Offerings for the Tabernacle
These instructions first indicate the materials the Israelites...
These instructions first indicate the materials the Israelites could contribute for the construction of the Tabernacle (25:3–7). The instructions then move from the center outward, beginning with the Ark of the Covenant (25:10–22) and concluding with the courtyard (27:9–19). Two items, the altar of incense in the sanctuary and the washbasin in the courtyard, are included later (30:1–10, 17–21), in the section relating to the priesthood, perhaps because their use was especially related to functions of the priests.
Unlike our churches, the Tabernacle functioned primarily as...
Unlike our churches, the Tabernacle functioned primarily as a residence or palace of God, the divine king, rather than as a place for people to congregate. In this respect, churches are more like the later Jewish synagogues (see also study note on 40:2). This last section of Exodus completes the revelation of God necessary for the people of Israel to come out of the theological darkness that had held them in bondage. This final section includes instructions for building the Tabernacle (chs 25–31), the story of the gold calf (a wrong attempt to secure God’s presence, chs 32–34), and the report of building the Tabernacle (the proper way to secure God’s presence, chs 35–40). God’s ultimate goal in delivering the people from bondage was to share his presence with them. Because of his holiness, that presence could only be experienced in his way, not through the pagan way of human manipulation. The construction of the Tabernacle is reported here, even though some of the instructions in Leviticus were actually given before this event (see 40:1–2; Lev 25:1; 27:34; Num 7:1). This event expresses the goal of the entire Exodus sequence, which is God taking up residence among his people.
1Then the LORD said to Moses, 2“Tell the Israelites to bring Me an offering. You are to receive My offering from every man whose heart compels him. 3This is the offering you are to accept from them:
gold, silver, and bronze;
4blue, purple, and scarlet yarn;
fine linen and goat hair;
5ram skins dyed red and fine leather;†
acacia wood;
6olive oil for the light;
spices for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense;
7and onyx stones and gemstones to be mounted on the ephod and breastpiece.
8And they are to make a sanctuary for Me, so that I may dwell among them. 9You must make the tabernacle and design all its furnishings according to the pattern I show you.
The Ark of the Covenant
an Ark of acacia wood: In translating the...
an Ark of acacia wood: In translating the plans for the Ark of the Covenant, the NLT continues to use the word Ark because of its traditional associations. However, ark is simply an archaic English word meaning “box.” The Ark was Israel’s “covenant box.” It was the most significant item in the whole complex, because it was there that God made his presence available (25:22). The presence of the stone tablets of the covenant in the box (25:16, 21) underlined the truth that God reveals himself in the context of a mutually binding commitment between himself and his people.
10And they are to construct an ark of acacia wood, two and a half cubits long, a cubit and a half wide, and a cubit and a half high.† 11Overlay it with pure gold both inside and out, and make a gold molding around it.
The carrying poles were there so that no...
The carrying poles were there so that no one would touch this representation of God’s devastating holiness. Later, a death occurred when someone instinctively reached out to steady the Ark as it was being moved from one place to another (see 2 Sam 6:6–7).
12Cast four gold rings for it and fasten them to its four feet, two rings on one side and two on the other. 13And make poles of acacia wood and overlay them with gold. 14Insert the poles into the rings on the sides of the ark, in order to carry it. 15The poles are to remain in the rings of the ark; they must not be removed. 16And place inside the ark the Testimony,† which I will give you.
The Mercy Seat
17And you are to construct a mercy seat† of pure gold, two and a half cubits long and a cubit and a half wide.† 18Make two cherubim of hammered gold at the ends of the mercy seat, 19one cherub on one end and one on the other, all made from one piece of gold. 20And the cherubim are to have wings that spread upward, overshadowing the mercy seat. The cherubim are to face each other, looking toward the mercy seat.
21Set the mercy seat atop the ark and put the Testimony that I will give you into the ark.
22And I will meet with you there above the mercy seat, between the two cherubim that are over the ark of the Testimony;† I will speak with you about all that I command you regarding the Israelites.
The Table of Showbread
(Exodus 37:10–16; Leviticus 24:5–9)
The table of acacia wood stood on the...
The table of acacia wood stood on the north side of the main room of the sanctuary, the Holy Place (26:35). It reminded the people that God would provide sustenance for them. Above all, that sustenance was his presence (25:30).
23You are also to make a table of acacia wood two cubits long, a cubit wide, and a cubit and a half high.† 24Overlay it with pure gold and make a gold molding around it. 25And make a rim around it a handbreadth wide† and put a gold molding on the rim.
26Make four gold rings for the table and fasten them to the four corners at its four legs. 27The rings are to be close to the rim, to serve as holders for the poles used to carry the table. 28Make the poles of acacia wood and overlay them with gold, so that the table may be carried with them.
29You are also to make the plates and dishes, as well as the pitchers and bowls for pouring drink offerings. Make them out of pure gold.
30And place the Bread of the Presence on the table before Me at all times.
The Lampstand
(Exodus 37:17–24; Numbers 8:1–4)
The lampstand of pure, hammered gold stood on...
The lampstand of pure, hammered gold stood on the south side of the Holy Place (26:35). It showed the light of God’s presence to his people. The lamps (25:37) were flat dishes containing olive oil. A wick extended into the oil and hung down from a lip on one side of the dish. The dishes, resting on the upturned almond blossoms (25:33), were to be turned so that all their wicks faced the center of the room (25:37). The total number of lamps is not clear. Although seven lamps are mentioned in 25:37, there seem to be 22 lamp cups in 25:33–34.
31Then you are to make a lampstand of pure, hammered gold. It shall be made of one piece, including its base and shaft, its cups, and its buds and petals.
32Six branches are to extend from the sides of the lampstand—three on one side and three on the other. 33There are to be three cups shaped like almond blossoms on the first branch, each with buds and petals, three on the next branch, and the same for all six branches that extend from the lampstand.
34And on the lampstand there shall be four cups shaped like almond blossoms with buds and petals. 35For the six branches that extend from the lampstand, a bud must be under the first pair of branches, a bud under the second pair, and a bud under the third pair. 36The buds and branches are to be all of one piece with the lampstand, hammered out of pure gold.
37Make seven lamps and set them up on the lampstand so that they illuminate the area in front of it. 38The wick trimmers and their trays must be of pure gold. 39The lampstand and all these utensils shall be made from a talent of pure gold.†
40See to it that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.†