February 10
Leviticus 24 -- 25
Following the description of the pure olive oil . . . to cause the lamps to burn continually (Leviticus 24:2), the Israelites were given detailed instructions for making the Showbread. You shall take fine flour, and bake twelve cakes thereof: two tenth deals shall be in one cake. . . . And you shall put pure frankincense upon each row, that it may be on the bread for a memorial, even an offering made by fire to the Lord. Every Sabbath he (Aaron) shall set it in order before the Lord continually, being taken from the children of Israel as an everlasting covenant. And it shall be Aaron's and his sons'; and they shall eat it in the Holy Place: for it is most holy to him of the offerings of the Lord made by fire for a perpetual statute (24:5-9).
The word Showbread literally means "Bread of the Face" or "of the presence of God." Since "Bread of the Face" and to "seek His Face" point out that we need to hear and be obedient to what He has to say.
The loaves were made of fine flour -- coarse or inferior flour could not be used, for this loaf represented Christ, the Perfect One who is Holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners (Hebrews 7:26). However, regardless of how fine the quality of the flour, the loaf could not be eaten until it was baked. This again is a picture of Christ who faced the fierce oven of affliction and crucifixion to come forth as the Bread of Life (John 6:35), the Satisfier of those who place their trust in Him (6:53-54).
The Showbread was the result of the Israelites' physical labor: tilling, sowing, reaping, milling, and baking. The oil required for the Candlestick was obtained through the work of servants in accordance with the Lord's direction. As followers of Christ, we must not overlook our responsibility of doing our part as we see it illustrated here.
Each week, when the 12 loaves were replaced by fresh ones, the week-old loaves were eaten in the Holy Place by the priests whose turn it was to serve in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple. The 12 identical loaves were a reminder that the Lord was the Satisfier and Sustainer of all 12 tribes.
The aromatic frankincense that was required to be placed on the loaves is a reminder that Christ, as the Bread of Life, provides true satisfaction; yes, sweeter than honey (Psalms 119:103).
Jesus Christ is the Word . . . a light to my path (Psalms 119:105), as well as the Light of the world (John 8:12). Light is a revealer of truth, and this Candlestick shone upon the sacred Showbread that typified Christ, who is the True Bread from Heaven . . . who gives Life unto the world (6:32-33). The Holy Spirit, who indwells believers, provides light on the moral and spiritual values of life. This light enables Christians to fulfill one of their essential missions to the world: You are the light of the world. . . . Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven (Matthew 5:14-16).
Christ Portrayed:
By the kinsman-redeemer (Leviticus 25:47-55). Christ is our Savior and Redeemer (Isa. 60:16) who made us His kinsmen: The Spirit itself bears witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God (Romans 8:16).
Word Studies:
24:4 order the lamps means see that they are continually supplied with oil and kept in trim; 24:19 blemish means a permanent injury; 25:36 usury means interest; be waxen poor means is impoverished; bondservant means slave; 25:43 rigour means harshness, severity.
Government Officials: Gov. Kirk Fordice (MS), Gov. Frank Keating (OK), and Rep. Walter Jones, Jr. (NC) · Pray for Precepts Ministries and Kay Arthur, Executive Vice President · Pray for the Bible Pathway International Radio broadcast sponsored by Ruth N. Fossum · Country: Tonga (109,000) in the southwestern Pacific · Major languages: Tongan and English · Religious freedom · 55% Protestant; 22% Mormon; 14% Roman Catholic · Prayer Suggestion: Seek the Lord in times of trouble; He will shelter you (Psalms 27:5).
Optional Reading:
Mark 13
Memory Verse for the Week:
Colossians 3:5