When You Wake Up and Before Bed

When You Wake Up and Before Bed

Exodus 29: ³⁸ “Now this is what you shall offer on the altar: two lambs of the first year, day by day continually. ³⁹ One lamb you shall offer in the morning, and the other lamb you shall offer at twilight. ⁴⁰ With the one lamb shall be one-tenth of an ephah of flour mixed with one-fourth of a hin of pressed oil, and one-fourth of a hin of wine as a drink offering. ⁴¹ And the other lamb you shall offer at twilight; and you shall offer with it the grain offering and the drink offering, as in the morning, for a sweet aroma, an offering made by fire to the Lord. ⁴² This shall be a continual burnt offering throughout your generations at the door of the tabernacle of meeting before the Lord, where I will meet you to speak with you. ⁴³ And there I will meet with the children of Israel, and the tabernacle shall be sanctified by My glory. ⁴⁴ So I will consecrate the tabernacle of meeting and the altar. I will also consecrate both Aaron and his sons to minister to Me as priests. ⁴⁵ I will dwell among the children of Israel and will be their God. ⁴⁶ And they shall know that I am the Lord their God, who brought them up out of the land of Egypt, that I may dwell among them. I am the Lord their God.

 

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GOD told Moses to have Aaron and his sons sacrifice young lambs every day. HE also gave special instructions of how they were to be prepared and what should accompany the offering.

 

My Observations:

• GOD wanted the children of Israel to have a mindset that all of their possessions were not theirs; rather, they were HIS.
• GOD gave special instructions of how to prepare the burnt offering to HIM.
• GOD was planning to meet with the children of Israel through the priests because HE wanted them to know that HE is GOD.

 

Short memories about who GOD is seems to be a problem. GOD set in motion a perpetual remembrance of the need for HIM. It would take everyone to participate to provide that many lambs. Several hundred lambs would be needed each year. The flour and wine needed to be made.

 

GOD was planning to stay as a houseguest and wanted the children of Israel to symbolically remember what JESUS represented. They did not know the lambs represented the Messiah. We have short memories. Every day, we are supposed to remember what JESUS did for us. When we wake up and before we go to bed, we should remember HIM.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about the sacrificial lambs?
• What has GOD given you that you think is yours?
• When you wake up and before you go to bed, do you remember JESUS as your Savior and daily leader?

Seven Days of Consecration

Seven Days of Consecration

Exodus 29: ³¹ “And you shall take the ram of the consecration and boil its flesh in the holy place. ³² Then Aaron and his sons shall eat the flesh of the ram, and the bread that is in the basket, by the door of the tabernacle of meeting. ³³ They shall eat those things with which the atonement was made, to consecrate and to sanctify them; but an outsider shall not eat them, because they are holy. ³⁴ And if any of the flesh of the consecration offerings, or of the bread, remains until the morning, then you shall burn the remainder with fire. It shall not be eaten, because it is holy.

 

³⁵ “Thus you shall do to Aaron and his sons, according to all that I have commanded you. Seven days you shall consecrate them. ³⁶ And you shall offer a bull every day as a sin offering for atonement. You shall cleanse the altar when you make atonement for it, and you shall anoint it to sanctify it. ³⁷ Seven days you shall make atonement for the altar and sanctify it. And the altar shall be most holy. Whatever touches the altar must be holy.

 

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GOD told Moses to have Aaron and his sons eat the second ram as prescribed. GOD also said to repeat the sin offering for seven days.

 

My Observations:

• GOD may have been paralleling the holy week or Passover week, which is the week JESUS died for the sins of the world.
• Seven days of consecration was a one-time action.
• GOD declares people as holy even though we are sinners.

 

This meal was made for the consecration of Aaron and his sons. It was meant for them and them alone. Even the scraps were to be burned.  GOD was setting up a model where sin needed to be confessed and something had to die for the atonement of the confessed sins.

 

Bulls were special. They could breed cows that would provide meat and milk. To kill one meant cutting off the possibility of breeding. It was a sacrifice indeed. JESUS would become the sin offering that was holy and acceptable to GOD.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about the seven days of sin offerings used in the consecration of Aaron and his sons?
• What is GOD consecrating you for?
• Do you believe that JESUS paid for your sins, past, present and future?

