DBG - January 28 - Exodus 25-27

In this chapter we begin the plans for the Tabernacle with directions for the Ark of the Covenant, the Table of Shewbread, and the Golden Candlestick.

vs. 1-7 -  This is the command for the offering that is gathered in chapter 35.  How did former slaves have such luxurious items to give?  It is because of the spoiling of the Egyptians in 12:35-36.

vs. 8-9 – God does not leave anything to chance in this.  As the high and holy God, He dictates how He is to be approached.  Every detail of the tabernacle speaks to His glory and foreshadows Christ who came to reconcile us to God.

vs. 10 – The wooden box that is the base of the Ark of the Covenants is 45 inches long x 18 inches wide x 27 inches tall.

vs. 11 – The wooden structure is overlaid with gold with a ridge or border along the top to hold the Mercy Seat in place.

vs. 12-15 – Two wooden rods are overlaid with gold to carry the Ark.  These are placed through rings on the corners of the Ark.  The Ark is moved by carrying it on these rods. In the Tabernacle they are not removed.

vs. 16 – The Ark will be placed in the Most Holy Place, the focus of the Tabernacle layout.

vs. 17-21 – The Mercy Seat is more than just a lid or covering.  It is made of gold and is the same total dimensions as the Ark.  It features two cherubim on its top that face toward each other  and cover the surface with their wings.

vs. 22 – God’s presence dwelt above the Mercy Seat covered by the cherubim.  See 25:22, I Samuell 4:4, Psalm 80:1 and 99:1.

vs. 23-28 – The Table of Shewbread was made of gold-plated wood and was 18 inches long x 18 inches wide x 27 inches tall.  Its top surface had a 4-inch-tall ridge around its edge.

vs. 29 – All of the implements used with the shewbread were of gold.

vs. 30 – The purpose of the Table was to place 12 loaves of bread on each Sabbath.  The name shewbread is because it was placed in the presence, or before the face, of the Lord. 

vs. 31-36 – The basic design of the Golden Candlestick was a central shaft with three branches to either side.  These were decorated with depictions of almond buds and blossoms.

vs. 37 – This is the only light source in the Tabernacle.  It was checked twice daily.

vs. 38 – All of its associated implements were also made of gold.

vs. 39 – 1 talent of gold is a little over 75 pounds.  With today’s prices the gold alone would be worth over $6 million.

vs. 40 – Again, God is not leaving room for men’s imagination in the construction of the Tabernacle.  It is not the best or most artistic expression that catches God’s attention.  God blesses faithfulness to His plan.

In this chapter God gives instructions for the Tabernacle structure.

vs. 1-6 – We begin with the outer coverings that draped over the structure.  These are made of woven linen with designs of cherubim on them.  Ten curtains are made that are 42 feet x 6 feet.  Two sets of five were laced together, and then these two were connected with loops and golden clasps.  The total size for this completely assembled cover was 42 feet x 60 feet.  It is much larger than the actual Tabernacle, which is 15 feet wide x 45 feet long x 15 feet tall.

vs. 7-13 – Lain atop the linen cover were 11 curtains made of goat hair.  These were each 45 feet x 6 feet.  Two sets of these, one of 5 and one of 6, were laced together and then combine with loops and brass clasps.  The total size is 45 feet x 66 feet.

vs. 14 – Two more layers are given that would be lain atop the goat hair cover.  The first is ram skins that were dyed red and the second and outermost layer is badger skins.

vs. 15-30 – The structure of the Tabernacles is made up of gold-plated boards that are placed vertically into silver bases.  There are 48 total boards that are 15 feet long and 27 inches wide.  20 went on the north side, 6 on the west, 2 in the western corners, and 20 on the south.  15 gold plated rods are used to further secure the walls, 5 for each side. 

vs. 31-37 – Two veils are made.  The first mentioned is of similar make to the innermost linen curtains that covered the Tabernacle.  It was woven with images of cherubim on both sides.  This is was supported 4 pillars of gold plated wood set in silver bases.  The second veil is the outer door.  It is also made of woven linen and decorated with needlework.  IT is supported by five pillars of gold plated wood set in brass bases.

