Book of Numbers 4:7-8 – How to Approach the Holy Table. The shewbread table, wrapped in heavenly blue, the blood-red covering, and hidden under badger skins, points to Christ’s presence, sacrifice, and mystery. Scriptures reveal it as a place of communion, joy, and reverence, where bread represents His body and wine His Spirit. Like Aaron’s daily service, believers are to come prepared—rested, Spirit-filled, and discerning the Lord’s body—carrying His truth, presence, and covenant in our hearts wherever we go.
Book of Numbers 4:7-8 – How to Approach the Holy Table
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Book of Numbers 4:7-8 – How to Approach the Holy Table
Scriptures used in the lesson:
1 john 1:1, Leviticus 24:5-9, 1 Corinthians 12:27, Exodus 31:13-17, Numbers 28:3-9, Ephesians 5:18-21, Ecclesiastes 9:7, 2 Samuel 13:28, Esther 1:10, Numbers 4:7-8, 1 Corinthians 2:9-10, 1 Corinthians 2:14,
Introduction and Opening Scripture
Tonight is going to be fun. It’s going to be exciting. I want you to look in your Bible with me to the book of 1st John, chapter 1. I want to read a verse here before we dive into what I feel the Lord has for us.
We’re going to be looking tonight at the shewbread table. The table of shewbread will start on your notes on page 80. Probably progressing through around page 85, hopefully, if everything goes well. So you’ve got more than enough notes. And of course, I’d like for you to take these home, study them, and get some thoughts. And when we come back together, look at the things the Lord shows you.
Book of Numbers 4:7-8 – How to Approach the Holy Table
1 John 1:1
1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life;
The Word of Life and How We Handle It
Do we genuinely believe that the Word of God, the written logos, is the Word of Life? Did the Word become flesh and dwell among us? Is Scripture the very mind of God in written form, showing us how He thinks, what He expects from us, and what we can expect from Him? It is the Word of Life.
Sadly, most Christians do not believe that. If we did, we would treat it with much greater passion. We would be eager to share what we read, calling others to discuss Scripture, and coming to church ready to tell what the Lord has shown us. If we genuinely believed it was the Word of Life, we would use it more. The truth is, we often do not handle it well. That may be why so many of us face unnecessary problems. We blame the devil, but the Bible tells us, “Draw nigh to God… resist the devil, and he will flee.” One way to draw near to God is through His Word.
Book of Numbers 4:7-8 – How to Approach the Holy Table
Introduction to the Shewbread Table
On page 80 of the notes, we turn to the subject of the shewbread. This study follows the movement of the Tabernacle of Moses. The clothes have been wrapped and prepared for transport by the Gershonites. Last week, the veil was removed and placed over the Ark of the Covenant, preparing it for the journey. This week, the focus is on getting the shewbread table ready. This table was located on the north side of the tabernacle, just inside the entrance. It stood about 24 inches high—closer to a coffee table than a dining table—and was used as a kneeling table.
The Shewbread Table in Scripture
The shewbread table stood about 24 inches high and was of a certain width based on my conversion from cubits to feet. For comparison, the table you are sitting at is about 30 inches high. This shows the difference between a standard eating table and this type of table.
Book of Numbers 4:7-8 – How to Approach the Holy Table
The shewbread table was not designed for dining like a modern table. It was more similar in height to a coffee table found in homes. Its primary purpose was to serve as a kneeling table. That is the table we are focusing on in today’s study.
Leviticus 24:5-9
5 And thou shalt take fine flour, and bake twelve cakes thereof: two tenth deals shall be in one cake.
6 And thou shalt set them in two rows, six on a row, upon the pure table before the LORD.
7 And thou shalt put pure frankincense upon each row, that it may be on the bread for a memorial, even an offering made by fire unto the LORD.
8 Every sabbath he shall set it in order before the LORD continually, being taken from the children of Israel by an everlasting covenant.
