Exodus 25:23-40
While the ark sets forth a Christ by whom God’s rights have been perfectly upheld, the table represents Christ continually bearing up His own in the presence of God. Made of the same material as the ark (shittim wood overlaid with gold), with a crown and a border which speak respectively of glory and protection, the table was intended to carry
(1) the twelve loaves of the shewbread (Leviticus 24:5-6), a picture of the people of God in their completeness
(2) the utensils mentioned in v. 29, which assure us of Christ’s strengthening power for us in service. (Mark 16:20).
In a symbolic way, the whole of God’s people are there in the holy sanctuary, carried by the Lord and maintained by Him in divine light. This leads us on to the candlestick of pure gold, the emblem of the One who has been here below as "the light of the world." The candlestick has seven golden lamps, an indication of the witness of God corresponding today to the Assemblies (Revelation 1:12; ; Revelation 1:20). These latter have the responsibility of bearing the light during the night of this world, through the energy of the Holy Spirit (the oil). "Ye are the light of the world", Jesus said to His own for the coming time of His absence (Matthew 5:14). But to maintain the brilliance of the lamps, the tongs are necessary (v. 38), a picture of the continual care of our great High Priest.