The table with its bread presented two sides of the same truth: a Godward side and a human side. First, it stood before God, reminding Israel that they were ever open to the all-seeing eye and protection of God. Next, it was the place where the priests served and found their bread. That bread pointed to him who was that Bread that would come down from heaven and give to men and women that everlasting bread (John cf. John 6). The twelve loaves symbolize the twelve tribes of Israel as constantly being under the scrutiny, care, and preservation of God (cf. John 6:32-38). Just as that bread also supplied the needs of the priests on the Sabbath in the Holy Place so Jesus also meets the needs of his children in this generation (John 6:32-35).