9 And it shall be Aaron’s and his sons’; and they shall eat it in the holy place: for it is most holy unto him of the offerings of the LORD made by fire by a perpetual statute.
Book of Numbers 4:7-8 – How to Approach the Holy Table
Leviticus 24:5 commands the making of twelve cakes from fine flour. Each cake was to be two-tenths of a deal. They were to be placed in two rows, six in each row, on the pure table before the Lord. Pure frankincense was to be put on each row as a memorial, an offering made by fire to the Lord. Every Sabbath, this order was to be set continually before the Lord as an everlasting covenant from the children of Israel. The bread would belong to Aaron and his sons, and they were to eat it in the holy place. It was most holy to the Lord, made by fire, and a perpetual statute.
This passage emphasizes that the bread was “most holy” and that this was a “perpetual statute.” That means it was to be a continuous practice, something to be done always. God declared that He wanted this before Him at all times.
If “perpetual” truly means forever, then it includes all time—even beyond this present age. That would mean the practice and meaning of this table extend into the age to come. Therefore, what we are studying here is not limited to the present. It is for all time. Because it is holy to the Lord, we must approach it with reverence, understanding that we are dealing with a sacred thing.
Book of Numbers 4:7-8 – How to Approach the Holy Table
The Memorial Connection
In the book of Matthew, there is a story about a woman with an alabaster box filled with precious ointment. She poured the ointment on the head of Jesus. The disciples did not understand and thought she should have sold it to give the money to the poor. Jesus explained that what she had done was for a memorial in preparation for His burial.
The bread placed on the table in the Tabernacle was sprinkled with frankincense. Remarkably, nearly 2,000 years before the birth of Jesus, God was already teaching His people the principles symbolized by this table. Even 2,000 years after Christ’s birth, He continues to work these same truths into His people. This practice is perpetual—it will continue forever.
What we are studying here was done by our ancestors and will be done by our children, grandchildren, and future descendants for thousands of years to come. It is part of our spiritual heritage. This table and its meaning are both perpetual and holy.
Book of Numbers 4:7-8 – How to Approach the Holy Table
1 Corinthians 12:27
27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
Jesus is the bread of life, as stated in John 6. The bread represents His body. He told the disciples this when He blessed, broke, and gave it to them, saying, “Take, eat, this is my body.” Paul further explains in 1 Corinthians 12:27 that we, as believers, are also the body of Christ.
Paul warns that some become sick or even die because they fail to discern the body. The bread was a memorial, just as the woman’s anointing of Jesus with frankincense was a memorial. In the same way, we as the body are also memorials. God has anointed us with the Holy Spirit, making us living memorials.
When we touch each other’s lives, we are touching the body of Christ. In 1 John 1, we read about handling the Word of Life—this is what we are to each other. We are the memorial, the bread, and the body of Christ. Our actions toward one another bring either life or death. To handle one another is to handle Christ Himself. How we treat each other is how we treat Him.
Book of Numbers 4:7-8 – How to Approach the Holy Table
The weight of our actions is enormous. What we do today can affect our children tomorrow and even our grandchildren decades from now. The influence we have stretches far beyond the present moment.
The Twelve Loaves and Their Meaning
On page 81, the focus shifts to the twelve cakes of shewbread. Every Sabbath, twelve loaves were placed on the table—six in one stack and six in the other. Each loaf represented one of the twelve tribes of Israel. This bread was made without leaven, which made it especially heavy. Having baked it before, I know it was dense and weighty.
When stacked six high on each side, it made for a large amount of bread. Yet there was always enough for everyone. In the same way, there is more than enough of Jesus for all who come to Him. Likewise, the body of Christ is sufficient for everyone in the world to be ministered to, and still, there would be more to give.
The twelve loaves also symbolize that every tribe had its portion. No matter where you come from or who you are, there is a place for you in God’s provision. The bread of life is abundant for every person, in every nation, for all time.
