Construction and erection of the Tabernacle, DCLM Search for Adults
MEMORY VERSE: And Moses did look upon the work, and, behold, they had done it as the LORD had commanded, even so, had they done it: and Moses blessed them” (Exodus 39:43)
TEXT: Exodus chapters 37 to 40
God’s dealing with Israel foreshadows His future plan for humanity, created in His image. In our texts, He commanded Israel to construct a tabernacle where He would meet with them. This tabernacle is a picture of what would happen in the new heaven and the new earth; the Lord God will dwell with His redeemed people: “And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God”(Revelation 21:3). The importance of the tabernacle can be understood when viewed as a channel of communion and fellowship between God and His people. The tabernacle is a place where God registers His presence among His people here on earth. As a figure of the eternal tabernacle, the earthly tabernacle must be raised following God’s specifications. God had called Abraham out of his kindred to be separated from the idols of his lineage and the iniquities of his generation in order to raise a generation of peculiar people that would be regulated by special divine injunctions. Their pattern of worship and communion with God, and the place of worship are to be ordained by Him. Thus, the detail the construction of the component parts of both the tabernacle and the garments of the priest were specified by the Lord. The plan of God for making Israel a peculiar people is presented to us in this lesson just as He is gathering a people to Himself today through the Lord Jesus Christ,”…a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people…” (1 Peter 2:9). This is very instructive because God did not leave the people to choose the pattern of worship and materials for worship themselves; rather, He specified the what, where and how for those who would worship Him in spirit and in truth. He institutes the order of worship and so demands obedience from all true worshippers. Those who come to God must come through the God-ordained way. Jesus says, “l am the way, the truth and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me”(John 14:6). And the Lord Jesus, the Word personified, says that those who are to worship God must do so in spirit and in truth (John 4:23).
CONSTRUCTION OF THE TABERNACLE (Exodus 37:1-29;38:1-31; 31:2; 30:6; 39:35; Numbers 8:4; Deuteronomy 10:2;2 Chronicles 3:15; Hebrews 9:2)
“And Bezaleel made the ark of shittim wood..”(Exodus 37:1). Moses, the spiritual leader of the Israelites was instructed by God to guide and direct the construction of the tabernacle. The personnel involved were called of God. “See, I have called by name Bezaleel …of the tribe of Judah: And I have filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship”(Exodus 31:2,3). Likewise, Moses was called before his commission for service (Exodus 3:4). In God’s programme in the New Testament, the call to conversion is the first contact between God and all human instruments in His service. This relationship with Him begins when we heed His invitation to: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest”(Matthew 11:28). Finding and becoming a member of God’s kingdom begins with salvation from sin and conversion from the way and life of sinning, which ushers in a remarkable transform (2 Corinthians 5:17). Bezaleel was commissioned for the service of the Lord in the construction of the tabernacle. He complied with the specifications of God in the choice of materials given to Moses. It must be observed that the best of materials were used for the work – shittim wood, brass, silver and pure gold. This implies that nothing else is good for the Master’s service and tabernacle other than the best of our talents, treasures and time. Two cherubims were made of pure gold and placed at the two ends of the mercy seat with their wings spread and facing each other. The spreading of the wings symbolises protection from the throne of mercy.
