We shall continue the study of Exodus, the
second book of the Old Testament.
Note: We have come to the final section of the Book of Exodus in which Moses records the actual carrying out of the commands of the Lord in the building of the Tabernacle through which the Lord would fulfill His promise of His ever-presence. This section may be divided into:
The Reiteration of the Sabbath Law (35:1-3)
The gathering of materials (35:4-29)
The recognition of the artisans (35:30 – 36:7)
The actual construction of the Tabernacle (36:8-38)
The preparation of sacral vestments (39:1-31)
Inspection and Erection of the Tabernacle (40:1-33)
The manifestation of the Lord’s Presence (40:34-37)
(1) In kicking into motion the actual construction of the Tabernacle which signifies God’s Presence, why, of all commandments, was it necessary to first re-emphasize the keeping of the Sabbath?
(2) Why did Moses point out, of all things concerning the Sabbath, the prohibition of lighting fire? (The lighting of fire most likely had to do with cooking.)
(3) Now, Moses set in motion the collection of things needed for the construction of the Tabernacle from this wilderness community. Where do you think these gems and valuables came from?
(4) Did their source make the act of giving necessarily any easier? Why or why not?
(5) “If” the people did give, what might such an act of giving represent?
(6) In the list of crafts and trades listed, can you find a role for yourself (if you were there)?
(7) What might be your "best-fit" today in serving the Lord—whether in your local church or in another Kingdom service for the Lord?
(8) What have you learned today and how may you apply it in your life?
“All who are skilled among you are to come and make everything the Lord has commanded the tabernacle with its tents and its covering, clasps, frames, crossbars, posts and bases.” (Exod. 35:10-11)
Previously I mentioned that there is no difference between a spiritual ministry and a non-spiritual service for the Lord. All Christian ministries are spiritual ministries. However, there are indeed spiritual believers and carnal believers. As a great servant of the Lord of a former generation said, “Even cutting an orange is spiritual for a spiritual person.”
From time to time, I have come across some real spiritual persons who have gone quietly about doing their less-than-visible ministries in the church, namely the janitorial and house-keeping duties. They are only noticed in the odd occasions when say, the toilet was not clean enough, often being messed up by some irresponsible person after it was just cleaned. While they seldom, if ever, received praises or recognition, they went about doing their spiritual ministries faithfully. Without naming names, I just wish to say thank you to those faithful church janitors I have come across all these years. Your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
(1) How does the Bible describe those who were willing to offer their possessions, and/or their skills to this sacred project?
(2) Would it please the Lord, if one were to give, and yet had not been “moved” within?
(3) What is the reason for your giving today?
(4) Why does the Bible single out the leaders in their giving of “onyx stones and other gems”?
(5) How important is it for the leader to take the lead in giving?
(6) What kind of a picture is being painted in this section? What might be the most appropriate adjective to describe it?
(7) What have you learned today and how may you apply it in your life?
“(A)nd everyone who was willing and whose hearts moved them came and brought an offering to the Lord for the work on the tent of meeting...” (Exod. 35:21)
It is interesting to note how the Bible describes those who came forward to give of their possessions—precious gems, fabrics and other valuables—for the construction of the Tabernacle. These were people who were “willing” and their hearts had moved them to give. In other words, two things marked their giving:
They were giving willingly, meaning not out of obligation, and with an eagerness to share in the needs of the construction of the Tabernacle.
These people in Exodus were giving because their hearts had been moved. The question we wish to ask is, “moved by what?” The answer appears to be obvious — they have been moved by the Spirit of the Lord. These were the people who, not long ago, rebelled against the Lord by building a golden calf, and as the Lord sent word to them that He would no longer lead them with His own Presence, they were distressed. Now, with the command to construct the Tabernacle, God signified that He had relented and would, through the Tabernacle, be ever-present to lead them. How could they not be moved? How could they not give?
We often like to look down upon this generation of Israelites in the wilderness, but at least there is one thing we definitely should learn from them, and that is in the area of giving—out of willingness and out of a heart that is moved by the Spirit of the Lord. I trust that your giving is not out of obligation, but out of a willing and eagerness to give to the business of the Lord. But can you also say that your giving is a result of being moved by the Spirit of the Lord? If we are not concerned with His Kingdom’s business, I do not think our hearts will be moved by His Spirit.
Imagine yourself as Bezalel:
(1) How would you feel being chosen to head up this sacred project by God?
(2) How would you deal with the challenge of this “most holy” project?
(3) How would you look upon your many gifts?
(4) How would you carry out your leadership role, especially in the supervision of other artisans (all volunteers)?
(5) What might be most important to you in the fulfillment of this calling?
(6) How would you approach each Sabbath, especially when work might be behind schedule?
(7) What might happen when a particular design is too hard to follow or construct?