Book of Numbers 4:7-8 – How to Approach the Holy Table
If the twelve loaves represented the people, then in the New Testament, the bread of life becomes Christ, and we, as His body, also become the bread of life. We partake of one another spiritually. There is enough of this bread—enough of Christ in us—for every color, kindred, tongue, and race. There is more than enough to go around.
In the Old Testament, the bread was baked every Friday for the Sabbath. Jesus was crucified on a Friday. This was no coincidence; it was part of God’s plan. Just as the bread was prepared and ready to be placed on the table for the Sabbath, Jesus was prepared for the cross and descended into the depths before rising again.
After His crucifixion, Jesus’ body was laid in a tomb on what could be described as a stone table or ledge. This mirrors the shewbread being placed on the table before God. Frankincense was sprinkled on the bread, just as Christ’s life was an offering to God. Scripture calls us to “taste and see that the Lord is good.” All of this was part of an everlasting covenant, carefully arranged by the Father from the beginning.
Book of Numbers 4:7-8 – How to Approach the Holy Table
The Sabbath Principle
Leviticus 24:9 says that the bread was to be eaten by Aaron and his sons in the holy place. It was most holy to the Lord and was part of the offerings made by fire as a perpetual statute. This act foreshadowed Jesus, who descended into the fire of hell. The priests entered the holy place not just weekly, but twice each day. Each time, they would check the lampstands, lift the incense, and minister at the table before the Lord.
Leviticus 24:8 also states that every Sabbath the bread was to be set in order continually as part of an everlasting covenant. The Sabbath principle becomes the focus here. The biblical Sabbath is Saturday, the seventh day, not Sunday as is often taught. Many people mistakenly treat Sunday as the Sabbath and apply rules against working, but the true scriptural Sabbath is Saturday.
Book of Numbers 4:7-8 – How to Approach the Holy Table
The Shewbread Table as a Place of Communion
The principle of the Sabbath is rest. It is a sign between God and His people that has always existed and will always remain. This principle is perpetual and everlasting. The Sabbath is not only about physical rest, but also about a set-apart time to acknowledge and honor the Lord.
Exodus 31:13-17
13 Speak thou also unto the children of Israel, saying, Verily my sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that ye may know that I am the LORD that doth sanctify you.
14 Ye shall keep the sabbath therefore; for it is holy unto you: every one that defileth it shall surely be put to death: for whosoever doeth any work therein, that soul shall be cut off from among his people.
15 Six days may work be done; but in the seventh is the sabbath of rest, holy to the LORD: whosoever doeth any work in the sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death.
16 Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant.
17 It is a sign between me and the children of Israel for ever: for in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed.
Book of Numbers 4:7-8 – How to Approach the Holy Table
So as long as you’re producing generations, that sign’s still going on. And the sign is a Sabbath. Am I right?
Now, why? Why is it a sign? And why is it such a big thing? Why is it a sign? And why is it a sign between him and us and his generations and those saints? Well, he gives us that. “Ye may know that I am the Lord that doeth sanctify you.”
The Sabbath today carries a deeper meaning than simply taking time to rest or sleep. When practiced according to God’s intended principle, it has the power to sanctify us. It sets us apart from the world and draws us closer to the Lord.
Observing the Sabbath also helps us recognize and understand that He truly is our Lord. It is more than a physical break—it is a spiritual discipline. By working this principle into our lives, we allow it to shape our relationship with God and strengthen our identity as His people.
Verse 14: “Ye shall keep the Sabbath, therefore, for it is wholly unto me. It is wholly unto you. Everyone that defieth it shall surely be put to death.” How many of you know the Lord was pretty serious about this? Yeah.
Book of Numbers 4:7-8 – How to Approach the Holy Table
“For whosoever doeth any work therein, that soul shall be cut off from among his people. Six days may work be done, but in the seventh is the Sabbath of rest.” The primary principle that we start off with, understanding the Sabbath, is that it’s rest, holy to the Lord. It’s a rest day, holy to the Lord. “Whosoever doeth any work in the Sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death.”
