The Tabernacle

As we continue our journey through the Book of Exodus, there is a very long section essentially describing The Tabernacle. This is Exodus 25-31 and 35-40. In this blog, I will deal briefly with these chapters. First, here are some introductory observations.

I. Outline of Exodus 25-31 and 35-40. Introduction: Chapters 25-31 contain Yahweh's instructions that Moses is to build the tabernacle and its furnishings. Chapters 35-40 actually describe the construction of the tabernacle and its furnishings. HOWEVER, these chapters also contain other important details related to the tabernacle. SO, here is an outline.
A. Instructions to build the tabernacle. Exodus 25-27.
B. Instructions concerning the vestments of the priests and the ordination of the priests. Exodus 28-29.
C. Instructions to build the tabernacle. Exodus 30.
D. Directions that Bezalel and Oholiab are to build the tabernacle; the Sabbath Law. Exodus 31.
E. Preparations for building the tabernacle under the guidance of Bezalel and Oholiab. Exodus 35:1-36:7.
F. Actual building of the tabernacle. Exodus 36:8-38:31.
G. Actual making the vestments of the priests. Exodus 39:1-31.
H. Account of the Completion of the building of the tabernacle. Exodus 39:32-40:38

At this point, it is not necessary to go into all the details in these chapters. There are TWO MAIN POINTS in these chapters. Here, we will deal with each briefly.

A. Inside and Outside the Tabernacle.
1. The Tabernacle Itself. The tabernacle faces east. Here are the main components. Find a good description of the tabernacle. I would recommend The Interpreter's Dictionary of the Bible, volume
4, page 499. Here are the components. The Bible presents these in "cubits." For us Americans, I am putting this in "feet" under the assumption that a "cubit" is 18 inches long. [This is close, although scholar will "bicker" over this].
a. The tabernacle as a whole is 45 feet long, fifteen feet wide, and fifteen feet high. The outer section is the Holy Place consisting of 20 feet long and 15 feet wide and high. The inner section is the Most Holy Place which is a square of 15 feet each.
b. In the Holy Place, there are three pieces of furniture.
1. On the north--the Table of the Bread of the Presence. 3 feet long, 18 inches wide, 2 feet high. Here 12 pieces of bread are kept for the 12 tribes of Israel.
2. On the west--the Altar of Incense. 18 inches long and wide, and 2 feet high.
3. On the south--The Lampstand.
c. In the Most Holy Place--the Ark of the Covenant. 3 and a half feet long, and 2 feet wide and high. On top of this is the Mercy Seat, and above this are two Cherubim. Each year, the high priest must sprinkle blood on the Mercy Seat on the Day of Atonement [for a complete description, see Leviticus 16].

2. Outside the Tabernacle are two furnishings.
a. The Altar of Burnt Offering [on the east]. Six feet, 8 inches long and wide each, and four and a half feet tall. Here the priests offer the animal sacrifices.
b. The Bronze Basin, where the priests are to wash their hands and feet.

B. The Purpose of the Tabernacle. The Bible teaches these important points.
1. The tabernacle is to be a "sanctuary," where Yahweh will "dwell among" the peoople of Israel--Exodus 25:8.
2. The tabernacle is to be constructed according to "the pattern of the tabernacle and of all its furniture"--Exodus 25:9; 26:30.
3. "The glory of the Lord" filled the tabernacle, "the tent of meeting," indicating Yahweh's presence among his people--Exodus 40:34-38.

All of this suggests that when God's people approach God in worship and service, this is NOT a casual matter. God's people must invest must time and money and energy in preparation for a proper place to worship God. Hence, the Hebrew Bible commits 13 chapters to make the tabernacle and the priestly preparations. This is much effort and time and thought and preparation for proper worship. Remember, as well, that this is similar in the preparation of the temple in the time of David and Solomon.

What about YOUR place of worship? YOUR preparation? YOUR forethoughts? YOUR planning to meet God in worship? Share your ideas with others. Let me know your thoughts.

John Willis