(8) How does the Bible describe the giving of the people?
(9) Do you think the people were really unaware of the more-than-enough supplies given for the project?
(10) Why did they still keep giving?
(11) What have you learned today and how may you apply it in your life?
“Then Moses gave an order…And so the people were restrained from bringing more.” (Exod. 36:6)
I am sure most of us feel really glad for the Israelites, for Moses and for God as we read about how the people gave so generously towards the needs of the building of the Tabernacle. It is indeed refreshing to know that, when God moves the heart of the people, even people who are not known for their unity could give so hilariously and in unity, and become such a blessing to the household of the Lord and give glory to God.
Interestingly though, I came across a commentator who only looks at the negative side of things. He bemoans that these Israelites were so carnal that even when they gave so generously, they became an impediment to the work of the Lord that the work of the building of the Tabernacle had to come to a halt!
I pity this (famous) bible scholar. He must have been so hurt in his ministry among God’s people that even in times of rejoicing, he could not join in to share not only the joy of the people, but that of the Lord. Somehow he reminds me of one of the characters in the parable of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15.
These verses of the actual construction of the Tabernacle and its contents are basically the verbatim repetition of the order given in previous chapters (25-30), except for minor variations. Therefore, I would suggest that we review the questions posed in previous chapters (reprinted in italics below, with scriptural reference adapted to the current passages for the next few days; see Ex. 26:1-37), and see if you might gain deeper insights in the details recorded concerning the Tabernacle and its contents:
This is a long chapter that could be rather mundane, but I would suggest that you still read it slowly with the following divisions and highlights as a guide. Perhaps, pay attention to the kind of materials and colors and try to understand their meaning:
Vv. 8-13: The tabernacle is made up of 10 curtains of expensive fabric and yarn of two sets of five curtains each, joined by loops to stretch about 60 feet in length and 42 feet in height. Note that cherubim are embroidered on them.
Vv. 14-19: To protect the expensive curtains, an additional set of curtains and two covers are to be made. The curtains are made of goat skins with hair intact, stretching about 66 feet in length and 45 feet in height, enough to cover the tabernacle proper, including its front and back. In addition to these two layers, another cover of rams’ hide, plus another cover of sea-cows’ hides are to be made, making the tabernacle a tent of four layers.
Vv. 20-34: These curtains are to be held by upright supports anchored in pedestals of silver and bound together by a series of cross-members and two special corner supports.
Vv. 35-36: The tabernacle is to be further divided into a smaller Holy of Holies (of 15’ x 15’ x 15’) where the ark will be located. It is separated from the Holy Place (of dimensions 30’ x 15’ x 15’) by a veil with fine fabric with the cherubim embroidered on it. (See the original instruction in chapter 26.)
Vv. 37-38: The open east end of the tabernacle is to be closed by a screen made of the same materials as the inner curtains and the veil.
(1) Did you notice a gradual change in the type of materials in the design of the tabernacle from more to less precious materials the greater the distance from the Holy of Holies and the Holy Place? Why is it the case?
(2) Apart from the two cherubim on top of the Ark cover, more are to be embroidered on the innermost layer of the curtains. What does this portray?
(3) It is believed that the design of the support system emphasizes its portability, meaning that the tabernacle depicts a Presence on the move. Some commentators think that it points to the temporariness of God’s presence, while some think that it is a sign of His constant presence wherever His people move. Which do you think is the case? Why?
(4) Read vv. 35-36 again about the erection of the veil which is to separate the Holy of Holies from the Holy Place. Then read Mark 15:38. Imagine you were the priest who was on duty in the Holy Place witnessing the splitting of the veil. What impact might it have on you and others who rushed in to see what had happened?
(5) What have you learned today and how may you apply it in your life?
“All those who were skilled among the workers made the tabernacle.” (Exod. 36:8)
As Moses gave orders for the building of the tabernacle, we read these two words, “they made”, being repeated throughout the account of the actual construction. I was imagining myself taking a bird’s eye view from Mount Sinai, watching the people of God making themselves busy with all kinds of work—wood-working, weaving, sewing, engraving etc. What a sight of unity, of joy and of purpose!
The last time that the Bible mentioned about people who “made” things in unity was during the building of Tower of Babel in Genesis 11. But what a difference it was.
Previously, it was done in unity out of defiance of God; presently it was done in unity out of obedience to God. One was done according to the plan of men, the other one was done purely according to the plan of God. One was done for men’s glory and the other one was done for God’s glory. As a result, one was cursed and the other was blessed. One did not last and foreshadowed the continued rebellion of men against God until today. The other one has materialized into the fulfillment of God’s presence among us in the incarnation of His Son, Jesus Christ, and will culminate eventually in the Presence of God in the New Jerusalem.
