Monday Meditation
May 02, 2016
From the desk of A.J. Higgins
Table
“Thou shalt also make a table of acacia wood … ”
Exodus 25:23
Small words may often convey large meanings. The word “also” is noted here and only used one other time in connection with the building of the tabernacle. God had just given instructions for the mercy seat. He now adds, “Thou shalt also make a table.” God has always been desirous of enjoying fellowship with human beings. He walked in the Garden in the cool of the day to enjoy Adam. But sin interrupted that fellowship. Now He will restore in measure what Adam forfeited.
Being the first article of furniture God described after the ark and mercy seat, God is revealing how highly He treasures fellowship with us. God was desirous that the mercy seat would lead to a priestly family brought into fellowship with him. Notice that it was at the same height as the ark, one and a half cubits. God is showing us that the measure of our fellowship is directly related to the measure of our appreciation of the ark and mercy seat. There is no fellowship with God without the ark and the mercy seat; but there is no fellowship that can rise higher than the ark and mercy seat.
It may come as a surprise, but this is also the first mention of the word “table” in our Bible. We may think of the fellowship around Joseph’s table in Genesis, but the word “table” is not mentioned there. God reserves it for this occasion to again teach that all true fellowship with Him is based on the ark and mercy seat, and the shewbread which will be upon this table. First mentions always carry significant teaching. The shewbread will serve as the food for fellowship, but the table is the fact of fellowship established. “And truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ” (1John1:3).
As with the ark, this table is composed of the acacia wood and gold. The acacia wood would give it form, and the gold would overlay it. The humanity of the Lord Jesus Christ, the “bread which came down,” and linked with His deity, “from heaven,” is the True Bread upon which we feed. He has made fellowship with God possible.
This table is unique in several ways; one significant aspect of the table is that it is the only piece of furniture with a double crown. Does this suggest that Lord Jesus crowned with glory and honor (Heb 2:9) at God’s right hand as the means of our fellowship with God? Or does it suggest the absolute security of that fellowship, guarded by a double crown?
As with the ark, rings and staves were made. The table would be with them in all their wanderings and journeying. The place of fellowship can be known wherever the cloud would lead them.
Consider:
1. There are at least three names applied to this table: The Pure table; The table of Shittim [acacia] Wood; and the Table of Shewbread. What distinct truth would each title convey?
2. What lesson can we draw from the fact that the table was of the exact same material as the ark?
3. Think of other “tables” in Scripture and aspects of fellowship of which they speak.
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