What can a table of bread and a lamp teach us about God?

“Be sure that you make everything according to the pattern I have shown you here on the mountain.”

Exodus 25:40 (NLT)

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Is that also true with construction drawings? As God told Moses how to build the tabernacle furnishings, He gave detailed instructions using many words. The furnishings within the tabernacle were copies of things in heaven. The Ark of the Covenant, Table of Showbread, and Gold Lampstand had heavenly counterparts. They also represented the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit respectively. We’ve already seen that the LORD dwelt between the two cherubim over the mercy seat (lid) of the Ark of the Covenant. Today we consider the Table of Showbread and Gold Lampstand.

The Table of Showbread held the twelve unleavened loaves of bread that were placed in the LORD’s presence and were changed each week. These twelve loaves represented the twelve tribes of Israel. They were continually before the LORD. But the table also pictures Jesus in His desire to have fellowship with us.

Do you remember what He said to the church of Laodicea?

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.”

Revelation 3:20 (NKJV)

Jesus loves to eat with people! Food is always a symbol of fellowship, for as we eat the same food, it unifies us. Jesus is the Bread of life who comes down from heaven. If we eat this Bread, we will never hunger, and if we believe in Him, we will never thirst (John 6:35).

Across from the Table of Showbread was the Gold Lampstand. This was hammered from a single piece of gold. It illuminated the inside of the tabernacle since there were no windows. This Gold Lampstand represents the Holy Spirit. In Revelation 1:4, the apostle John mentions the seven Spirits that are before the throne of God. The lampstand in the tabernacle had seven lamps. These symbolize the sevenfold work of the Holy Spirit (Isaiah 11:2). He illuminates the Scriptures, searches our hearts, and guides us in the way we should go.

Listening to building instructions can be boring. But when we realize that these furnishings were models of perfect things in heaven, then we can understand why God was so specific in His instructions to Moses. He does not want to be misrepresented.

Is Jesus the Bread of life to you? How can you “feed” on Him today? How can you invite the Holy Spirit to enlighten your way?