showbread

Showbread, or the Bread of the Presence, is a term from the Hebrew Bible referring to twelve loaves of bread placed on the Table of Showbread in the Tabernacle, and later in the Temple in Jerusalem. The loaves were arranged in two rows and replaced each Sabbath with fresh bread, while the old loaves were eaten by the priests in a holy place. The practice symbolized fellowship with God and sustained the priestly service, reflecting the covenant relationship between God and Israel. Descriptions of the Showbread appear in several biblical books, including Exodus, Leviticus, and 1 Kings, and the ceremony is part of broader regulations concerning worship in the sanctuary.

Showbread is also the name of an American Christian rock band from Atlanta, Georgia, formed in the early 2000s. The group is noted for an experimental and theatrical approach to music, blending elements of punk, metal, and indie rock. They have released several studio albums and EPs and are known for concept albums and provocative live performances. The band’s work often explores themes of faith, doubt, and personal struggle, and it has found an audience within and beyond Christian music circles. The choice of the name reflects a linkage to religious imagery and heritage, translating a biblical term into a modern musical identity.