Leviticus 24:7Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The presence of the finest cedar from Lebanon atop the loaves represents the offering of prayer, as the devoted teachers serve the Lord through their preaching and righteous actions. This association of cedar with prayer is affirmed by the Psalmist’s words: Let my prayer be directed like incense before Thy face (Psalms 140:2). The finest cedar placed over the loaves serves as a reminder of the Lord's offering, symbolizing how pure prayer is intertwined with the virtuous actions of the saints and their teachings. Together, these elements customarily appear before the Almighty Judge, memorializing the sacred offering.