What I Noticed Today (Exodus 25-27)
Exodus 25-27
There is incredible imagery in these chapters that detail the construction of the tabernacle and its contents!
Exodus 25
Chapter 25 describes the construction of the tabernacle. The tabernacle served one purpose; it was where God dwelled among the people (25:8). While God could have spoken the tabernacle into existence, He chose instead to have the Israelites make it from materials they brought as offerings. The plans He gave for the tabernacle were extremely detailed.
In verses 1-9, God gave Moses instructions to take an offering for the construction of the tabernacle:
- The materials to be collected included precious metals, yarns, linen, animal skins, woods, oils, spices, and gemstones.
- God told Moses they must make the tabernacle and all its furnishings according to the directions He would give them.
In verses 10-22, God gave instructions to Moses for the construction of the ark of the covenant (or testimony):
- The ark was to be made of acacia wood, covered inside and out with gold.
- Poles of acacia wood were also made and overlaid with gold and inserted into the rings on the sides of the ark to carry it. The poles were never to be removed.
- The tablets of the testimony (the Ten Commandments) were to be placed inside the ark.
- A mercy seat was to be constructed and overlaid with gold. On top of the mercy seat, two golden cherubim were fashioned facing one another.
- The mercy seat with the cherubim was placed on top of the ark.
- God would meet with Moses above the mercy seat between the cherubim, and give His instructions from there.
In verses 23-30, God gave Moses instructions for the construction of the table:
- The table was to be made of acacia wood and overlaid with gold.
- Four gold rings were to be made and attached to the table through which poles made of acacia wood overlaid with gold were to be inserted to carry the table.
- Plates, cups, pitchers, and bowls were all to be made out of pure gold.
- The bread of the Presence was to be placed on the table before God at all times.
Note: The bread of Presence was 12 loaves of bread made with fine flour and placed on the table in two rows of six. The bread was for the priests to consume. The table was placed just outside the Holy of Holies (where the ark was kept).
In verses 31-40, God gave Moses instructions for the construction of the lampstand (menorah):
- A lampstand was to be fashioned out of a single piece of gold. It resembled an almond tree with seven branches total; three on each side and one in the center. Each branch had cups shaped like almond blossoms with petals. The top of each branch had an oil lamp to provide light for the room.
- Snuffers and firepans were also to be made of pure gold.
- The gold needed to make the lampstand, and the implements were one talent (approximately 75 pounds).
Note: The Hebrew word for almond is similar to a word that means “to watch over.” Aaron’s staff was made of almond wood (Numbers 17:8), and in Jeremiah 1:11-12, an almond branch is described as a symbol of God watching over His word.
Some thoughts for additional consideration:
- Interestingly, degrees of closeness to God existed at Mt. Sinai. The people were furthest away, and the elders were permitted to come closer, then Moses and Joshua closer still, and then Moses alone was permitted onto the mountain to be with God for 40 days and nights.
- Today, because of Christ’s finished work on the cross, we are all allowed to be close to God, to glory in His Presence. Yet there are some who remain at a distance, some who are a little closer, and some who are very close. For us, it is a choice; we decide by our actions exactly how close to God we want to be!
- Jesus Christ is the bread of life (John 6:35). The Word of God is a light to our paths (Psalm 199:105). Christ’s finished work on the cross removed the barrier of sin that comes between God and us. Now, for those who believe, we are God’s sanctuary, and His Spirit lives in us (1 Cor. 3:16)!
Exodus 26
In Chapter 26, God gives Moses incredibly detailed instructions for the construction of the tabernacle:
- The tabernacle itself was composed of four layers: fine linen, woven goat hair, leather from ram skins, and another layer of leather.
Note: The type of leather in the fourth layer is not certain. The Hebrew word is similar to an Egyptian word for a marine mammal similar to a manatee.
- The tabernacle measured 15’ by 45’ and was surrounded by a large courtyard.
- The opening of the tabernacle was always to be positioned, so it faced toward the east.
- Two curtains were made: one separated the interior space of the tabernacle, and the other curtain was placed at the entrance of the tabernacle. The interior curtain separated the Holy of Holies, where the ark and the mercy seat were placed.
Exodus 27
In Chapter 27, God gives Moses instructions for the construction of the altar for burnt offerings, the tabernacle courtyard, and the preparation of oil for the lampstand:
- The altar of burnt offering (also referred to as the bronze altar) was to be square, made of acacia wood overlaid with bronze, and placed in the courtyard in front of the tabernacle.
- Rings were to be installed on the corners to accept acacia wood poles. The poles were used to carry the altar.
- The courtyard surrounding the tabernacle measured 150’ by 75’ and 7.5’ high. It was made of linen curtains supported by wooden frames set in bronze bases.
Note: The courtyard height kept the curious from looking in, but was only half the height of the tabernacle so people could still see the tabernacle from outside the courtyard.
- Oil for the lampstand (Exodus 25:31-39) was made of pressed olives.
- Aaron and his sons were to keep oil in the lamp so it would be lit from evening until morning every day.
- The lampstand was to be located inside the tabernacle outside the Holy of Holies.
Note: The table for the bread, the golden lampstand, and the bronze altar are all contained within the tabernacle. The bread is a reminder of our spiritual nourishment that comes from God. The lampstand was the only light inside the tabernacle. God is the light of our lives. The bronze altar where sacrifices were made as needed to atone for sin before coming near to God.
Note: As with the scene at Mt. Sinai, there is a distinct separation among the people regarding the tabernacle (ch. 27). The people were kept outside. Levites were allowed inside the courtyard area, and only priests were allowed inside the Holy of Holies.
What did you notice in your study today? Feel free to visit the website and leave a question or a comment.
