Bible Dictionary
Shewbread
Shewbread, or “bread of the Presence,” consisted of twelve loaves placed before the Lord in the sanctuary. The loaves represented Israel and were replaced each Sabbath; the priests ate the removed bread.
Biblical Usage
The twelve loaves represented the twelve tribes of Israel and the consecration of Israel to the Lord. The removed loaves were eaten by the priests in the holy place. The account of David’s use of the holy bread is also recalled in the Gospel.
Scripture References