At first glance, the table doesn’t appear to be anything of significance. It’s a table. It doesn’t contain the rod of Aaron or show off the Ten Commandments. It seems little more than an surface to hold the various items. However, the table and what it contains is a substantial part of the Tabernacle and represents a significant role in our worship to God.
First, let’s look at the table itself. Exodus 25:23-28 describes how the table was to be constructed. It was to be made of acacia wood and be approximately 3 feet long, 1 1/2 feet wide and 2 1/4 feet high. The table was then to be overlaid with pure gold and given a rim of about three inches on every side. This rim brings to mind a crown of sorts. There were to be four gold rings attached to the table at the four corners, and two poles inserted in the rings to carry the table with.
What did the table represent though? Acacia wood is somewhat incorruptible, being very hard, very heavy, and nearly indestructible to insects. It is also very beautiful with a fine grain and being brownish-orange in color. This part of the table represents the humanity of Christ. Like the wood of the acacia tree, Christ was born out of the earth, but was not as susceptible to the elements of the world. The solid gold that encapsulated the table is like the divinity that surrounded Christ’s body. It covers the table, protecting it from the outside elements.
Let’s talk about the items that were placed on the table. There were plates, utensils, pitchers, and bowls that were all made out of solid gold. Also on the table was the bread of Presence. The various golden items on the table represent that our place is set before God. We are invited to take a seat at his feast table. The bread is the sustenance that God provides to us through daily walking with him. It is our literal Daily Bread.
In addition to sustenance, the bread also represents the Twelve Tribes of Israel. The bread of Presence is talked about in Leviticus 24:5-6. The table in the Lord’s house is to always be spread and ready for the feast. This bread shows that there is plenty for everyone.
How does this all tie in to worship? We are invited to his table daily, but do we daily partake? All we have to do is pray and meditate on him in order to be in his presence, but do we do that? Such a simple act shows worship and love to God, but do we take the time out of our lives to display that to Him? His table is always open to us, His bread is available to us to provide daily for our needs. This is a daily form of worship that is vital to our growing in Him.
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