Bible Dictionary
SHEWBREAD, THE
The shewbread, or bread of the presence, consisted of twelve unleavened cakes placed before the Lord each Sabbath. It symbolized Israel’s continual dependence on God, and the priests ate the replaced loaves as holy offerings.
Biblical Usage
The shewbread symbolized humanity’s continual dependence upon God and the provision represented by daily bread. The Gospel writers recall that David and his companions ate the shewbread. The table’s continual supply emphasized that dependence was never interrupted.