SCRIPTURE: EXODUS 25
BIBLE VERSES:
“The Lord said to Moses, “Tell the Israelites to bring me an offering. You are to receive the offering for me from everyone whose heart prompts them to give. These are the offerings you are to receive from them: gold, silver and bronze; blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen; goat hair; ram skins dyed red and another type of durable leather, acacia wood; olive oil for the light; spices for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense; and onyx stones and other gems to be mounted on the ephod and breastpiece. “Then have them make a sanctuary for me, and I will dwell among them. Make this tabernacle and all its furnishings exactly like the pattern I will show you.” (Exodus 25:1-8)
OFFERINGS FOR THE TABERNACLE (vs. 1-8)
God gave instruction for the Israelites to bring him an offering. He also told them to make a sanctuary and tabernacle with all the specific pattern.
THE ARK (vs. 10-22)
The ark was the most important piece of furniture in the tent proper. It was the throne o f God where His glory rested. It should be made of acacia wood (humanity) overlaid with molding of gold (diety) and 2 cherubim facing each other.
THE TABLE (vs. 23-30)
The table will be made of acacia wood overlay with pure gold molding with 4 gold rings in 4 corners. Make plates and dishes of pure gold as well as pitchers and bowls for the pouring out of offerings. The bread must be put in the Presence of the table to remind that God had fed His people.
THE LAMPSTAND (vs. 31-40)
The lampstand must be made of pure gold with 6 branches of flowerlike cups. And as the lampstand is to be 4 cups shaped like almond flowers with buds and blossoms. Set up 7 lamps. Its wick trimmers and trays are to be of pure gold.
THOUGHTS:
God gave Moses the pattern for the tabernacle as he also gave David the pattern for the temple. When God wants a work done on earth, he has one plan for His people to follow. Let us follow God’s plan instead of following the wisdom of this world.
Within the ark constitutes 3 special items: The tables of Law, Aaron’s rod that budded, and a pot of manna. Each three items were connected with Israelites’ rebellion – the tables of Law with the making of the golden calf; Aaron’s rod with the rebellion led by Korah; and the manna with Israel’s complaining in the wilderness. Because there was a mercy seat upon the ark, blood was sprinkled each annual Day of Atonement. The blood covered the sins of the people so that God saw the blood and not their rebellion.
“Under His wings” refers to the wings of the cherubim meaning to dwell in the holy of holies in close communion with God.
The Golden Lampstand is a picture of God’s Word that gives light to the world. Each believer must be God’s light that shines in this dark world.