Wave Heave and Peace Offerings

 Wave Heave and Peace Offerings

Exodus 29: ²² “Also you shall take the fat of the ram, the fat tail, the fat that covers the entrails, the fatty lobe attached to the liver, the two kidneys and the fat on them, the right thigh (for it is a ram of consecration), ²³ one loaf of bread, one cake made with oil, and one wafer from the basket of the unleavened bread that is before the Lord; ²⁴ and you shall put all these in the hands of Aaron and in the hands of his sons, and you shall wave them as a wave offering before the Lord. ²⁵ You shall receive them back from their hands and burn them on the altar as a burnt offering, as a sweet aroma before the Lord. It is an offering made by fire to the Lord.

 

²⁶ “Then you shall take the breast of the ram of Aaron’s consecration and wave it as a wave offering before the Lord; and it shall be your portion. ²⁷ And from the ram of the consecration you shall consecrate the breast of the wave offering which is waved, and the thigh of the heave offering which is raised, of that which is for Aaron and of that which is for his sons. ²⁸ It shall be from the children of Israel for Aaron and his sons by a statute forever. For it is a heave offering; it shall be a heave offering from the children of Israel from the sacrifices of their peace offerings, that is, their heave offering to the Lord.

 

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GOD told Moses to take the second ram and use it as a wave offering. HE also mentions the heave offering and the peace offering.

 

My Observations:

• GOD seems to have multiple meanings for the wave offering, but when applied to JESUS, it could mean that HE was presented before GOD and given to humans.
• GOD could also be stating that JESUS was lifted up on the cross and the heave offering was symbolic of that action.
• GOD mentions the heave offering coming from the peace offering, but it could also mean that JESUS’s action brought peace between GOD and humans.

 

GOD cannot be paid off or bribed. HE seems to love symbolic gestures and wants to celebrate HIS SON as often as possible. When trying to make sense out of the offerings, they seem like separate activities that are unrelated. But GOD took the offerings very seriously.

 

Part of the ram was to be burned as a sweet aroma before the LORD. Anything we give to HIM is acceptable to HIM and is endeared. It doesn’t have to be money. It could be your time, art, song, building or clothing. HE accepts your ideas as you wave them in front of HIM. The heave offering could mean JESUS was lifted up to be murdered, but also HE was lifted up to be placed over all things. HE has all authority.

 

Lastly JESUS provides peace. HE is the Prince of Peace. When we offer peace to GOD, HE gives it back. The symbolic eating of the ram’s meat, shows us that we have peace between us and GOD.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about the wave, heave and peace offerings?
• What symbolic gestures has GOD asked you to do?
• Do you remember what JESUS has done for you and how do you celebrate the peace GOD has between you and HIM?

It Only Takes a Little

It Only Takes a Little

Exodus 29: ¹⁹ “You shall also take the other ram, and Aaron and his sons shall put their hands on the head of the ram. ²⁰ Then you shall kill the ram, and take some of its blood and put it on the tip of the right ear of Aaron and on the tip of the right ear of his sons, on the thumb of their right hand and on the big toe of their right foot, and sprinkle the blood all around on the altar. ²¹ And you shall take some of the blood that is on the altar, and some of the anointing oil, and sprinkle it on Aaron and on his garments, on his sons and on the garments of his sons with him; and he and his garments shall be hallowed, and his sons and his sons’ garments with him.

 

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GOD gave Moses strange instructions of what to do with the second ram. HE told Moses to take a little blood and sprinkle is in various places.

 

My Observations:

• Blood is needed to sustain life and it had to be shed to redeem humans from eternal death.
• The right hand or right side represents GOD’s holiness, sovereignty, and favorable judgment.
• Wearing the garments was a representation of GOD’s holiness, sovereignty and favorable judgment.

 

What I noticed was the amount of blood used to consecrate Aaron and his sons. It only took a little versus them bathing in blood. I believe the ear represented listening. The thumb represented helping and the toe represented being sent by GOD or going places.

 

You would think GOD would say use a lot of blood, but HE didn’t. The power of the HOLY SPIRIT through the shedding of JESUS’s blood would be enough to redeem life. Humans would play a role in redemption, but it would be through listening to people, helping them in their time of need and going out to spread the Gospel of CHRIST.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about consecrating Aaron and his sons with a dab of blood?
• Do you feel you don’t have enough of GOD?
• How much of GOD’s power do you need to accomplish what HE has planned for you?

