God begins to give Moses instructions for the furniture and integral items for the Tabernacle. The first item mentioned is the heart of the Tabernacle, the Ark of the Covenant. It was to measure 3 3/4 feet long by 2 1/4 feet wide. It was to be overlaid with gold Inside and out, be outfitted with rings for poles to be inserted for carrying the ark. It would have a chamber inside that held the Testimony of the Lord. The chamber was covered by the mercy seat, which had two cherubim, one at each end facing each other. Their wings would cover the mercy seat and would stretch out and touch one another. God promised to appear to Moses above the mercy seat. This piece housed the presence of God. He was not restricted to the Ark, but He was found there.
The Table of the Showbread was to be 3 feet long and 1 1/2 feet wide. It would also be overlaid with gold and have rings for poles by which to carry the table. The table would hold the Showbread, a holy offering to the Lord. Showbread could just as easily be translated “presence bread” because it must always be in the presence of the Lord (the Ark). It was left on the table for a week, then replaced. The priests could eat it after it was removed from the table, as long as it was eaten in a holy place.
These items began the official fitting of the tabernacle as a place of worship. The Ark and the Table symbolized Spiritual presence. The ark was where God’s express presence would reside. The Table also represented God’s presence, but not directly. I believe it is possible that the bread could be a type or shadow of Jesus Christ Himself, the Bread of Life.
Today, we are representatives of the Ark, as we are the temple of the Holy Spirit, carrying the presence of the Lord with us. We carry the Bread of Life with us in the person of Jesus Christ, and in the knowledge of the Word of God. Therefore, these items were not only types of Christ, but also of the work of the Son and the Spirit in the life of the believer. Carry the Presence and share the Bread!
Devoted To You 