25:1–31:17 Instructions for the Tabernacle. The instructions for the tabernacle (25:1–31:17) and the description of those instructions being carried out (35:4–40:38) make up most of the second half of the book of Exodus. The tabernacle is the means through which the Lord chose to dwell among his people (see 25:8; 29:45). There are two important keys to understanding the symbolism of the tabernacle. First, the tabernacle is seen as a palace for Israel’s divine king. He is enthroned on the ark of the covenant in the Most Holy Place. Second, the tabernacle, like the garden of Eden, is where God dwells, and various details of the tabernacle suggest it is a mini-Eden.
Ex. 25:1–9 Israel’s contribution for the sanctuary most likely came from the precious metals and other things that the people brought out of Egypt (see 3:21–22; 11:2; 12:35–36).
Ex. 25:8 A sanctuary is a “holy place.” Like the ground at the burning bush, it is made holy by the Lord’s presence (3:5).
Ex. 25:9 Israel is to follow the pattern for building the sanctuary exactly as the Lord shows Moses (also v. 40; 26:30; 27:8). Obedience to God’s commands will show that the people fear him. Obedience to every detail is important because the structure itself will teach the people what it means to have a holy God dwell among them.
Ex. 25:10–22 The ark (see 37:1–9) is God’s throne, from where he will meet and speak with Moses (25:22). It will contain the testimony (v. 16), that is, the tablets on which the Ten Commandments will be written.
Ex. 25:17–22 The noun translated mercy seat may be related to the verb meaning “to make atonement.” Some Bible versions translate it as “atonement cover.” Cherubim are the traditional guardians of holy places (see illustration).
Ex. 25:23–30 The table (see 37:10–16) is one of three items in the Holy Place (see 40:4–5; see illustration). The bread of the Presence consisted of 12 flat loaves of bread, symbolizing the 12 tribes of Israel (Lev. 24:5–9).
Ex. 25:31–40 The lampstand (see 37:17–24) provides light within the tabernacle. The priests will be instructed to keep it burning regularly (see 27:20–21; Lev. 24:1–4). It was a symbolic tree, recalling the tree of life in Eden.
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