Day 41, Chronological Bible Study Timeline. Map. Go to today's Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): Exodus 25–31. Note: The Living Bible (TLB) provides an easier version to understand for US standard measurements.
*The Tabernacle and Our Worship Center
Many people have seen or been involved in the construction of church buildings. They are not designed in half-hazard fashion, without thought. Everything begins with a purpose(s). Plans then follow. Blueprints are made from the plans. Afterward, finances and permits are obtained, materials are gathered, skilled workers and artisans are hired, and eventually, the work begins. When the structure is complete, it is then furnished with the things desired for worship.
In today’s Bible reading, the people of Israel had made a covenant with the LORD to keep all of his moral and social laws. By doing so, they entered into a relationship with him. But, how do they worship him?
When Moses goes back up into Mt. Sinai to meet with God, a cloud of fire descends (Exodus 24:15-18). This is the last sight of him which the people see. When he doesn’t return for a long time, they wonder what has become of him—did he get burned up, or is he coming back? The people are being tested (in the Bible, forty days often signifies testing), and it is difficult to wait. If God delays, could we trust the LORD and wait for him?Moses doesn’t get burned up, and neither does he desert them. God is on Mt. Sinai with Moses preparing to do something special for his people.
Perhaps this is why some of us don’t get answers to our prayers right away—the LORD is preparing something better for us.
While Moses is on the mountain, he receives the design for a tabernacle, its furnishings, and priestly garments for the worship ministers.
What is the tabernacle?
The tabernacle is a portable worship tent. It’s similar to a worship center or church, only it has completely different furnishings and functions.
What is the purpose of the tabernacle?
God says to Moses, “Have them [the Israelites] make a sanctuary for me, and I will dwell among them” (Exodus 25:1-2,8, NIV). Although God is Almighty, above, and beyond all comprehension (transcendent), and able to be everywhere simultaneously (omnipresent), God wants his presence to dwell with the Israelites. His presence is vital to the Israelites—they are surrounded by nations with foreign gods. The LORD, the true God of heaven, wants the Israelites to worship only him and do it properly.
Although most of us are not Israelites, the Lord wants to dwell within each of us so that we become a tabernacle of his presence and live to the praise of his glory (John 1:14; 2Corinthians 5:1-10; Ephesians 2:22). At the end of the age, God will again make his presence dwell with us as he did the Israelites (Revelation 21:3).Who are the designers and builders?
God designs the tabernacle and the Israelites contribute to it, making it their own, and then he chooses certain artisans and laborers for the work of building it (Exodus 35:30-35). The tabernacle will be a simple structure but rich with precious metals and cloth—magnificent with beautiful intricate designs.
The LORD says to Moses,
Tell the Israelites to bring me an offering. You are to receive the offering for me from each man whose heart prompts him to give.
These are the offerings you are to receive from them: gold, silver and bronze; blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen; goat hair; ram skins dyed red and hides of sea cows; acacia wood; olive oil for the light; spices for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense; and onyx stones and other gems to be mounted on the ephod and breastpiece.
Make this tabernacle and all its furnishings exactly like the pattern I will show you (Exodus 25:1-7, 9, NIV).
Today, God wants all of us Christians active in building up our worship centers. He gives each of us gifts and abilities to contribute to his body, the church. These may be physical or spiritual (1Corinthians 12; Ephesians 4:1-16; Romans 12:6-8). We are chosen and designed for the praise of his glory (Ephesians 1:3-6, 11-13). It is good to keep that in mind when we are serving in our worship centers.
The tabernacle is designed to be portable because the Israelites will journey through the desert. Instead of brick and mortar, it is constructed with frames, bars, rings, clasps, and curtains. All the tabernacle furnishings have rings in which poles are inserted for Aaron’s descendants, the Kohathites, to carry them.
Furnishings of the Tabernacle
The furnishings are
- the Ark of the Covenant. This is a small golden chest with a lid, where two golden angels sit with their wings facing each other and wingtips touching.
- a beautifully designed golden lampstand of cups and almond blossoms (a Menorah)
- a small golden table, on which a priest daily places twelve flat cakes of unleavened (yeastless) bread
- a small golden altar for burning incense
- a bronze basin for the priests to wash before handling the sacrifices
- a large bronze altar for sacrificing burnt offerings from the worshippers
Each article has a purpose, is made according to a pattern, and symbolizes things to come. These will be discussed in upcoming Bible studies.
The tabernacle is a forty-five foot by fifteen foot curtained tent located in the north end of a sizeable one-hundred-fifty foot by seventy-five foot curtained courtyard. Close to the south entrance is a large altar for sacrifices, and somewhere in the middle of the courtyard is a large basin for priests to wash.
The tabernacle is divided into two sections. In one area is the Holy Place and in the other is the Most Holy Place. The Holy Place houses the golden table of showbread, the golden lampstand, and the golden altar of incense. Separated by a thick, rich, and ornately designed curtain of Cherubim angels is the Most Holy Place. Inside this fifteen by fifteen room is one article of furniture, the golden Ark of the Covenant with the Cherubim facing each other on the lid or Mercy Seat (see representative pictures of the inner sanctuary of the tabernacle). We will learn more about the tabernacle design and its purpose in the coming days, but if you want more insight now, check out (Hebrews 8:5; 9:1–10:25).Discussion
What is the tabernacle?
In what way does God tabernacle in followers of Christ?
God used artisans and craftsmen, not just priests and Levites to serve him. What does that indicate about our spiritual gifts and abilities?
Focus Verse
Exodus 25:8 (NIV) “Then have them make a sanctuary for me, and I will dwell among them.”
*A representative picture of the Tabernacle is graciously provided by BiblePlaces.com
If you wish, you can take a virtual tour of the tabernacle and discover its meaning here.
Write a private prayer response to today’s Bible study:
Please send your comments to mtbiblestudies@gmail.com
Looking Ahead: Now that the tabernacle has been built, its time for the Dedication of the Priests for the Service of the tabernacle. Join us in our Next Lesson as we apply the principles of dedication for our church workers.
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