Purpose of the Shulchan and Lechem HaPanim/2
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Purpose of the Shulchan and Lechem HaPanim
Exegetical Approaches
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.
Does Hashem need a palace? Midrash Aggadah asserts that Hashem had no need for such a structure and that, in fact, the request to build a house stemmed not from Him but from the people. Since the nation only knew how to relate to Hashem via human models of relationship, they thought to honor God in the way that subjects glorify a king, by building him a palace.
Relationship to other vessels in the Mishkan – R"Y Bekhor Shor and Abarbanel suggest that each section of the Mishkan and its accompanying vessels was equivalent to a different room in a king's palace. The Bronze Altar represented the the kitchen, outside and far from the king's actual throne. The Outer Sanctum (הקדש) with the Table, Menorah and Incense was like a living room, providing food, light, and spices as servants entered. Finally, the Inner Sanctum (קדש הקדשים) and the Ark symbolize the king's private abode and throne, to which he alone had access.
Secondary vessels - "קְּעָרֹתָיו וְכַפֹּתָיו וּקְשׂוֹתָיו וּמְנַקִּיֹּתָיו " – Most of these sources2 maintain that these vessels were placed on top of the Shulchan,3 much like any king's table might be adorned with golden ware.
- According to Cassuto the "קערות" and "כפות" were plates or bowls of varying size, while the "קשות"and "מנקיות" were vessels to hold libations. He asserts that similar vessels were found on tables in pagan temples, where they would be filled with food and thought to be necessary sustenance for the gods. Here, in contrast, the vessels were intentionally left empty to show that Hashem has no need for food.
- R"Y Bekhor Shor, in contrast, suggest that the various vessels were used during the process of making the Lechem HaPanim. The קשות held water for kneading the dough4 which took place in the קערות, while the "קשות" held the frankinsence5 and the מנקיות were used to clean the Table.
Priestly eating of the bread – Abarbanel and Cassuto explains that the Bread was eaten by the priests to highlight how Hashem had no need for it and its role was purely symbolic. One might question why bother placing any bread on the table at all. This position might answer that to resemble a palace, it was not enough to place empty vessels in the Tabernacle but each had to be utilized. Thus the Menorah was lit, the incense burned and the bread was baked.
בְּיוֹם הַשַּׁבָּת יַעַרְכֶנּוּ – This position does not explain why the Table would be set specifically on Shabbat. Perhaps this day was chosen since Shabbat testifies to Hashem's role as creator and king.
לֶחֶם פָּנִים – Abarbanel follows Ibn Ezra in suggesting that the bread was called "לֶחֶם פָּנִים" because it was placed "לִפְנֵי י"י". Perhaps
תָּמִיד
בְּרִית עוֹלָם
Symbolism of twelve?
Symbol of Material Blessings
The Table and Showbread symbolize that Hashem is the source of sustenance for all of mankind.
Sign of Covenant
The Lechem HaPanim constitutes a covenant sealing meal which renews the eternal covenant between the nation and Hashem.
Sources:R. Yechieli