A Bull and a Ram

A Bull and a Ram

Exodus 29: ¹⁰ “You shall also have the bull brought before the tabernacle of meeting, and Aaron and his sons shall put their hands on the head of the bull. ¹¹ Then you shall kill the bull before the Lord, by the door of the tabernacle of meeting. ¹² You shall take some of the blood of the bull and put it on the horns of the altar with your finger, and pour all the blood beside the base of the altar. ¹³ And you shall take all the fat that covers the entrails, the fatty lobe attached to the liver, and the two kidneys and the fat that is on them, and burn them on the altar. ¹⁴ But the flesh of the bull, with its skin and its offal, you shall burn with fire outside the camp. It is a sin offering.

 

¹⁵ “You shall also take one ram, and Aaron and his sons shall put their hands on the head of the ram; ¹⁶ and you shall kill the ram, and you shall take its blood and sprinkle it all around on the altar. ¹⁷ Then you shall cut the ram in pieces, wash its entrails and its legs, and put them with its pieces and with its head. ¹⁸ And you shall burn the whole ram on the altar. It is a burnt offering to the Lord; it is a sweet aroma, an offering made by fire to the Lord.

 

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GOD gave Moses specific instructions about the one-time consecration of Aaron and his sons. Moses was supposed to offer a bull and a ram.

 

My Observations:

• GOD was establishing a symbolic gesture that sin was to remain outside the camp.
• GOD told Moses to handle the bull differently than the ram.
• GOD used the human sense of smell to show acceptance of the offering.

 

The sin offering and the ram offering were to be taken seriously. The bull was cut up and not cleaned. Parts of it were to be burned on the altar and other parts were to be burned outside the camp as a sin offering. This was a very important symbolic gesture. GOD knew the people could not resist sinning and they needed to admit the sin by performing the symbolic gesture of placing the hand on the bull and burning it outside the camp.

 

The ram was treated different. It was cut into pieces and washed. This clean ram was to be a symbolic gesture that JESUS, a clean and sinless human, would one day be the acceptable sacrifice to atone for sin. The whole “cleaned” ram was to be burned on the altar. The sweet aroma of the burned ram would be pleasing to the LORD.

 

It’s not like GOD couldn’t smell the bull burning. The sin offering was to destroy the sin versus continuing in it. GOD accepted the gesture, but not the aroma. BUT GOD could smell when we acknowledge JESUS as the Savior. This gesture on our part is a sweet aroma to the LORD.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about the one-time offering of the bull and the ram to consecrate Aaron and his sons?
• Has GOD put you on a path to represent HIS forgiveness to people?
• How is GOD setting you apart to represent HIS forgiveness?

 

Aaron and Sons Consecrated

Aaron and Sons Consecrated

Exodus 29: “And this is what you shall do to them to hallow them for ministering to Me as priests: Take one young bull and two rams without blemish, ² and unleavened bread, unleavened cakes mixed with oil, and unleavened wafers anointed with oil (you shall make them of wheat flour). ³ You shall put them in one basket and bring them in the basket, with the bull and the two rams.

 

⁴ “And Aaron and his sons you shall bring to the door of the tabernacle of meeting, and you shall wash them with water. ⁵ Then you shall take the garments, put the tunic on Aaron, and the robe of the ephod, the ephod, and the breastplate, and gird him with the intricately woven band of the ephod. ⁶ You shall put the turban on his head, and put the holy crown on the turban. ⁷ And you shall take the anointing oil, pour it on his head, and anoint him. ⁸ Then you shall bring his sons and put tunics on them. ⁹ And you shall gird them with sashes, Aaron and his sons, and put the hats on them. The priesthood shall be theirs for a perpetual statute. So you shall consecrate Aaron and his sons.

 

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GOD told Moses to consecrate or make Aaron and his sons holy.

 

My Observations:

• Aaron and his sons were declared holy by GOD, not because of their actions.
• Moses was given the authority to declare Aaron and his sons as holy.
• The consecration was a one-time event; however, the dressing and preparation of the priests would happen perpetually.

 

Following GOD took the admission of sin. The priests were about to enter into activity that would require thousands of animals to be offered each year. GOD would provide the animals and Aaron and his sons would provide the holy ritual of sacrificing the animals to GOD.

