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Home , Bezalel, Urim and Thummim

THE LIFE OF WEEK 13

INSTRUCTIONS FOR CONSTRUCTING THE EXODUS 25-31 The ceremonial law of Israel tells about the tabernacle, its furnishings, and the clothing and functions of the Hebrew priests. This law covers fifteen chapters of Exodus, falling into two parts, each one ending with narrative material. The first part tells how the tabernacle was to be constructed; this part, is God’s law. The actual construction occurs later in chapters 25-31.

1. THE - EXODUS 25:1-22 The ark was a golden chest that was to be set within the Most Holy Place. Exodus begins with the ark because it was the most important object. Everything else was built around it, because the ark was the symbolic dwelling place of God. a. The Ark: A Description The ark was made of acacia wood, a hard, dense wood suited to stand up against the rigors of the wilderness experience. It was a box that mentioned 1.1 meters long by 0.7 meters wide and deep. This chest was covered with pure and precious gold. Its lid was made of pure beaten gold. On each end of the covering there was a figure of a , a type of angel. The cherubim were made to face one another, looking inward toward the cover. Their wings stretched backward and upward so as nearly to meet at the top, overshadowing the ark’s cover. The ark was fitted with rings through which poles were inserted by which the ark was carried when the people broke camp. The ark contained the stone tablets of the law that God gave Moses. Later it also became the repository of a gold jar of and ’s rod that budded (Hebrews 9:4). Because it contained the law, it was alternately called “the ark of the Testimony,” “the ark of the covenant,” and “the ark of God (or the LORD).”

b. The Ark: Its Function God was understood to dwell symbolically between the wings of the cherubim above the covering of the ark. The knew both that God was immaterial and that He was everywhere, therefore not confined to a single place like the ark. But when the ark and tabernacle were set up, the glory cloud of God filled the tabernacle and settled upon the Ark. Thus, although it was a symbolic presence only, the symbolized presence of God was both visible and spectacular. The covering of the ark was called the “atonement cover” or “mercy seat”. Once a year on the Day of Atonement the high priest brought the blood of an animal that was killed for the sin of the people and sprinkled it on the atonement cover, showing that an atonement for sin had been made and that the people could now call on God for mercy. It was a powerful symbolism since, apart from the shed blood, when God looked down from between the wings of the cherubim, His gaze settled upon the law that had been broken that was in the ark. It was a picture of judgment. But when the blood intervened, God saw that atonement for sin had been made and that forgiveness could be given. This pictures the forgiveness of sin that we have in the death of Jesus Christ.

2. THE TABLE AND THE LAMPSTAND- EXODUS 25:23-40;27:20-21 The only furnishing in the Most Holy Place was the ark. In the Holy Place, were three more objects: the table of , the golden lampstand, and the altar of incense. a. The Table of Showbread The table of showbread was slightly smaller than the ark, about 3 feet long, one and a half feet wide and one fourth feet high. It was mad of acacia wood covered with gold and had gold rings through which poles were inserted to carry it. It was surrounded by a gold molding, which may have been to keep objects from falling off when it was carried. The table held 12 loaves of bread as well as for the bread and golden ladles, bowls, and pitchers for handling the incense and drink offerings. The loaves represented each of the twelve tribes and were thank offerings for God’s faithful provision for the people. They also pointed to Jesus who is our “bread of life” (John 6:35). It also compares in a striking way to the communion bread which Jesus took and broke and said, “’This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me’” (1 Corinthians 11:24).

b. The Golden Lampstand- Exodus 25:31-40; 27:20-21 Called a menorah, the lampstand was a seven-branched candlestick. The lampstand was made of pure gold and was placed on the south side of the Holy Place, across from the table of showbread on the north side. These lamps were supplied with olive oil and were trimmed by the priest every morning and every evening (Ex. 30:7-8;Lev. 24:1-4). They were never to be extinguished. The obvious purpose of the lampstand was to provide light for the priests as they worked in the Holy Place, which would have been quite dark otherwise. But it also was symbolic, pointing to Jesus who is “the light of the world” (John 8:12; 9:5). John may have had this object in mind when he wrote that “the true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world” (John 1:9), since a few verses later he says, “The Word became flesh and lived [literally, “tabernacled”] for a while among us” (verse 14). He may have been thinking of the tabernacle and its furnishings. But Jesus also told His disciples, “You are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14). John later received a vision of this lampstand (or of seven lampstands), but in this case the lamps stood for the seven churches (Rev. 1:12,20). If we have seen the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 4:6), we are to reflect that light to others.

