Leviticus 24:5-9 and Its Connection to Our Hearts Towards Jesus

Troy Husted

October 16, 2024

"[4] He must continually tend the lamps on the pure gold lampstand in the Lord’s presence. [5] Take fine flour and bake it into twelve loaves; each loaf is to be made with four quarts. [6] Arrange them in two rows, six to a row, on the pure gold table before the Lord. [7] Place pure frankincense near each row, so that it may serve as a memorial portion for the bread and a food offering to the Lord. [8] The bread is to be set out before the Lord every Sabbath day as a permanent covenant obligation on the part of the Israelites. [9] It belongs to Aaron and his sons, who are to eat it in a holy place, for it is the holiest portion for him from the food offerings to the Lord; this is a permanent rule.” (Leviticus 24:4-9 CSB)

Leviticus 24:5-9 describes the instructions for the Showbread, or the Bread of the Presence, which was to be prepared and placed before the Lord in the Tabernacle. This passage holds profound significance not only in the context of ancient Israel but also in its rich typological symbolism relating to Jesus Christ and the condition of our hearts towards Him.

The Bread of Life

The Showbread, made from fine flour and arranged in two rows on a pure gold table, represented God's provision for His people. In John 6:35, Jesus declares, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger." Just as the loaves were set before the Lord as a continual offering, our hearts must be open and receptive to the spiritual nourishment that Jesus provides. A heart that longs for His presence recognizes that only He can satisfy our deepest yearnings.

Holiness and Reverence

The placement of the Showbread in a holy place emphasizes the need for reverence and holiness in our relationship with God. Our hearts should reflect this holiness, recognizing that we are called to approach God with sincerity and purity. Hebrews 10:22 encourages us to "draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith." Cultivating a heart that is clean and devoted to Jesus allows us to experience a more profound communion with Him.

Covenant Relationship

The twelve loaves symbolize the twelve tribes of Israel and God's covenant with His people. Through Jesus, we enter into a new covenant that invites us into a deeper relationship with God. Our hearts should respond to this covenant with gratitude and commitment, recognizing the privilege of being called His children. Jeremiah 31:33 declares, "I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts." This promise calls us to have hearts that are receptive to His guidance and transformation.

Thankfulness and Worship

The Showbread was part of a food offering, highlighting the importance of worship and thanksgiving. Our hearts should be filled with gratitude for the gift of Jesus and the salvation He offers. Colossians 3:16 encourages us to let the word of Christ dwell richly in us, teaching and admonishing one another with gratitude in our hearts to God. A heart that is thankful and engaged in worship reflects a deep appreciation for who Jesus is and what He has accomplished.

Communion and Intimacy

The act of consuming the Showbread by the priests signifies communion with God. In the same manner, Jesus invites us into intimate fellowship with Him. Our hearts should yearn for this closeness, desiring to partake of His life and presence. In Revelation 3:20, Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me." This invitation calls for a heart that is willing to open itself to Jesus, fostering a deep relationship where we share in His life.

Transformation and Renewal

Just as the Showbread serves as a reminder of God’s provision, it also points to the need for continual transformation in our hearts. In 2 Corinthians 5:17, we learn that "if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation." Our hearts should be in a state of continual renewal, allowing Jesus to transform us into His likeness as we engage with Him daily.

Leviticus 24:5-9 serves as a rich typological precursor to the person and work of Jesus Christ, illustrating God's provision, the significance of covenant relationships, and the foreshadowing of Christ as our ultimate sustenance. It also challenges us to evaluate and cultivate the condition of our hearts toward Jesus. By seeking spiritual nourishment, approaching God with holiness, embracing our covenant relationship, expressing gratitude and worship, desiring communion and intimacy, and allowing for ongoing transformation, we can align our hearts with the truth of who Jesus is.

In doing so, we not only honor the significance of the Showbread but also deepen our relationship with Christ, experiencing the fullness of life He offers to those who believe.