COSTUME OF THE PRIESTS (Exodus 39:1-43; 35:19,23;28:2,6-28,3 1-43; Psalm 132:9,16; Zechariah 3:1-4; Hebrews 9:6,7; Revelation 19:8)
The priests that minister before the people in the tabernacle are the representatives of God whose appearance must accord reverence for Him. As such, the priests could not appear anyhow in the performance of their duties. Thus, the components of the garments were both significant and symbolic. The design of their garments consists of the ephod and the breastplate. Ministers of the gospel must not give room to being despised because of unbecoming adornment. While their moderation should be known to all, they must be presentable, not giving occasion to the enemies of the gospel or those who hear them to despise them. “Giving no offence in any thing” (2 Corinthians 6:3) is the rule to follow. The ephod is made of gold, blue, purple and fine twined linen. It was a short kind of waistcoat, which consisted of two pieces, one covering the back and the other the front. The two pieces are fastened together on the shoulder with a curious girdle of the ephod. Two precious stones (onyx) are fixed on each shoulder of the ephod. The names of the twelve tribes of Israel according to their order of birth, are engraved on the stones golden rings are also fixed on it for holding the breastplate The uniqueness of this design projects the glory of God and the beauty of His holiness and the decency that should characterise those who appear before Him. The breastplate is also made of the same material as the ephod; it is an outermost wear above it. It is a square made of double pieces each, one span long and one span wide. Twelve precious stones in setting of gold are inserted on the breastplate. The stones are arranged in three rows of four sets and the names of the twelve tribes of Israel engraved on them (Exodus 39:8-21; 28:15-30). The breastplate also has a porch for keeping the Urim and Thummim. These two objects are used to determine the will of God on difficult issues or to receive counsel from Him (Numbers 27:21; Deuteronomy 33:8-10;1 Samuel 23:6-8; 28:6). In the New Testament dispensation, believers are endued with the Holy Ghost who guides and leads us into all truth. We do not need the Urim and Thummim; the Holy Spirit and the word of God are guides in all matters of life and faith (Acts 13:1-3; 16:6-8; 20:21-24; 21:10,11; 1 Timothy 4:1-3).
CONFORMITY TO DIVINE PATTERN (Exodus 40:1-38; 39:42,43;25:9,40;Acts 7:44;Hebrews 8:5)
“And Moses did look upon all the work, and, behold, they had done it as the LORD had commanded, even so had they done it…” (Exodus 39:43). In response to God’s command, the people conformed to the divine order. They obeyed and complied with His instruction to the minutest detail in constructing the tabernacle and the design of the priest’s garment. Moses painstakingly examined the quality of the work and the dimension and the detailed specifications “…and, behold, they had done it as the LORD had commanded…” What a challenge! Believers should be careful to obey God’s word in all areas “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind..” (Romans 12:2). Similarly, leaders who have received the pattern of worship and leadership from the Lord must ensure workers under them carry out the work of the Lord in accordance with divine divine commands. It should be noted that the tabernacle is the evidence of God’s literal presence among the children of lsrael. This affords them the opportunity of sacrificial atonement for their sins and continual fellowship with Him. Secondly, Aaron and his sons are to be washed, cleansed, sanctified or set apart for divine service. The Lord’s service should not be done presumptuously. There must be salvation before service, cleansing before commission and purity before participation. God must be sanctified in the lives of those who approach Him on behalf of the people. The consistency of God’s word remains significant “And thou shalt put upon Aaron the holy garments..” (Exodus 40:13). Holiness is the demand of God from anyone who desires to offer acceptable service. The garment of holiness must be such that projects the glory of God and presents the minister as His representative. This emphasises the decency, non-conformity to the world and moderation of all believers who minister in songs, soul-winning and all manner of service, that their garments should befit the glory of God; it should not be confusing or ambiguous like the attire of a tempter. It is such a service predicated on a cleansed life, clear motive and consecrated living that is acceptable to God (Deuteronomy 30:6; 1 Thessalonians 4:3,7; 1 Peter 1:14-16). Thirdly, the glory of God descended and His presence was manifest to them as a seal of divine approval (Exodus 40:34-38;Numbers 9:15-23; 1 Kings 8:1 0,11; Revelation 15:8). “Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle”(Exodus 40:34). The seal of God’s approval for their obedience was His literal presence among them. What a joy to fulfil God’s demand and work in His way. The Lord came down to identify with His people through the pillar of cloud in the day and pillar of fire in the night. His continual abiding presence becomes the possession for us His children as we obey Him in sum matters. As we do His will, He will abide with us always (Matthew 28:20).
Questions for review:
1.What is the place of the tabernacle in God’s programme for Israel?
2.What do we learn from the way the people obeyed Moses and worked according to divine specifications?
3.What experience must we have before rendering service to God?
4.What does the use of gold symbolise in the believer’s service?
- What should characterise believers’ garments?
6.As New Testament believers, what do we possess in place of the Urim and Thummim as guides?
7.How can we retain God’s presence in our midst?
