The Framework of the Bible Exodus 25-31, 35-40 September 23, 2010 Notes: The full text of these lessons will be posted at www.cfcnb.org. Photos are from www.bibleplaces.com. Question: What do you think of when you hear the tabernacle mentioned? God Gives Instructions for Building the Sanctuary (25-31) What the sanctuary/tabernacle was (25:3-9) 1. sanctuary Means holy place Signifies a place set aside for the worship of the Lord Usually refers to the entire worship complex 1 2. tabernacle Means dwelling place Signifies the Lord s dwelling place Refers to the tent structure in the worship complex 2 Also called the tent of meeting, as in 27:21, signifying that here the people met with the Lord. (Not to be confused with the tent of meeting outside the camp where Moses met with the Lord, as in 33:7-11) 3. Made from precious materials and decorated with vivid colors representing the glory of the Lord who is present in the midst of his people 3 4. Copy and shadow of heaven (25:9, 40; 26:30; 27:8; cf. Heb 8:1-5; 9:21-24) 1 Richard E. Averbeck, New International Dictionary of Old Testament Theology & Exegesis, vol 2, p 1079-1081. 2 Averbeck, vol 2, p 1130-1131. 3 The ESV Study Bible, 188. By Steve Sherman, Pastor of Christian Fellowship Church, North Brunswick, NJ. Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (ESV).
2 Ark of the Covenant (25:16-18, 22) 1. An ark is a chest 2. Contained the testimony (the tablets of the covenant) 3. Place where the Lord manifested His presence 4. Covered by the mercy seat, which means place of atonement and was the place where the sacrificial blood was to be placed on the Day of Atonement Table for the bread of the Presence (25:29-30) 1. bread of the Presence signifies bread placed in the presence of God 2. Every Sabbath the high priest would set on the table an offering to the Lord of 12 loaves with frankincense on top (Lev 24:5-9)
3 Golden Lampstand (25:37) 1. The lamps were to be kept lit all throughout each night (27:20-21), just as there is no night in heaven (Rev 21:25; 22:5) Holy Place and Most Holy Place 1. The two divisions inside the tabernacle 2. The Holy Place contained the table, lampstand, and altar of incense, while the Most Holy Place contained the Ark of the Covenant 3. Divided by a veil (26:31-35) Bronze Altar (27:1-8) 1. Where the priests burnt the sacrifices offered to the Lord (Lev 1-7) Priests 1. Had to be male descendants of Aaron (28:1-2)
4 2. High Priest wore an ephod (28:6-12) A colorful vest with a precious stone on each shoulder that had engraved on them the names of the 12 tribes of Israel. Signified that, when the high priest ministered, he represented all Israel, 4 bringing them to regular remembrance before the LORD (28:29). 3. High Priest wore over the ephod a breastpiece of judgment Had 12 precious stones set in it, with the name of a different tribe engraved on each one (28:15-21, 29) A pouch containing the Urim and the Thummim, which were connected with the High Priest receiving revelation of God s will (28:30; Num 27:21) 4. High Priest wore under the ephod a robe Bells were attached to the hem at the bottom, and were necessary for approaching God in a right manner, so that the High Priest would not die (28:33-35). 5. High Priest wore a turban on his head Fastened to the front was a plate with the engraving, Holy to the LORD (28:36-38) Altar of Incense (30:6-8) 1. Located in the Holy Place, right in front of the veil 2. The burning incense represented intercession to God (Ps 141:2; Luk 1:10; Rev 5:8; 8:3-4) 4 Walter C. Kaiser, Exodus, in The Expositor s Bible Commentary, vol. 2, p. 466.
5 Bronze Basin (30:18-21) God Enables Men to Build the Sanctuary (35-40) After the sanctuary was built, it was consecrated (made holy) by: 1. Moses anointing it with oil (40:9) 2. The Lord filling the tabernacle with His glory (29:42-46; 40:34-38) Applying the Word and Ministering the Word How could you use these chapters to respond to an unbeliever who believes that God accepts everyone, that God will listen favorably to everyone s prayers, that God is pleased with everyone s worship, and that everyone will go to heaven?