. The plates and dishes being made of gold highlight the importance of the showbread as a perpetual offering before the Lord. This practice is a precursor to the New Testament understanding of Jesus as the Bread of Life (John 6:35), who provides spiritual sustenance to believers.

as well as its bowls and pitchers for pouring drink offerings:
The bowls and pitchers were used for the drink offerings, which accompanied the grain offerings and were poured out as a libation to the Lord. This act of pouring out symbolizes the offering of one's life in service to God, a theme echoed in the New Testament by the Apostle Paul, who describes his life as being poured out like a drink offering (Philippians 2:17). The use of gold for these vessels underscores the value and significance of the offerings, pointing to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, whose blood was poured out for the redemption of humanity.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Bezalel
The skilled craftsman chosen by God to construct the Tabernacle and its furnishings, including the table and its articles.

2. Tabernacle
The portable sanctuary where God dwelled among the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness.

3. Table of Showbread
A sacred table in the Tabernacle where the showbread was placed, symbolizing God's provision and presence.

4. Israelites
The people of God who were delivered from Egypt and were journeying to the Promised Land.

5. Wilderness
The setting where the Israelites traveled and where the Tabernacle was constructed and used.

Teaching Points

God's Attention to Detail
The specific instructions for the table and its articles remind us of God's attention to detail and the importance of obedience in worship.

Symbolism of Gold
The use of pure gold signifies the value and purity required in approaching God, pointing to the holiness of worship.

Provision and Presence
The table and its articles symbolize God's provision and presence, encouraging believers to trust in God's continual care.

Christ as Fulfillment
The table of showbread foreshadows Christ as the true bread from heaven, inviting believers to find spiritual nourishment in Him.

Worship in Spirit and Truth
The meticulous preparation of the Tabernacle elements calls believers to worship God with reverence and sincerity.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the craftsmanship of Bezalel in making the table and its articles reflect the importance of using our skills for God's glory?

2. In what ways does the table of showbread symbolize God's provision and presence in your life today?

3. How can the detailed instructions for the Tabernacle furnishings inspire us to approach our worship and service with excellence?

4. What connections can you draw between the showbread in the Tabernacle and Jesus' declaration as the "bread of life" in the New Testament?

5. How can understanding the symbolism of the Tabernacle elements deepen your appreciation for the fulfillment of these symbols in Christ?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 25:23-30
Provides the initial instructions for making the table and its articles, emphasizing the importance of following God's detailed commands.

Leviticus 24:5-9
Describes the showbread that was placed on the table, highlighting its role in the worship and covenant relationship between God and Israel.

Hebrews 9:2
Mentions the table of showbread as part of the earthly sanctuary, drawing a connection to the heavenly realities fulfilled in Christ.

1 Kings 7:48
References the temple furnishings, showing continuity in the worship practices from the Tabernacle to the Temple.

John 6:35
Jesus refers to Himself as the "bread of life," connecting the provision of the showbread to the spiritual sustenance found in Christ.