3. THE TABERNACLE ITSELF- EXODUS 26:1-37; 27:9-19 a. The Courtyard The courtyard was a rectangle measuring about one hundred and fifty feet by seventy-five feet, about one quarter of an American football field. The curtains that surrounded it were of finely twisted linen, supported by posts seven and a half feet high. There was one entrance on the east side. b. The Two Rooms The tabernacle was also a rectangle. It had two rooms. The innermost Most Holy Place, was a 15-foot cube. The outer room, the Holy Place, joined to it, measured fifteen by fifteen by thirty feet. So the outer room was twice as long as the inner room, the whole tabernacle being forty-five feet long. The inner room contained the ark of the testimony, while the outer room contained the table of showbread, the lampstand, and the altar of incense.

c. The Curtain Exodus 26:31-33 describes a curtain of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn and fine linen with figures of cherubim worked into it, that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place. Behind this stood the ark. The curtain shielded the visible presence of God from human eyes and could be passed by only the high priest once a year on the Day of Atonement after he had first made a sacrifice for his sin and the sin of the people. This curtain showed that God could not be approached by sinful people without their being consumed by His holiness, as some who attempted it were. However, when Jesus died on the cross, the temple curtain was torn in two from top to bottom, indicating that by His death Jesus had opened the way into God’s presence forever for those who have faith in Him (Mat. 27:51; Heb. 10:19-22). Until Jesus died, the way was barred. The sacrifices pointed to the true atonement that was yet to come. When He died, that way was opened, the symbolism of the sacrifices was fulfilled, and the sacrifices themselves were soon ended.

d. Names for the Tabernacle Four different names in Scripture throw light on its function. It was called a “sanctuary” (Ex. 25:8), a place made holy or set apart by God’s presence. Second, it is called the “tabernacle” (Ex. 25:9, 26:1). This word means a dwelling or a place of settling down. God had come to dwell or settle down among His people. Third, it is called the “Tent of Meeting” (Ex. 29:42), because it was the place where the people presented themselves before God and met with Him. Finally, it was also called the “Tent of the Testimony” (Num. 17:7-8). The “testimony” was the common name for the stone tables bearing the that were kept in the ark.

4. THE ALTAR FOR BURNT OFFERINGS- EXODUS 27:1-8 In the outer courtyard was the great altar for burnt offerings. It was large- about seven and a half feet long and wide and four and a half feet high. It was made of acacia wood covered in bronze and was hollow, which made it easier to carry. Here the many offerings for sin were made. The altar stood immediately inside the entrance to the outer court, indicating that every approach to God requires a blood atonement. “Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness” (Hebrews 9:22). In the theology of the New Testament, this means that there is no approach to God apart from faith in the atoning work of Jesus Christ.

5. THE PRIESTLY GARMENTS- EXODUS 28:1-43 a. The -Exodus 28:6-14 This was a two-piece outer vest joined over the shoulders by gold clasps on which were set two onyx stones bearing the names of the twelve tribes of Israel, six on each stone. The stones signified that when the high priest ministered before God he did so as the representative of all the people.

b. The Breastpiece- Exodus 28:15-29 The breastpiece was a folded pouch attached to the ephod. On it were twelve stones engraved with the names of Israel’s tribes. Thus, when Aaron or his successors entered the tabernacle, the people were doubly represented- by the names on the two onyx stones and by the twelve stones bearing the tribal names. The twelve stones were worn over the heart. So the priest carried the people on his shoulders before God and also brought them to God by his intercession from his heart. These are the “treasured possession” (literally, “jewels”) referred to in Malachi 3:17, as being close to the heart of God. Jesus also holds us close to His heart. c. The Urim and Thummim- Exodus 28:30 The breastpiece is described in verse 15 as “a breastpiece for making decisions.” It contained the Urim and Thummim, which were used in some manner for discerning the will of God. They may have been a type of “lot” or dice. They may have had supernatural properties. d. The Robe- Exodus 28:31-35 The robe of the ephod had an interesting feature-bells attached to its hem. These could be heard as the priest performed his duties in the tabernacle. e. The Turban and the Gold Plate- Exodus 28:36-38 The high priest wore a turban that bore a gold plate on which were inscribed the words “HOLY TO THE LORD”(v. 36). This inscription expressed the very essence of Israel’s worship: God is holy, and those who approach Him must be holy too. “Who may ascend the hill of the LORD?” asked . “He who has clean hands and a pure heart” (Psalm 24:3-4). None of us is holy in himself or herself. We need cleansing by the work of Jesus. By faith in Him we are made holy to do the work of God.

