Topical Bible: Eating: Table Used In

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, the table is a significant symbol and setting for various acts of eating, fellowship, and covenant. The table is often associated with hospitality, community, and divine provision. Throughout Scripture, the table serves as a place where God's people gather to share meals, celebrate feasts, and partake in sacred rituals.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the table is frequently mentioned in relation to the tabernacle and temple worship. The "Table of Showbread" in the tabernacle, for instance, held the bread of the Presence, which was a perpetual offering before the Lord. Exodus 25:30 states, "And place the Bread of the Presence on the table before Me at all times." This table symbolized God's provision and His covenant with Israel.

The table is also a setting for familial and communal meals. In 1 Samuel 20:29, David speaks of a family meal, saying, "Please let me go, because our family has a sacrifice in the city, and my brother has commanded me to be there." Such gatherings were integral to the social and religious life of the Israelites.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the table continues to hold significant meaning, particularly in the ministry of Jesus Christ. Jesus often used the table as a place for teaching and fellowship. In Luke 22:14-20, during the Last Supper, Jesus shares a meal with His disciples and institutes the Lord's Supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is poured out for you" (Luke 22:20). This event underscores the table as a place of covenant and remembrance.

The table is also a place of inclusion and grace. Jesus was known for dining with tax collectors and sinners, as seen in Matthew 9:10, where it is written, "While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with Him and His disciples." This act demonstrated the breaking of social barriers and the extension of God's grace to all people.

Symbolism and Spiritual Significance

The table in Scripture is rich with symbolism. It represents God's provision, as seen in Psalm 23:5 , "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies." Here, the table signifies God's abundant care and protection even amidst adversity.

Furthermore, the table is a metaphor for the Kingdom of God. In Luke 14:15, Jesus speaks of the great banquet, saying, "Blessed is the one who will eat at the feast in the kingdom of God." This imagery points to the eschatological hope of believers, where the table becomes a symbol of eternal fellowship with God.

Practical Implications

For believers, the table is a reminder of the importance of community and hospitality. It is a place where relationships are nurtured, and faith is shared. The practice of gathering around the table for meals, whether in family settings or church communities, reflects the biblical tradition of fellowship and unity.

In summary, the table in biblical terms is more than a piece of furniture; it is a profound symbol of God's covenant, provision, and the inclusive nature of His Kingdom. Through the act of eating at the table, believers are invited to experience and extend the grace and fellowship that God offers to all.

Nave's Topical Index

Judges 1:7
And Adonibezek said, Three score and ten kings, having their thumbs and their great toes cut off, gathered their meat under my table: as I have done, so God has requited me. And they brought him to Jerusalem, and there he died.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Eating of the Peace-Offering
... participation with God, as symbolised by the eating of the ... us from Him, as they do
when used in selfish ... us, not disdaining to sit at the poor table which we ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the eating of the peace-offering.htm

Christ and his Table-Companions "And when the Hour was Come, He ...
... In the next place, eating and drinking together was a token of ... and well it may, for
it is mostly used as a ... You have no right to come to that table unless you ...
/.../spurgeon/till he come/christ and his table-companions and.htm

Augustin a Priest
... Augustin, who was very temperate in eating and drinking, seemed at table to pay ... He
used to say to those Christians who paraded a Pharisaic severity ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bertrand/saint augustin/iv augustin a priest.htm

The Annunciation
... the house and stand praying at a little round table. Then, after eating some vegetables
set before them, they ... Different-colored woods had been used to make a ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/viii the annunciation.htm

A Friend for the Sorrowful
... put round the table, and the visitors used to lie ... Their heads were near the table,
and their feet were ... they could raise themselves up while they were eating. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/the good shepherd/chapter vii a friend for.htm

Meditation vi. The Last Pasch.
... some round loaves instead of plates, and they used ivory knives ... Blessed Virgin also,
as she sat at table with the ... one of the twelve who are eating and drinking ...
/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/meditation vi the last pasch.htm

Judas Exposed.
... No knives, forks or spoons are used at an Eastern table, but the fingers only, which
are always carefully washed before eating. These are dipped in the dish. ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/judas exposed.htm

Judas' Betrayal and Peter's Denial Foretold.
... thus said, ^b as they sat and were eating, ^d he ... of one whose hand rested on the
table, who was ... [According to Oriental custom, knives and forks were not used. ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/cxix judas betrayal and peters.htm

Meditations Before Dinner and Supper.
... than eating and drinking, so the abuse of eating and drinking ... there are dishes of
meat on thy table, O suffer ... It may be, because thou hast never used to give ...
/.../bayly/the practice of piety/meditations before dinner and supper.htm

Preparation for Passover. Disciples Contend for Precedence.
... [The word "temptations" is here used to mean trials (James 1:2, 3 ... The words concerning
eating and drinking at the Lord's table refer to the ancient custom of ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/cxvii preparation for passover disciples.htm