We’ve moved home a couple of times. We’ve never built our new home from scratch. I probably don’t need to tell you that. However, each move means careful planning, getting measurements, choosing furniture, assembling shelves, hanging curtains etc. The Israelites would one day move into “God’s place”, the promised land. In the meantime, during their journey through the wilderness, they were given the blueprint for a house, or tabernacle (tent structure), God’s place in miniature. They had been given the detailed instructions about its fittings and furnishings and now we get a sense of what it meant for them to move in as Moses instructed them step by step through getting things ready.
Assembled, invited, equipped
The people are assembled, a juxtaposition with their assembly before Aaron (Exodus 35:1). Moses reminds them of the command to work six days and rest on the seventh. This should be seen in the context of the specific work they are about to undertake. Even work on the Lord’s house is to be rested from (pastors take note). Perhaps it is helpful to consider both that all work is the Lord’s work and that work on his place in miniature reflects and imitates creation work. Indeed, some have compared the creation account to the building of a cosmic temple sanctuary for Yahweh. The Lord worked on the cosmic tabernacle for six days and rested, so should we (v2-3).
Moses invites contributions of materials from oil to metal to cloth for the tabernacle. The people are to do this voluntarily, willingly and generously. These were contributions for the tabernacle and for the priestly garments (v4-9). The craftsmen were to contribute time to building and constructing the tabernacle and its contents (Exodus 35:10-19). The people respond willingly. Notice that all the people were included, leaders and people, men and women. In fact, we are told about the work of skilled women prior to the men (v20-29)..
Moses reminds the people that Bezalel and Ohaliab have been gifted and trained as craftsmen, ready to work on the Tabernacle. They were skilled in stone cutting, engraving, wood carving and embroidery. They were filled with God’s Spirit for this purpose (v30-35). Those that God had gifted in this area were called to do the work of constructing the Tabernacle. They were not given free rein despite their talent but were to follow the Lord’s instructions (Exodus 36:1). So, Moses called them to the task and they set to work constructing the Tabernacle (v2-38).
As well as constructing the Tabernacle, Bezalel made the Ark of the Covenant (Exodus 37:1-9), the table(v10-16) the lampstand (v17-25), the altar (v25-29). The altar for burnt offering (Exodus 38:1-7), the bronze basin (v8) and the court enclosure (v9-20). A record was kept of all the materials used in the work (v21-31). Finally the priestly garments were made (Exodus 39:1-31).
Presentation and evaluation
When everything was ready, it was brought to Moses and assembled for him to inspect. His evaluation was that all was in accordance with God’s plan (Exodus 39:32-43). Note the echoes of the creation account in Genesis. “Thus all the work…was finished” (v32) echoes the conclusion of the days of creation in Genesis 2:1-4. Mose’ observation of conformity to God’s plan (v43) echoes the daily assessment “God saw that it was good” and the end of the week observation “it was very good”. Moses blesses the people just as God had blessed his creation.
God instructs Moses to have the Tabernacle erected and commissioned on the first day of the month (Exodus 40:1-15), Moses does this and so, as in Genesis 2 with the Lord, the conclusion is that “Moses finished the work”. Note, of course that he is the one responsible but the work is carried out through delegation (v16-33).
The finished work of Christ -true and better Tabernacle, true and better Moses
Jesus is the one described as dwelling, making his home, pitching his tent or Tabernacling amongst us. Much of the imagery in John’s Gospel pictures him not just as sacrifice and High Priest but as the Temple or Tabernacle. In Jesus, God is with us, making his home with us. We are called to be in Christ, making our home with God in him. He is the Tabernacle/Temple and he prophesied concerning his death and resurrection that the people would seek to destroy that temple but he would rebuild it in three days. The Father’s evaluation was that he was “well pleased” with his son.
Jesus is the true and better Moses (Hebrews 3:1-6). Hhis work is finished, complete and good. On the Cross he declared “It is finished.” Hebrews 1:3 talks about Him sitting down beside the Father. You sit down to rest once you have completed your work.
Our work
Exodus 35-40 has much to teach us. We are reminded that we should not over distinguish between spiritual and practical work. As with the first deacons, the workers were filled with the spirit for their labour. We are reminded that all, regardless of standing, age or gender are called to play our part in the Lord’s Work. We can reflect on how the work of constructing the Tabernacle modelled wider creation work and was modelled on the original act of Creation. We may think of Church as a place where we work together to glorify God but also to be equipped and prepared for work in the wider world. Our day to day work whether at home with the family or in paid employment is all to God’s glory and has value. In Christ, God’s evaluation of our work will be “well done, good and faithful servant.” Then we will enter into our eternal rest.
Faithroots 