Tabled Discussion

Exodus 25: 23-30

An awfully lean section here. Moses gets some more oral blueprints, this time regarding a table. There's a gold rim that's to surround the edge and golden rings to attach so it can be carried without touching it. They're also supposed to build wooden carrying sticks, covered in gold to transport this table around.

Then they are to build golden plates, dishes, pitchers and bowls (for the pouring of offerings)- no word on sporks.

On this table they are to put the "bread of the Presence" to be before God at all times. So is this magical never-molding bread? Bread that becomes hard as a rock- or do they share this communion with God often enough that the bread stays fresh?

I don't pretend to really understand the purpose or practice of this bread served on golden plates- but it's interesting to ponder the practicality of a physical emblem that triggers the presence of God. Communion can serve a similar function for us- and maybe this is just another finger pointing toward the coming of Christ. Or maybe Christ's establishment of our "feast" is a reference to this "bread of the presence."

He says- remember that thing God told Moses to do? Keep doing it- the form and grandeur aren't quite so important anymore, but just like their bread- mine will remind you of what I've done for you- and that I'm still right here. Sleep well- I've taken care of you.