Exodus Chapter 25
God asked the people of Israel to give an offering willingly. Their contributions would be the building supplies for the future tabernacle. God wanted the people to be a part of the construction by giving to the supplies that would be needed. It was not just money that Moses would collect from the people but all sorts of materials. These materials would all become important to the specifics of the tabernacle and a sanctuary. The sanctuary was a place for God to dwell a place set apart for Him, the holy God of Israel.
Let's Reflect
1. The contributions that the people would make to the tabernacle were to be requested of the people not commanded. God wanted them to give willingly. How does verse 2 describe the man who would give a contribution to the Lord?
2. God wanted them to construct a sanctuary so He could dwell there. Where is the sanctuary to be located?
3. As you read through the exact instructions for the building of the Ark of the Covenant what stood out to you about it?
4. What did God instruct would be put inside the Ark of the Covenant? Other items will be added later in Scripture.
5. What is the top of the Ark of the Covenant called? This is where God would meet with Israel, with the high priest who represented the people. The high priest would once a year meet with God in peace. This peace was possible because the priest would sprinkle blood from the sacrifice on the top of the mercy seat on the Day of Atonement. The law inside would be broken many times by the people. But the atoning blood sprinkled on top of the Ark would atone, bring peace.
6. The next piece of furniture that they will construct is the Table of Bread. This piece was also covered in gold and carried with logs made of a certain species of wood that is insect repellent because it is such a dense and heavy wood. What species of wood were the poles used to carry the Ark and the Table?
7. What was the purpose of the Table of Bread?
8. The next piece of furniture for the Tabernacle was the Golden Lampstand. According to verse 37 how many lamps would the lampstand hold? This piece was also covered in gold and God gave specific instructions on how to create it. It sounds like it was a beautiful piece. The light casting off the gold would have been spectacular.
