Purpose of the Shulchan and Lechem HaPanim/2

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Purpose of the Shulchan and Lechem HaPanim

Exegetical Approaches

This topic has not yet undergone editorial review

Regalia of Hashem's Earthly Palace

The Tabernacle was built to resemble a human palace, and thus the Shulchan and Lechem HaPanim represent the dining hall of Hashem's abode.

Relationship to other vessels in the Mishkan
Does Hashem need a house? Midrash Aggadah presents the request to build a house as stemming from the people rather than Hashem who had no need for such a structure. The nation only knew how to relate to Hashem via human models of relationship. Thus, they thought to honor God in the way that subjects glorify a king, by building him a palace.
Priestly eating of the bread – Cassuto explains that the
Secondary vessels - "קְּעָרֹתָיו וְכַפֹּתָיו וּקְשׂוֹתָיו וּמְנַקִּיֹּתָיו "
אֲשֶׁר יֻסַּךְ בָּהֵן
לֶחֶם פָּנִים
תָּמִיד
בְּרִית עוֹלָם
Symbolism of twelve?

Symbol of Material Blessings

Sign of Covenant

The Lechem HaPanim constitutes a covenant sealing meal which renews the eternal covenant between the nation and Hashem.

Sources:R. Yechieli