Exodus 26:35 is a specific instruction for the placement of two key pieces of furniture within the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary that the Israelites were instructed to build during their wilderness wanderings. Let's break down the verse:
"You shall set the table outside the veil..." The "veil" (also called the curtain) separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place (also called the Holy of Holies). This means the table was to be located in the Holy Place, the outer compartment of the Tabernacle.
"...and the lamp stand over against the table on the side of the tabernacle toward the south..." The lamp stand (also known as the golden candlestick or menorah) was to be placed on the south side of the Holy Place, opposite the table.
"...and you shall put the table on the north side." This clearly states that the table of showbread was to be located on the north side of the Holy Place.
In summary, the verse gives the following instructions:
Location: Both the Table of Showbread and the Lampstand were to be placed inside the Holy Place, outside the veil that separated it from the Holy of Holies.
Placement:
Table of Showbread: on the north side of the Holy Place.
Lampstand: on the south side of the Holy Place, directly opposite the table.
Significance and Symbolism
While the exact meaning of the specific placement is debated among scholars, there are common interpretations of the symbolism:
Table of Showbread: This table held twelve loaves of bread, representing the twelve tribes of Israel. The bread was a constant offering to God, symbolizing God's provision for His people and their ongoing covenant relationship with Him.
Lampstand (Menorah): The lampstand, with its seven branches, provided constant light in the Holy Place. It symbolized God's presence, guidance, and the light of truth. It can also represent the Holy Spirit.
Placement: The deliberate placement of these objects suggests order and reverence. It highlights the importance of God's presence, provision, and light within the context of worship. The contrast between light and nourishment is also often pointed out.
Holy Place: The Holy Place was where priests performed their daily duties, representing their role as intermediaries between God and the people. The placement of these items within this space underscores the importance of worship, sacrifice, and communion with God.
The design and layout of the Tabernacle were highly symbolic, and these instructions are important for understanding the physical and spiritual significance of the sanctuary.
Exodus 26:35 is a specific instruction for the placement of two key pieces of furniture within the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary that the Israelites were instructed to build during their wilderness wanderings. Let's break down the verse:
"You shall set the table outside the veil..." The "veil" (also called the curtain) separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place (also called the Holy of Holies). This means the table was to be located in the Holy Place, the outer compartment of the Tabernacle.
"...and the lamp stand over against the table on the side of the tabernacle toward the south..." The lamp stand (also known as the golden candlestick or menorah) was to be placed on the south side of the Holy Place, opposite the table.
"...and you shall put the table on the north side." This clearly states that the table of showbread was to be located on the north side of the Holy Place.
In summary, the verse gives the following instructions:
Location: Both the Table of Showbread and the Lampstand were to be placed inside the Holy Place, outside the veil that separated it from the Holy of Holies.
Placement:
Table of Showbread: on the north side of the Holy Place.
Lampstand: on the south side of the Holy Place, directly opposite the table.
Significance and Symbolism
While the exact meaning of the specific placement is debated among scholars, there are common interpretations of the symbolism:
Table of Showbread: This table held twelve loaves of bread, representing the twelve tribes of Israel. The bread was a constant offering to God, symbolizing God's provision for His people and their ongoing covenant relationship with Him.
Lampstand (Menorah): The lampstand, with its seven branches, provided constant light in the Holy Place. It symbolized God's presence, guidance, and the light of truth. It can also represent the Holy Spirit.
Placement: The deliberate placement of these objects suggests order and reverence. It highlights the importance of God's presence, provision, and light within the context of worship. The contrast between light and nourishment is also often pointed out.
Holy Place: The Holy Place was where priests performed their daily duties, representing their role as intermediaries between God and the people. The placement of these items within this space underscores the importance of worship, sacrifice, and communion with God.
The design and layout of the Tabernacle were highly symbolic, and these instructions are important for understanding the physical and spiritual significance of the sanctuary.