EXODUS 25 - THE PATTERN OF THE TABERNACLE
Exodus 25
The Lord said to Moses to build a sanctuary so that he could dwell in the midst of his people. The Lord gave specific instructions to Moses for building the tabernacle. It followed an exact pattern, even down to the type of furniture, a pattern that came from heaven. To build it the people needed to bring contributions. With willing hearts, they were moved to give generous offerings to the Lord (v. 1-9).
God loves to dwell with his people. By giving their resources the people responded to God’s desire to dwell with them.
The first piece of furniture that God said to make was an ark. The ark was made of acacia wood with specific dimension. It was covered in gold, surrounded by sculpted angels, and it was designed with rings and poles so that it could be carried with holy reverence. The ark was built to contain the testimony of the law of God with a seat of mercy covering over it. This was to be the place where God would speak (v. 10-22).
God loves to speak to his people. By building the ark according to God’s specific commands the people responded to God’s desire to speak to them.
The second piece of furniture that God said to make was a table for bread. The table was also made of acacia wood with specified dimensions. The table was also covered with gold and was to be carried with poles. The table was designed to hold the bread of the Prescence, which were twelve loaves of bread that was set before God regularly (v. 23-30).
God loves to sustain his people. By setting out new showbread each week the people would remember that fellowship with God is how we are nourished.
The third piece of furniture that God said to make was a golden lampstand. Like the other articles in the sanctuary the lampstand was made of gold. With seven lights the lampstand gave light to the tabernacle. The lampstand was built like almond blossoms which are the first trees to blossom in Israel’s springtime (v. 31-40).
God loves to enlighten his people. By building the lampstand the people remembered that God is the source of life, truth, and love.
The writer of Hebrews explains better than anyone what the point of all of this is:
Hebrews 8:1-7
Now the point in what we are saying is this: we have such a high priest, one who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, a minister in the holy places, in the true tent that the Lord set up, not man. For every high priest is appointed to offer gifts and sacrifices; thus it is necessary for this priest also to have something to offer. Now if he were on earth, he would not be a priest at all, since there are priests who offer gifts according to the law. They serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things. For when Moses was about to erect the tent, he was instructed by God, saying, “See that you make everything according to the pattern that was shown you on the mountain.” But as it is, Christ has obtained a ministry that is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant he mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises. For if that first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no occasion to look for a second.