In this chapter continue the instructions for the Tabernacle with the Brazen Altar and courtyard fence.

vs. 1-8 – The Brazen Altar is the largest piece of furniture in the Tabernacle.  It was 7½ feet square on its base and 4½ feet tall.  It was made of brass plated wood and all of the implements were made of brass.  A brass grate was hung inside it on which the sacrifices were laid.  It was carried by rods made of brass covered wood. 

vs. 9-15 – The courtyard of the Tabernacle was surrounded by a barrier made of linen curtains.  The total area it enclosed is about ½ acre.   The number of the curtains could be 56 or 60, depending on if the corners were doubled like the boards in the Tabernacle itself were.  Each curtain was 7½ feet square and would be white in color.  These were attached to brass posts.  These were set into brass bases and capped with ornaments of silver.  To help stabilize the wall two things were done.  First, cords were fastened to the posts and attached to brass stakes driven in the ground.  Second, silver rods were placed to connect the brass posts. 

vs. 16-17 – The description in these verses is the covering placed over the entrance of the Tabernacle courtyard.  It covered a 22½ foot opening on the east side.  It is woven and decorated.

vs. 18-19 – We see here the total area of the Tabernacle courtyard – 150 feet x 75 feet.  We also note that the implements used in the courtyard were made of brass.

vs. 20 – Here is direction for the oil for the Golden Candlestick in 25:31-40.

vs. 21 – The care of the Tabernacle and its services was placed under the direction of Aaron and his descendants.  These will become the High Priests.

I am very well aware that this is about the place many get discouraged and lose heart in their daily Bible reading.  This is sad because here are some of the richest veins of truth a student of the Bible will find.  I have purposely avoided getting involved in the typology of what we are reading for the sake of brevity, but if you would only take the time to dig a little you will find many wonderful truths in these passages concerning the Tabernacle and its services.  Alfred Edersheim wrote concerning this: “Nothing here was intended as a mere ornament or ceremony, all was symbol and type. As symbol, it indicated a present truth; as type, it pointed forward (a prophecy by deed) to future spiritual realities, while, at the same time, it already conveyed to the worshipper the firstfruits, and the earnest of their final accomplishment in ‘the fullness of time.’”  If you would like to go a little deeper, I have a series of lessons I taught on this very subject on my website at https://www.baptistbasics.org/notes/#tabernacle

Our hymn today was written by the American Baptist pastor John Leland, who famously fought for total religious freedom in America after its independence.  As we have seen in our reading today, God would dwell in the Tabernacle between the cherubims upon the Mercy Seat.  Leland uses this picture of the presence of God in a building pray that God would bless their place of meeting.  These words were first sun at the dedication of new church building on December 25, 1794.

Thus saith the eternal God;

I sit upon my throne,

The heavens I spread abroad,

The earth I made alone,

The heavens are my exalted seat,

The earth I tread beneath my feet.

What house did e’er contain

An omnipresent God?

Attempts are all as vain

To bind my holy word,

All worlds, surrounded by my hand,

Move round at my supreme command.

The temple did contain

The ark, that sacred chest;

My presence there was seen;

It was my settled rest.

No more I give the Jews commands,

Nor dwell in temples made with hands.

Yet will I look upon

The Man of my right hand,

Mine own eternal Son

Shall in my presence stand;

Tho’ he is God, yet he was poor,

Lowly in heart, tho’ full of power.

In him the God-head dwells,

All fulness there is found:

Spring up, ye sacred wells,

Let grace and truth abound.

The temple once my presence blessed

But was not my abiding rest.

Another house I have,

The church is where I dwell,

The humble poor to save,

The contrite free from hell,

The glory of these latter days

Shall far exceed the temple’s praise.

Lord, we have met to-day,

To worship thee above;

Descend from heaven, we pray, —

Fill every heart with love.

We dedicate this house to thee;

‘Tis all thine own, —so let it be.

Preserve this house from fire,

From thunder, wind and storm,

Nor from this place retire,

But every bosom warm.

We leave our praise with thee,

Thou great, sublime, eternal Three