Indeed, the world continues to build in unity a world that is in defiance of God based on human ideology and for men’s glory. However, the people of God continue to build in unity the Kingdom of God in obedience to, and according to the plan of God and for His glory. The former will fail while the latter will prosper unto eternity. May the Lord be delighted as He sees from His heavenly “bird’s eye” view that His people are building in unity, in joy and in faith.
These 16 verses are basically the repeat of the instruction in 25:10-30, which is now being carried out.
(1) Why does the appearance of the ark have to be in gold?
(2) Why should there be cherubim on top of the cover? Why should they be positioned in such a posture? How much does it reflect the reality of the heavenly worship?
(3) Why is the cover called the Atonement Cover? (See Lev. 16:15-16.)
(4) Contrast the function served by the cherubim at the end of Genesis 3 to their present function. What might be the message that is being conveyed by the ark?
(5) The Israelites have been summoned to Mount Sinai to meet with God and receive the covenant law and they would consider Mount Sinai as the Mountain of God. But with this portable ark, what is God’s message to them and to Moses (see 25:22)?
(6) When we gather our thoughts on all that are being described about the ark, what kind of a throne is being depicted by this ark? What does God expect His people to think of this ark? (See Heb. 4:16)
(7) Presumably, this special bread was placed on the table every Sabbath along with the incense which is burned to the Lord (to represent the bread according to Lev. 24:7). Although the bread from the previous week would be eaten by the priests (and the priests only — see 1 Sam. 21:4-6 and Matt. 12:4), how does the use of the Bread of Presence signify “as a lasting covenant” by the Lord (see Lev. 24:8)?
(8) What does eating normally
represent in the Oriental culture?
So as God accepts the bread (symbolized by the burning of the incense) and the priests eat of the same bread a week later, what does this signify and what is the “lasting covenant” being affirmed by this weekly ritual?
(9) If the 12 loaves of bread symbolize the eternal fellowship of God with His people, such a covenant is still perpetuated within the most holy setting. Note the following:
a. The ritual takes place “in a holy place” as “a most holy part of their regular share of the offerings made to the Lord” (Lev. 24:9).
b. The entire table is made not only of gold, but designed in such a way that any direct human contact or handling is avoided.
How should this balance between the maintenance of holiness and fellowship speak to our communion with God today?
(10) What have you learned today and how may you apply it in your life?
“He (Bezalel) made the atonement cover of pure gold…” (Exod. 37:6)
For many years after I became a Christian, I often heard about the “mercy seat of God” with the Tabernacle. I knew that it was situated between two Cherubim, above the Ark of the Covenant. But somehow, I envisaged that it would be shaped as a “seat”, if not in the shape of a throne, then at least like a bench of some kind. It was not until I joined in a fun project one summer to build a miniature representation of the Tabernacle and its contents, that I had come to realize that the “seat” was not really a seat or chair, but a rectangular piece of golden cover, like a lid that covers the top of the ark.
I had been asking myself, why I was surprised or even disappointed to learn that it was not a throne or seat, but was only a piece of rectangular cover. I guess the answer was that as the seat of the Almighty God, I was expecting something glamorous and substantial that, at least in my mind, would befit it to be called the throne of God. But upon further reflection, I have come to understand that even a “seat” is part of the anthropomorphic understanding of our Almighty God. If He could not be contained within such a man-made tabernacle, how could any seat or throne be enough for Him to sit and judge over His creation?
The pure gold used to construct this “seat” already speaks to His unparalleled purity, holiness and majesty, and the two cherubim, though made of hammered gold, were made to bow in worship in His presence. Indeed, if a seat of any kind is be made, it would only be laughable! But the most unthinkable thing is that this Almighty God makes His dwelling—His seat even within our hearts—the hearts of those who humble themselves to allow Him to be enthroned therein.
These verses are basically a repeat of 25:31-40:
(1) As you read about the design of the lampstand, consider thse questions:
a. What catches your attention or imagination?
b. What questions does it evoke in you?
(2) On a practical level, the Holy Place needs light for the attending priests to serve before the Lord on behalf of the people and the lampstand serves this purpose. But its spiritual implication is also unmistakable. Apart from the symbol for gold, what other symbols can you think of that are represented by this golden lampstand?
(3) While within the Pentateuch, there is no immediate spiritual significance attached to it, God does reveal to Zechariah its spiritual significance (or at least one of its spiritual significances) in Zechariah 4:1-14. What is it?
(4) The Lord Jesus also uses golden lampstands as an analogy in Rev. 1:20. What do those lampstands stand for? How may we, as a result, understand the spiritual function of this golden lampstand within the tabernacle?
(5) Commentators, in general, consider the use of the almond-shape because of “the fact that it is the earliest of all the trees in both its blossom and its fruits” (K&D, 435) (Jer. 1:11-12). If this is the case, what then is the significance of shaping the lampstand after the shape of an almond tree?
