What does Exodus 37:10 mean?
"¶ And he made the table of shittim wood: two cubits was the length thereof, and a cubit the breadth thereof, and a cubit and a half the height thereof:" - Exodus 37:10

Exodus 37:10 (KJV) states, "And he made the table of shittim wood: two cubits was the length thereof, and a cubit the breadth thereof, and a cubit and a half the height thereof." This verse is part of the description of the construction of the tabernacle in the wilderness, which is detailed in the book of Exodus.
The tabernacle was a portable sanctuary that the Israelites carried with them during their wanderings in the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt. It served as a place for the Israelites to worship and offer sacrifices to God. The construction of the tabernacle was overseen by Bezaleel and Oholiab, two skilled craftsmen who were filled with the Spirit of God to carry out this important task.
In this particular verse, we are given specific details about the construction of the table that was to be placed inside the tabernacle. It was made of shittim wood, also known as acacia wood, which was known for its durability and resistance to decay. The table was two cubits in length, a cubit in breadth, and a cubit and a half in height. These precise measurements were given to ensure that the table was made according to God's instructions.
Symbolically, the table in the tabernacle held great significance. It was known as the "table of showbread" or "the table of the presence." It held twelve loaves of bread, which represented the twelve tribes of Israel, and was replaced every Sabbath. The presence of the bread on the table symbolized the provision of God for His people and the reminder of His covenant with them. It also represented the spiritual food that sustains and nourishes God's people.
The construction of the table from shittim wood is also significant. As mentioned earlier, shittim wood was known for its durability and resistance to decay. This choice of material may symbolize the eternal nature of God's provision and the lasting covenant He has with His people. It also serves as a reminder of the enduring nature of God's promises and His faithfulness to His people.
The specific measurements of the table also hold symbolic significance. The fact that the table was two cubits in length, a cubit in breadth, and a cubit and a half in height indicates a precise and orderly design. This attention to detail represents the importance of approaching God with reverence and careful obedience. It also emphasizes the significance of being attentive to God's instructions and following them faithfully.
In a broader context, the entire tabernacle serves as a foreshadowing of the coming of Christ. The tabernacle was a place where the Israelites could encounter the presence of God and receive forgiveness for their sins through the sacrificial system. Similarly, Christ's sacrifice on the cross provides forgiveness and atonement for all who believe in Him. The imagery of the table of showbread also points to Christ as the Bread of Life, as He declared in the New Testament.
In conclusion, Exodus 37:10 provides a glimpse into the meticulous construction of the tabernacle, particularly the table of showbread. The specific details given about the materials and measurements carry symbolic meaning and remind us of God's provision, faithfulness, and the significance of approaching Him with reverence and obedience. The tabernacle as a whole points to the coming of Christ and the atonement He provides for those who believe in Him. As we reflect on these verses, may we be reminded of the enduring nature of God's promises and the nourishment He provides for our spiritual journey.
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Exodus 37:10 Artwork
Exodus 37:10 - "¶ And he made the table of shittim wood: two cubits was the length thereof, and a cubit the breadth thereof, and a cubit and a half the height thereof:"
"¶ And he made the table of shittim wood: two cubits was the length thereof, and a cubit the breadth thereof, and a cubit and a half the height thereof:" - Exodus 37:10
Exodus 39:37
Exodus 39:37
Exodus 39:37
Exodus 37:24 - "Of a talent of pure gold made he it, and all the vessels thereof."
Exodus 37:4 - "And he made staves of shittim wood, and overlaid them with gold."
Exodus 37:5 - "And he put the staves into the rings by the sides of the ark, to bear the ark."
Exodus 37:28 - "And he made the staves of shittim wood, and overlaid them with gold."
Exodus 37:14 - "Over against the border were the rings, the places for the staves to bear the table."
Exodus 40:37 - "But if the cloud were not taken up, then they journeyed not till the day that it was taken up."
Ezra 10:37 - "Mattaniah, Mattenai, and Jaasau,"
Ezekiel 37:1-10 – The valley of dry bones.
Exodus 37:15 - "And he made the staves of shittim wood, and overlaid them with gold, to bear the table."
Exodus 37:11 - "And he overlaid it with pure gold, and made thereunto a crown of gold round about."
Exodus 37:22 - "Their knops and their branches were of the same: all of it was one beaten work of pure gold."
Ezekiel 37:1-10 – The vision of the valley of dry bones.
Ezekiel 37:1-10 – The vision of the valley of dry bones.
Exodus 37:2 - "And he overlaid it with pure gold within and without, and made a crown of gold to it round about."
Exodus 37:20 - "And in the candlestick were four bowls made like almonds, his knops, and his flowers:"
Exodus 37:23 - "And he made his seven lamps, and his snuffers, and his snuffdishes, of pure gold."
Exodus 37:29 - "¶ And he made the holy anointing oil, and the pure incense of sweet spices, according to the work of the apothecary."
Exodus 36:37 - "¶ And he made an hanging for the tabernacle door of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, of needlework;"
Exodus 28:37 - "And thou shalt put it on a blue lace, that it may be upon the mitre; upon the forefront of the mitre it shall be."
Exodus 39:37 - "The pure candlestick, with the lamps thereof, even with the lamps to be set in order, and all the vessels thereof, and the oil for light,"
John 10:37 - "If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not."
Job 37:10 - "By the breath of God frost is given: and the breadth of the waters is straitened."
Exodus 37:13 - "And he cast for it four rings of gold, and put the rings upon the four corners that were in the four feet thereof."
"Mattaniah, Mattenai, and Jaasau," - Ezra 10:37
Hebrews (10:37) For just a little longer and he who is coming will arrive and not delay.