SECTION XXXIX.
The Table of Shewbread.
ON the Priests right hand, as he walked up this place was the Table of Shewbread, of this form and matter, and for this end.
A Table frame was made two cubits long, and a cubit broad, and a cubit and a half high; the matter of it was Shittim wood all overlaid with Gold: Equal with the top of the frame was a curious wrought border of Gold, of an hand breadth; the higher edge equal with the top of the frame, and the border so broad below; on the higher edge of this border was set a golden Crown, which went quite about the frame, and within this Crown was the cover laid; At each corner or foot was fastned a staple or ring of gold, close by the lower edge of the golden border. As the feet, so these rings were four wherein were put staves of Shittim wood gilt with Gold, to bear the Table.
Upon this Table were set twelve Cakes or Loaves, resembling the twelve Tribes, who had their daily bread from God. As on Aarons shoulders, six and six names of Tribes, so on this Table six and six Cakes, for the Tribes were set one upon another. Each Cake had in it two Omers, which measure was significative. For so much Manna every Israelite gathered against the Sabbath in the Wilderness, Exod. 16. and on the Sabbath were these Cakes set on the Table, to put Israel in mind by the very measure and day of their sustenance in the Wilderness. These Cakes were called the bread of faces, and the Table, the Table of faces, because they were set before God continually; shewing that Israels provision was from and before God.
Under the lowest Cake was * 1.1 a golden dish wherein the Cake lay, and between every Cake was * 1.2 a golden dish: on the top of either row lay * 1.3 a golden dish whelmed down; and upon that stood * 1.4 a dish of Gold with Frankincense in it. These told Israel of Gods special providence toward every several Tribe.