6. THE CONSECRATION OF THE PRIESTS- EXODUS 29:1-43 Exodus 29 describes in detail how Aaron and the other priests were to be consecrated and installed in office. The ceremony, which lasted seven days, required ritual washing, anointing with oil, several sacrifices, and the eating of a sacrificial meal. Aaron is an excellent type of the Lord Jesus. His duties and dress all seem to point to the person and work of Christ as our high priest. Because Christ was a perfect priest, He was able to do what Aaron could not do. Christ’s priesthood in no way contradicts Aaron’s; it fulfills all the theology dealing with salvation. The priesthood of Christ is the reality of which the Aaronic priesthood was only the shadow and symbol (see Col. 2:17; Heb. 8:5).

7. THE ALTAR OF INCENSE- EXODUS 30:1-10 The altar of incense was placed on the west side of the Holy Place just before the curtain that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place where the ark was kept. Incense symbolizes the prayers of the saints (Rev. 5:8). Therefore we see that before we can pray to God and be heard by Him, we must come by way of the altar of with its sacrifice, pointing to the sacrifice of Christ. God will hear and answer our prayers, but they must be prayers of those whose sin is covered by Christ’s blood. The altar of incense was not as large as the altar for burnt offerings. It was about one and a half feet long and wide and about three feet high. It was of acacia wood also, but it was overlaid with gold rather than bronze.

8. THE BASIN FOR WASHING- EXODUS 30:17-21 The basin was used by the priests for their ceremonial washing. It was placed between the altar of burnt offerings and the door to the tabernacle. The priests were required to wash their hands and feet every time they entered the Holy Place. The guilt of sin of the priests had already been dealt with by the offering made on the altar for burnt sacrifices. But sin not only brings guilt and punishment, it also defiles. Here the need for cleansing from sin’s defilement is taught clearly. It is the same with the believer today. Those who are in Christ have been delivered from sin’s guilt and penalty by His death, but it is necessary that they be cleansed from sin’s defilement daily. This cleansing is by the Word of God (Eph. 5:26;John 15:3) and by confession of sin. John says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

9. POSTSCRIPT:BEZALEL AND - EXODUS 31:1-11 This section tells how God chose the workmen who were to make these objects and how He equipped them for their task. Bezalel seemed to be in charge and Oholiab, his chief assistant. God says, “I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with the skill, ability and knowledge of all kinds of crafts” (verse 3). We see that God is concerned with beauty and He gives “skill, ability and knowledge” to people to create it. We also learn that He gives the Holy Spirit to enable us to accomplish the work He assigns, whatever it may be. If we will surrender to God and seek His blessing for life’s tasks, we will find that God gives His Spirit to help us do any occupation well- including yours. God is ready to help and bless the work of the most obscure but faithful servant of His, as He is to aid one who, like Moses, stands in the most prominent and honored place.

10. APPLICATION a. The Privilege of the Priests Once constructed, the tabernacle must have been very beautiful and awesome. Yet all service to God is a privilege and should be done with reverence. How do you approach your God-assigned tasks?

b. The Holiness of God The entire structure of the tabernacle taught people about the holiness of God. It symbolized His gracious presence with the people. But this was not to breed familiarity. Not only was the tabernacle set within an enclosure, its entrance was veiled. Even priests, who alone were permitted to enter the courtyard and tabernacle, could do so only by obeying a long list of restrictions designed to respect God’s holiness. The furniture was holy, and the high priest bore upon his head the constant reminder: “HOLY TO THE LORD.” This is the God we serve. Are you sensitive to this important attribute of God’s character? Are you striving to be holy, as He is holy?

c. Access to God There was no entrance even into the courtyard of the tabernacle apart from sacrifice upon the great altar, which means that there is no way to God except by the blood of a mediator. Jesus is that mediator. There is no way to God except by the shed blood of Jesus Christ, the only way any of us can ever come to God. The Bible says, “There is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man is Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men” (1 Timothy 2:5-6). Have you come to God that way? Are you trusting Him?

d. Cleansing for Continued Fellowship and Useful Service Washing from sin’s defilement is necessary for continued fellowship with God and for useful service. Even thought the priests had confessed their sin over the head of a sacrificial animal, they still needed to cleanse themselves at the basin for washing before entering the tabernacle. We, too, must have “clean hands and a pure heart” to serve God. Is there something you need to confess to God in order to be in fellowship with Him? Is your heart pure? Do you want it to be?

e. Prayer Incense symbolized the continual offering up of prayer. Likewise, we are told to “pray continually” (1 Thess. 5:17). The explanation of many defeated Christian lives can be traced to lack of fervent prayer. Is your prayer life what it should be? Will you ask God to improve it and then do what He says?

f. Working for God God has important work for you to do. He will equip you with the necessary gifts to do it well and to His glory. This is true of all work, but it is especially true of what we do for God’s kingdom. We do not have an earthly tabernacle here; our equivalent is the church, ie., the body of Christ. But we are building this body day by day with every gift and grace that God supplies. How are you contributing to that “building”? Will you ask the Holy Spirit to equip you and bless you as you do?