Verse 16: “Wherefore, the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations for a perpetual covenant.” There we go again. It’s this thing that goes on and on and on.
It is a sign between me and the children of Israel forever. I didn’t write it here, but Galatians chapter 6, verse 16 says that now ye are the children of Israel. You are the children of God.
For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested and was refreshed. Do you see the refresh there? Now you rest so you can get refreshed.
Book of Numbers 4:7-8 – How to Approach the Holy Table
The teaching of the Sabbath is something that the Lord still desires to work into our lives. In the tabernacle, the bread was put on the table on the Sabbath day, symbolizing its special significance. The Sabbath should be a day of rest, but also a time for meditation on the Lord. It is a time to set out the shewbread and partake of it spiritually.
In this context, one of the ways we have communion with the Lord and receive from Him is through the Word of God. Scripture itself is the bread of life. Jesus is the bread of life, and the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. A key principle of the Sabbath is taking time to break the bread of life—feeding on the Word. As the Bible says, man does not live by bread alone but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.
For this reason, one purpose of Saturday should be a special, set-apart time with the Lord. This is not only about physically eating bread and drinking wine, although that is fine for those who wish to do it. It is about dedicating time to hear from God, to rest in His presence, and to prepare spiritually for the next day. That way, when we gather for worship and ministry, we are refreshed, alert, and ready to give and receive. This helps us come with expectancy rather than weariness.
Book of Numbers 4:7-8 – How to Approach the Holy Table
The principle is that we should take time to have true communion with the Lord. The shewbread table was a kneeling table, which shows it was not meant for rushing in, grabbing a bite, and leaving. It was meant for kneeling, spending time with the Lord, and reflecting on His body, His blood, His covenant, and His presence. It was a time to listen for His word, talk with Him, and deeply commune with Him. If we lived this way, when we came together on Sunday, everyone would come prepared to share, minister, and contribute to the body of Christ.
Setting out the shewbread and taking time to feed on Him brings rest and renewal. If we slow down and take that time, we can come on Sunday refreshed in body, soul, and spirit. We will be full of Him, ready to celebrate, worship, love, and minister. Whether we rested, enjoyed recreation, or simply stepped away from the demands of life, we would arrive prepared for the Lord’s Day.
We need to shift from a clock-driven mentality to a Lord’s Day mentality. This is not a quick meal; it is about lingering in His presence. The principle of the kneeling table emphasizes a deeper, intentional time of worship and fellowship with God before we gather together.
Book of Numbers 4:7-8 – How to Approach the Holy Table
The table of dimensions and so forth under the kneeling table on page 79. It wasn’t to be a quick meal but rather to be enjoyable and eaten in the presence of God in the light of the candlestick. The light of the candlestick would be the Holy Ghost, the oil, the fire of God.
I often receive my greatest revelations from the Lord when I am in the middle of a trial. It is in the fire that some of the clearest truths seem to come. Many can relate to this—God often speaks the most in times of testing.
The table in the tabernacle speaks of communion, with the bread and wine representing the Word and the Spirit. One way to commune with God is to meditate on His Word in the light of the Holy Spirit. The bread represents the Word, the wine represents the Spirit, and together with prayer, they create a deep fellowship with Him.
Book of Numbers 4:7-8 – How to Approach the Holy Table
The area where Aaron ministered was not very large—about 15 feet wide and 15 feet long. He would enter carrying two handfuls of incense. Soon, the space would fill with its fragrance. While tending to the lampstand, he would also kneel to eat the showbread. Imagine the scene: the gentle flicker of seven burning lamps, the sound of their flames, the incense sizzling, and the smoke rising. All this happened as he knelt in God’s holy presence, partaking of Him.
Have you ever been in that level of prayer, where God’s presence feels so thick you can almost breathe it in? Where the light of the Holy Spirit surrounds you, and the oil of anointing is evident? That is the kind of moment God gave us a picture of in Aaron’s ministry—a place of holy, tangible communion with Him.
