Exodus 25-27 - Instructions for the Tabernacle

Exodus 25-27 Devotional Bible Study

Exodus 25-27 Chapter Summary

God told Moses to collect an offering from anyone whose heart prompted them to give. The materials were for building the Tent of Meeting (Tabernacle) and its furnishings. God told Moses exactly how to build the Tent of Meeting and fashion the objects within it. First was the Ark of the Covenant, which was to contain the tablets of the Law. The Atonement Cover on top of the Ark was to have two cherubim facing each other.

Next was the Table, on which was to be the Bread of the Presence.

 

Then the Lampstand.

The Tent of Meeting was to have a curtain separating the Most Holy Place (or the Holy of Holies) from the Holy Place. Inside the Most Holy Place was the Ark of the Covenant and Atonement Cover. Outside the curtain, in the Holy Place, was to be the Table and the Lampstand.

Next was the Altar of Burnt Offering, with horns on the four corners.

There was also to be a courtyard for the Tent of Meeting.

 

Aaron and his sons were to keep lamps burning olive oil throughout the night to light the Holy Place.

 

Instructions for the Tabernacle

As we read how the Lord gave instructions to Moses in Exodus 25-27 on how to build the Tabernacle, I notice a few principles:

God decides how His temple is to be constructed. He decides how He is to be worshiped.

The materials used for the Temple – gold, silver, bronze, fine linen, leather, precious gems – and the ornate carvings of cherubim, almond flowers, pomegranates – give glory to God. It’s good to use these materials and our artistic talents to praise the Lord. I would even go so far as to say we should use the richest materials of the earth for Him, not for ourselves.

In different times of history, the instructions the Lord gives for the design of the temple is different. First, the patriarchs honored God by building altars wherever they lived. Then He had Moses set up a mobile Tabernacle. David had a desire for the first permanent Temple, and Solomon built it. Ezekiel received instructions for a Temple during the Exile, and the Lord showed John the Apostle another Temple in Heaven. Jesus called His Body the Temple, and Paul teaches us that we are the Temple of the Holy Spirit. These different sanctuaries reflect how the Lord deals differently with His people at different times. His plan of covenant salvation progresses through these various forms.