Exodus 25
BBCExodus 25:1
X. THE TABERNACLE AND THE PRIESTHOOD (Chaps. 2540) The next seven chapters deal with instructions for building the tabernacle, setting up the priesthood, and related legislation. Fully fifty chapters in the Bible are devoted to the tabernacle, showing its importance in God’s sight. The tabernacle was a tentlike structure which was to be God’s dwelling place among His people. Each part of the tabernacle teaches us spiritual lessons concerning the Person and work of Christ and the way of approach to God. The priesthood reminded the people that sin had created distance between God and themselves, and that they could draw near to Him only through these representatives appointed and made fit by Him. A. Instructions for Building the Tabernacle (Chaps. 2527)1. The Collection of Materials (25:1-9)Moses was told to take from the people an offering of the materials that would be needed in erecting the tabernacle (sanctuary). The precious metals, fine fabrics, skins, oil, spices, and precious stones were no doubt the payment the Israelites received from the Egyptians when they left Egypt. They had workedyes, slavedfor these things. Now they were giving them sacrificially. God insisted that the tabernacle be made strictly according to the divine pattern. If this is true of a physical building, how much more important to build up Christ’s congregations (the people) according to the divine NT pattern!
Exodus 25:10
- The Ark of the Covenant (25:10-16)The ark was a wooden chest, covered inside and out . . . with pure gold. On each side were rings of gold through which poles were placed for carrying it. The ark was to contain the Testimonythat is, the two tablets of the Law (v. 16) and later Aaron’s rod and a jar of manna (Heb_9:4).
Exodus 25:17
- The Mercy Seat (25:17-22)The lid of the ark was called the mercy seat. It was a solid gold platform supporting two angel-like figures. These cherubim faced one another and had their wings spread upward to meet each other. God manifested Himself in the glory cloud between the two cherubim and above the mercy seat. Cherubim are mentioned in at least thirteen books of the Bible. They are connected primarily with the holiness and righteousness of Jehovah, and are often mentioned in association with the throne of God. They are described in Ezekiel chapters 1 and 10.
Exodus 25:23
- The Table of Showbread (25:23-30)The table of showbread was a wooden table covered with pure gold. It had an ornamental molding around the top (a crown), and a handbreadth-wide rim or frame with a second ornamental gold molding. Like the ark, the table was carried by poles placed through rings . . . at the lower corners that are at its four legs. On top of the table were placed twelve loaves (v. 30) for the twelve tribes of Israel. Also, there were various dishes, pans, pitchers, and . . . bowls for pouring.
Exodus 25:31
- The Golden Lampstand and Its Accessories (25:31-40)25:31-39 The lampstand was made of solid gold. It had seven branches or arms at the top, each one holding a small lamp on a swivel with a wick for burning oil. In connection with the lampstand, there were wick-trimmers and trays for holding the pieces that were trimmed off (vv. 38, 39). 25:40 The great single requirement in making these objects was to follow the pattern which God gave on the mountain. There was no room for human improvising. So it is with all spiritual matters: We must follow divine directives and not deviate from the pattern that the Lord in His wisdom has given. All the furniture of the tabernacle spoke of Christ in glory: the ark symbolized His deity (gold) and humanity (wood). The mercy seat pictured Christ as our mercy seat, or propitiation (Rom_3:25). The table of showbread represented Christ as the Bread of life. The candlestick portrayed Christ as the Light of the world. The bronze altar (chap. 27) typified Christ as the Burnt Offering, wholly consumed for God. The altar of incense or the golden altar (chap. 30) pictured the fragrance of Christ to God. The laver (chap. 30) symbolized Christ cleansing His people by the washing of water by the Word (cf. Tit_3:5; Joh_13:10; Eph_5:26).