Numbers 28:3-9
3 And thou shalt say unto them, This is the offering made by fire which ye shall offer unto the LORD; two lambs of the first year without spot day by day, for a continual burnt offering.
4 The one lamb shalt thou offer in the morning, and the other lamb shalt thou offer at even;
5 And a tenth part of an ephah of flour for a meat offering, mingled with the fourth part of an hin of beaten oil.
6 It is a continual burnt offering, which was ordained in mount Sinai for a sweet savour, a sacrifice made by fire unto the LORD.
Book of Numbers 4:7-8 – How to Approach the Holy Table
7 And the drink offering thereof shall be the fourth part of an hin for the one lamb: in the holy place shalt thou cause the strong wine to be poured unto the LORD for a drink offering.
8 And the other lamb shalt thou offer at even: as the meat offering of the morning, and as the drink offering thereof, thou shalt offer it, a sacrifice made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD.
9 And on the sabbath day two lambs of the first year without spot, and two tenth deals of flour for a meat offering, mingled with oil, and the drink offering thereof:
10 This is the burnt offering of every sabbath, beside the continual burnt offering, and his drink offering.
Aaron’s Twice-Daily Ministry
Aaron, as part of his daily routine, took part in a drink offering twice each day. Numbers 28:3-10 shows this pattern. Every morning and evening, he would sacrifice a lamb and go into the holy place. This was not a weekly or even a once-a-day act. It happened two times every single day.
Book of Numbers 4:7-8 – How to Approach the Holy Table
Verse 4 says, “The one lamb shalt thou offer in the morning, the other shalt thou offer in the evening. And the drink offering thereof shalt be the fourth part of a hin for the one lamb in the holy place.” Verse 7 adds, “Thou shalt cause the strong wine to be poured out unto the Lord for a drink offering.” On the Sabbath, the sacrifice was doubled—two lambs in the morning and two in the evening, along with flour, oil, and the drink offering. That was a lot of work for Aaron on the Sabbath.
Twice each day, Aaron would have this time of communion with God. He burned incense, symbolizing prayer. He checked the lampstand, representing being filled with oil and keeping the fire burning. The wicks were trimmed so the light would not go out. Then, he ministered at the table of showbread and poured out the drink offering.
In Scripture, wine often represents joy and the Holy Spirit. It speaks of being filled with His presence. It points to the joy of the Lord, a time of celebration and gladness in Him. Wine, in Scripture, is a reminder that worship is not only solemn but also full of thankfulness, happiness, and the enjoyment of God’s presence.
Book of Numbers 4:7-8 – How to Approach the Holy Table
Ephesians 5:18-21
18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;
19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;
21 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.
Being Filled with the Spirit
Paul draws a connection between wine and being filled with the Holy Spirit. On the day of Pentecost, those filled with the Spirit appeared to some as if they were drunk. Peter quickly clarified, “These are not drunk as you suppose.” The Bible uses this imagery to help us understand what it means to be truly filled with the Holy Ghost.
Think about a drunk person. You can tell they are influenced by something. It affects their speech and the way they walk. It also affects how they think. In the same way, the Holy Spirit should affect how we walk in life, how we talk, and how we think.
Book of Numbers 4:7-8 – How to Approach the Holy Table
When Paul says, “Be filled with the Spirit,” he is telling us not to be drunk with wine but to be entirely influenced by God. If you are going to be full of anything, be full of the Holy Ghost. Let Him rise up within you until His presence touches everything you do.
Drunkenness affects every part of a person’s life. It changes how they act, speak, and think because they are under its control. Paul’s point is that believers should be under the control of the Holy Spirit in the same way—allowing Him to guide, shape, and influence every thought, word, and action.
A person who is full of the Holy Spirit lives differently. He speaks to others in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. He sings and makes melody in his heart to the Lord. His life is under the control of God’s Spirit in all things.
