Purpose of the Shulchan and Lechem HaPanim/2

Purpose of the Shulchan and Lechem HaPanim

Exegetical Approaches

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Regalia of Hashem's Earthly Palace

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

Sources:Midrash Aggadah (Buber)Shemot 27:1, #1About Midrash Aggadah (Buber), R. Saadia GaonHaEmunot VeHaDeotAbout R. Saadia Gaon, R. Yosef Bekhor ShorShemot 25:23-30Shemot 30:1About R. Yosef Bekhor Shor, AbarbanelShemot 25:23About R. Yitzchak Abarbanel, SefornoShemot 25:23-29About R. Ovadyah Seforno, Cassuto

Symbol of Material Blessings

The Table and Showbread represent the physical blessings that Hashem bestows on mankind and signify how Hashem is the source of all sustenance.

Sources:Bavli YomaYoma 72bAbout the Bavli, Shemot Rabbah34:2About Shemot Rabbah, RashiShemot 25:24-30About R. Shelomo Yitzchaki, AbarbanelShemot 25Shemot 25:23About R. Yitzchak Abarbanel, SefornoShemot 25:23-29About R. Ovadyah Seforno, Keli YekarShemot 25:23-31About R. Shelomo Ephraim Lunshitz, NetzivVayikra 24:5-9About R. Naftali Tzvi Yehuda Berlin

Sign of Covenant

The Table and its accompanying bread serve as a reminder of the eternal covenant between the nation and Hashem by symbolizing its covenant sealing meal.

Sources:R. Yechieli