Feb 7: Exodus 25-27

Feb 7, Exodus 25-27

Side note - now we are moving into the second half of Exodus and God goes into detail about how He wants Moses and the Israelites to fabricate God’s sanctuary/holy place. You will quickly see that God is extremely detailed - He is not just a ‘big picture’ God, He is in the details.

Exodus 25. God told Moses to take up an offering/contribution. But this is to be from those that their hearts are moved to give. What does Moses need? He needs gold, silver, bronze, yarns and lots more. Interesting, when they left Egypt the Israelites plundered the Egyptians, by God’s hand, and ‘just so happened’ (sarcasm there… I really don’t like that statement as it leaves out God's Hand in things.) to have all of these items. God was going to show Moses exactly how to make everything. Part of the reason, scholars think, that these sections are so detailed, is so that the next generations can see the tabernacle and read about it, confirming it for them. God is very detailed and intentional on how He designed it. God is telling Moses how to design the ark of the covenant.

You may have heard of this, but the ark of the covenant is where they will eventually store the ten commandments, and a jar of manna. Consider it like a safe in your home - your most prized possession will go in there… Additionally, God wants a mercy seat to be placed on the top of the ark of the covenant where He will meet with Moses and speak to him. He also instructs all the other furnishings that will go into the Tabernacle.

Exodus 26. The tabernacle. The Holy place. Where God will dwell. Sometimes we forget the amazing thing it was to build something physical, so the Invisible God could dwell in it on Earth. This is what is described next. See in the picture (a drawing - not actual photo!)

the details and layout when reading it, I think it helps. One of the main things to notice is that there is a separation between The Holy Place and the veil separating the Most Holy Place (where the ark would be). Only the priest could enter this section of the Tabernacle once a year, on the day of Atonement, where God would atone for all the sins of the people. The Tabernacle also contains the Most Holy Place, this is where Yahweh would come to meet his people.

Exodus 27. The bronze altar is also specific and it will be used for burnt offerings to Yahweh. Just notice that the materials being used for all of these things is precious metals and fine linens - for this is where Yahweh will dwell. As well as how it is supposed to be designed outside the Tabernacle, in the front yard. The chapter ends with God commanding the people to bring pure olive oil to light the lamp for the tabernacle. Aaron, Moses Brother the chosen priest, and his sons, are to tend to the lamp and keep it going. 

To sum it all up:

• God cares about the details and wants us to follow them - what He sets out for us. He is invested in our lives and cares about the little things. As well as God has already decided how it is that we are to worship Him. We can not worship Him in any other way, other than the way that He wants.