When we look at the pouring out of the drink offering in Scripture, we see more than a ritual. It points to communion with God as a time of joy and celebration. In the Bible, wine often symbolizes gladness and the lifting of the heart. This is the New Testament picture—communion should not be heavy or sorrowful, but filled with thanksgiving, joy, and the presence of the Lord.
Book of Numbers 4:7-8 – How to Approach the Holy Table
Ecclesiastes 9:7
7 Go thy way, eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with a merry heart; for God now accepteth thy works.
I’ve got some Scriptures here on page 79. Ecclesiastes 9 and 7. It says, “Go thy way, eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with a merry heart. For God now accepteth thy works.”
2 Samuel 13:28
28 Now Absalom had commanded his servants, saying, Mark ye now when Amnon’s heart is merry with wine, and when I say unto you, Smite Amnon; then kill him, fear not: have not I commanded you? be courageous, and be valiant.
Now, “Absalom had commanded his servants, saying, Mark ye now when Amnon’s heart is merry with wine.” And then in Esther 1 and 10, “On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine.”
Book of Numbers 4:7-8 – How to Approach the Holy Table
Esther 1:10
10 On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine, he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, and Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcas, the seven chamberlains that served in the presence of Ahasuerus the king,
Wine as a Picture of Joy in Communion
Wine, in Scripture, is linked with joy. It brings celebration, gladness, and fellowship. In a spiritual sense, it points to communing with God—speaking His language, being filled with His presence, and being consumed by Him.
When we talk about communion, this is at the heart of it. The table represents more than a ritual. It is a reminder of God’s presence, His Word, His Spirit, and the joy that comes from Him. The truths of the table are not meant to stay in one place. They go with us wherever we are.
Throughout history, God’s people have carried this truth in their hearts. Wherever they went, the reality of His communion went with them. The table of the Lord is not just in a physical place—it is part of us. We carry His presence, His joy, and His Word with us in our daily lives.
Book of Numbers 4:7-8 – How to Approach the Holy Table
Numbers 4:7-8
7 And upon the table of shewbread they shall spread a cloth of blue, and put thereon the dishes, and the spoons, and the bowls, and covers to cover withal: and the continual bread shall be thereon:
8 And they shall spread upon them a cloth of scarlet, and cover the same with a covering of badgers’ skins, and shall put in the staves thereof.
Covering the Table: Symbols of Heaven, Blood, and Mystery
The table in the tabernacle was covered in a specific way. First, it was wrapped in a blue cloth. Blue speaks of heaven. This reminds us that what the table represents is heavenly in origin.
Next, it was covered with a cloth of red. Red speaks of the blood of Jesus. The table, and all it represents, is covered by His sacrifice. Yes, absolutely—it is only through His blood.
Finally, it was covered with badger skins. These represent the carnality of the flesh. To the natural, unsaved eye, the glory of what is inside cannot be seen. It remains hidden unless revealed by God.
Book of Numbers 4:7-8 – How to Approach the Holy Table
This truth is echoed in 1 Corinthians 2:9, which says, “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither has entered into the heart of man the things God has prepared for them that love Him.” But God has revealed these things to us by His Spirit. The Spirit makes it possible to know and understand the deep things of God.
1 Corinthians 2:9-10, 14
9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God. For they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
Discerning the Body of the Lord
First Corinthians 2:14 says, The natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him. Neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. Spiritual truths cannot be understood through natural thinking. The Spirit must reveal them.
Book of Numbers 4:7-8 – How to Approach the Holy Table
We are called to discern the body of the Lord properly. This means understanding the deep spiritual meaning behind communion. It is not just a symbolic act—it is a sacred time of fellowship with Jesus.
Right now, wherever you are, you can take a moment to remember His sacrifice. Sit at your table, reflect on His body and blood, and partake in communion with Him. Let it be a time of gratitude, worship, and intimacy with the Lord. Amen.
Book of Numbers 4:7-8 – How to Approach the Holy Table
Book of Numbers 4:7-8 – How to Approach the Holy Table
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