Showbread

Showbread (also known as the Bread of the Presence) was a type of bread that was always present on a specially dedicated table, in the Temple in Jerusalem in ancient Judaism. This bread, which was replaced every Sabbath, was seen as a perpetual offering. It consisted of twelve loaves, symbolizing the twelve tribes of Israel. The bread was made of fine flour and was baked with leaven.

History

The tradition of Showbread is rooted in the Bible, specifically in the Book of Exodus and Leviticus. According to these texts, the Showbread was to be placed on the golden table in the Tabernacle by Aaron and his sons, and eaten by them in the Holy Place, as it was considered a most holy part of their regular share of the offerings.

Preparation and Use

The Showbread was prepared with fine flour, and each loaf was to be the same size and shape. The bread was baked on the Sabbath, and placed on the table on the following day. The loaves were arranged in two stacks of six, with pure frankincense placed on each stack. The frankincense was later burned as a memorial portion.

The Showbread was to be eaten by the priests alone, in a holy place, as it was considered a part of the most holy offerings. When the bread was removed to be eaten, it was replaced with fresh bread. This ensured that the presence of the bread on the table was continuous.

Symbolism

The Showbread is seen as a symbol of God's everlasting covenant with the Israelites. The twelve loaves represent the twelve tribes of Israel, and the continuous presence of the bread signifies God's unending provision for his people.

In Christianity

In Christianity, the Showbread is seen as a foreshadowing of the Eucharist, where bread is used to represent the body of Jesus Christ. Some Christian traditions also see the twelve loaves as representing the twelve apostles.

See also

• Tabernacle
• Temple in Jerusalem
• Sabbath in Judaism
• Eucharist