(6) Read 25:40 and see if you understand why the Bible chooses to repeat these instructions here when the actual object was made.
(7) What have you learned today and how may you apply it in your life?
“See that you made them according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.” (Exod. 25:40)
We have been reading for the last few days the account of the actual construction of the Tabernacle and its contents, an account that is almost a verbatim of the original order given to Moses in earlier chapters beginning with chapter 25. One might wonder why Moses chose to repeat in such great detail how they were made. The account given of the actual construction of the Golden Lampstand is a case in point: The account of the construction in 37:17-24 is exactly the same as the instruction in 25:31-40, except that 25:40 was not repeated. Or was it?
Indeed, 25:40 was repeated, not in written words but in action, because Moses and his people indeed had “made them according to the pattern shown”. Action is louder than words. The detailed account in 37:17-24 is a clear indication that Moses and his people had completely obeyed every command of the Lord concerning the building of the Golden Lampstand in 25:31-39, and especially v. 40.
The entire detailed repetition in chapters 35-40 serves as a very important teaching to us in that we are to obey every single command of the Lord in our lives; nothing is too insignificant to be overlooked, and nothing is left to our discretion.
These verses correspond to the instructions of 30:1-10; 27:1-8 and 30:17-21)
The Altar of Incense (37:25-29; 30:1-10)
Though listed at the end of the instructions in chapter 30, the Altar of Incense is listed simply among the things being made:
(1) Where is it situated? Why does Hebrews 9:4 even consider it as being part of the furnishing within the Holy of Holies?(2) What does the burning of incense symbolize according to Psalm 141:2; Revelation 5:8; 8:3, 4?
(3) Why then is such a symbol so
precious to the Lord that the following are done?
a. It is to be burnt regularly every morning and every evening.
b. Only the prescribed incense is to be burnt.
c. No other sacrifice is permitted to be burnt on this altar.
d. It is considered the “most holy” to Him.
(4) How then should we look upon prayer in these areas?
a. Our own prayers
b. Our corporate prayer as a people of God
The Altar (38:1-7; 27:1-8)
This is, perhaps, the most-often used furniture in the tabernacle in that sacrifices would be made daily by the priests on behalf of the people. In actual fact, without the altar, there is no access to the Presence of the Lord at all. And in the process of sacrifice, the blood of the sin-offering is to be smeared upon it (Lev. 4:7). This ritual constantly reminds the people of their sins and their need for atonement through the blood of animals.
(5) As pagan worship often took the form of sacrifice of animals on their altars as well, how should the Israelites distinguish themselves and their worship from the pagans?
(6) Look up Exodus 21:14 and I Kings 1:50-53. Do you get a sense of how the Israelites looked upon the altar?
(7) Upon their return from the exile after the destruction of the temple by the Babylonians, the first thing the Israelites did was to rebuild their altar (Ezra 3:2-6). Why was that?
(8) Ever since A.D. 70, there is basically no prescribed altar to make their sacrifice. What should be the message to the Jews today?
(9) Apart from the need to come before God with the blood of sacrifice, what other meanings does the offering of sacrifice entail?
(10) Now as Christians, we do not need to perform the rites of sacrifice because Jesus, the Lamb of God has made the ultimate, once-for-all sacrifice for our sins. How then should we live out the ultimate meaning of worship through sacrifice to God? (See Rom. 12:1-2)
The Basin (38:8; 30:17-21)
(11) What two occasions require the cleaning of the hands and feet of the priest in this instruction?
(12) What does such an instruction reveal and why is the penalty so severe?
(13) What is its implication to us today?
(14) What is the main message for you today and how may you apply it in your life?
“They made the bronze basin and its bronze stand from the mirrors of the women who served at the entrance to the tent of meeting.” (Exod. 38:8)
While Moses chose to repeat most of the instructions concerning the building of the Tabernacle and its contents in Exodus 35-40 almost word for word, the five verses concerning the basins for washing in 30:17-21 have been reduced to a brief, one-verse account. Furthermore, this verse introduced to us women who would be serving at the entrance to the tent of the meeting. Many scholars have speculated as to who these women might be. Some even tried to tie them with the women in I Samuel 2:22 who committed adultery with the sons of Eli as some kind of cultic prostitution. Any such connection is certainly ludicrous and irreverent considering the sacredness attached to the building of the Tabernacle and its contents. I believe Durham’s attitude in this respect is most commendable when he says, “The best we can do with Exod. 38:8 is to note its obvious purpose (and that is to show us where the materials came from) and then to confess ignorance, until some further information is available as to who the women at the opening of the Tent of Appointed Meeting were, why they were there, and what they were doing, and whether their mirrors were for personal or ritual use.” (Durham 488).