It might be tempting for some to skip over the next 15 chapters of Exodus. However, we should know better than to ignore a significant section of Scripture. It looks like we merely have a list of instructions here, building instructions, interior design instructions, clothing instructions etc. Yet, if we believe that all Scripture is God breathed then we will want to consider why the author chooses to give so much space and time in the book to these things.
Covenant symbols
The first symbol of the covenant was to be the sanctuary of tabernacle, a dwelling place for YHWH. All of the people were to make some form of contribution towards this and its contents as the materials were gathered. Some would be able to provide precious, valuable decorative materials whilst others the basic construction materials. All contributions, however, were essential (Exodus 25:1-9).
The people were also to make a box, referred to as “The Ark of the Covenant” that would be carried with them and placed in the sanctuary. The top of the It was to be overlayed with gold and carried on poles. The testimony (witness) from God, in other words the stone tablets are to be placed in the Ark. The box is to be topped with a lid. The word “kipporeth” is used uniquely to describe the Ark’s cover and it is sometimes referred to as a mercy seat or atonement cover. Two figures of “cherubim”, angelic beings with wings were to complete the ark with the wings overshadowing the kipporeth. God says that it is here that he will meet with his people (v10-22).
They are to make a wooden table and then golden plates to go on it. There will be bread on display on the table at all times (v23-30). A lampstand is also to be made of gold. It is to have multiple branches coming from it. The imagery is tree like. The lampstand will become the prototype for the menorah used by Jewish families around the world today (v31-40).
Covenant Place
Exodus 26-27 gives detailed instructions for the Tabernacle itself. The Tabernacle or sanctuary was to be made of curtains that intertwined blue and purple cloth, embroidered with cherubim (26:1-6). Over the tabernacle was an additional tent made with goatshair (v7-14). The frame was to be made of acacia wood (v15-30).
A veil was divide the sanctuary up. This was a holy place but the veil would cordon off the most holy or holy of holy places where the ark would reside. The table and lampstand would be outside of the veil (v31-35). The entrance to the tent itself was to be screened off (v36-37).
Covenant People
Aaron and his family line were to serve as priests in the sanctuary. Chapter 28 describes the ceremonial clothing that was to be made for them. Included in the clothing were two precious stones engraved with the names of the tribes, worn on the shoulders. Aaron as High Priest represented the people before God, so that their names were visible as Aaron offered incense and sacrifices (v9-12). A further twelve stones were set into the breastplate with the names of the tribes engraved. Aaron carried the people in his heart when he went to serve before God (v21-29). A further two stones, the urim and thumim were set into the breastplate. These seem to have been involved in a form of lot casting to make decisions and disvern the Lotd’s will (v30).
Note particularly the bell attached to the hem of Aaron’s robe. The sound of the bell would ring out when Aaron was serving in the Holy Place. The people would know that he was still alive and that their sacrifices were effective. The High Priest’s role was a serious one with a heavy burden (v34-35). The priests were to be anointed with oil and consecrated, set apart to serve YWHWH with sacrifices (Exodus 29).
An altar was to be built. Aaron would offer incense on this and once a year the atoning sacrifice. Everyone was to contribute half a shekel to a census tax which was to support the work of the priests in the tent of meeting. This was a flat rate of tax. It was not linked to your finances. Everyone paid the same (Exodus 30:1-10). A bronze basin was to be made. The priests would wash their hands and feet in this before serving. Failure to do so could lead to death (Exodus 30:17-21). Specific details are also given for the oil and incense to be used (Exodus 30:34-28).
God also sets apart two people, Ohaliab and Bezalel and fills them with his Spirit. They are to be responsible for making all the items to go into the Tabernacle (Exodus 31:1-11).
God is present
Some people have gone into great detail attempting to understand what each item represents and interpreting numbers, names and colours. I’m not sure that we are meant to do this, we are of course at this point reliant on their conjecture. Explanations are not offered in Exodus. Rather, there is a side point. Worship matters and so God goes into details. Primarily though what we see is the way in which God shows that it is possible for him to be present with his people. The unseen, unseeable, transcendent God who is holy and good, the unapproachable one makes it possible for them to approach him, makes it possible for God to be present with and near to his people.
This points us to Jesus as the true and better priest, temple, altar as well as sacrifice. God is present with his people in Jesus, Emmanual, God with us. This means that the limits and boundaries are removed. Where only Aaron could enter into the Holy of Holies, just as only Moses could get up close to YWHWH on Mount Sinai, now all of us can know God and be close to him through the Holy Spirit who indwells us all.
Faithroots 