 

After Adam and Eve disobeyed GOD, HE sacrificed animals to cover their nakedness. HE may have used rams to cover their nakedness, but the Bible does not say. Abraham was provided a ram as a substitute for sacrificing Isaac. A ram is a male sheep. Young sheep are called lambs. JESUS is the sacrificial lamb that would end the need for sacrificing animals for the atonement of sin.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about consecrating Aaron and his sons?
• What is GOD preparing you for?
• Has GOD made you holy for a purpose HE has not revealed to you?

Dressed to Remember

Dressed to Remember

Exodus 28: ³⁷ And you shall put it on a blue cord, that it may be on the turban; it shall be on the front of the turban. ³⁸ So it shall be on Aaron’s forehead, that Aaron may bear the iniquity of the holy things which the children of Israel hallow in all their holy gifts; and it shall always be on his forehead, that they may be accepted before the Lord.

 

³⁹ “You shall skillfully weave the tunic of fine linen thread, you shall make the turban of fine linen, and you shall make the sash of woven work.

 

⁴⁰ “For Aaron’s sons you shall make tunics, and you shall make sashes for them. And you shall make hats for them, for glory and beauty. ⁴¹ So you shall put them on Aaron your brother and on his sons with him. You shall anoint them, consecrate them, and sanctify them, that they may minister to Me as priests. ⁴² And you shall make for them linen trousers to cover their nakedness; they shall reach from the waist to the thighs. ⁴³ They shall be on Aaron and on his sons when they come into the tabernacle of meeting, or when they come near the altar to minister in the holy place, that they do not incur iniquity and die. It shall be a statute forever to him and his descendants after him.

 

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GOD gave Moses instructions to make turbans, tunics, sashes and underwear for the priests.

 

My Observations:

• GOD wanted the priest to understand why they were meeting with HIM in the first place.
• GOD wanted the priests to remember they were interceding to atone for the sins of the people.
• GOD wanted underwear to be used to symbolize what HE did for Adam.

 

When Adam sinned by eating the fruit from the tree that GOD told him not to, he immediately became aware that he was naked. The awareness seems innocent because we are sinners. But the awareness brought shame, desire and problems he didn’t have before. GOD killed an animal and covered Adam’s nakedness. The priests were to remember what GOD did.

 

From head to toe, the priestly garments had meaning that was not to be taken lightly. The cord would need to dangle in the high priest’s face to remember what he was there for. Putting on all the garments took time and the priest could not help seeing the names and statements written on the pieces of clothing. All of this was an announcement that JESUS was the High Priest who atoned for sins.

 

Challenge

• Why did GOD remind Moses about the various garments for the priests?
• Does GOD have a purpose for something HE created for you that you may have taken lightly?
• What does GOD want you to remember?

Robe of Declaration

Robe of Declaration

Exodus 28: ³¹ “You shall make the robe of the ephod all of blue. ³² There shall be an opening for his head in the middle of it; it shall have a woven binding all around its opening, like the opening in a coat of mail, so that it does not tear. ³³ And upon its hem you shall make pomegranates of blue, purple, and scarlet, all around its hem, and bells of gold between them all around: ³⁴ a golden bell and a pomegranate, a golden bell and a pomegranate, upon the hem of the robe all around. ³⁵ And it shall be upon Aaron when he ministers, and its sound will be heard when he goes into the holy place before the Lord and when he comes out, that he may not die.

 

³⁶ “You shall also make a plate of pure gold and engrave on it, like the engraving of a signet:

 

HOLINESS TO THE LORD.

 

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GOD gave Moses instructions to make the robe of the ephod. HE gave specific instructions and specific words that must be used.

 

My Observations:

• GOD was preparing the robe to be used as a signal that the high priest was still alive, by using bells to alert people outside of the tabernacle.
• GOD used the complex fruit of a pomegranate as decoration.
• GOD seemed to be preparing the high priest to declare HOLINESS TO THE LORD.

 

Preparing to meet GOD took a change of clothing and a change of mindset. This was not an ordinary meeting; rather, it was a meeting that could be fatal if handled improperly. GOD is holy and wants to be treated as such.

 

Humans are not holy until GOD declares them as holy. This requires the right mindset towards our sin. We need cleansing from our sin and the only one who can do this is JESUS. HE is our forgiver who washes away our sins so we can live a daily life for HIM.

 

When we put on the robe of JESUS, we are declared as holy. In other words, when we believe that JESUS took our punishment instead of us facing it, we not only get eternal life, but HE intervenes in this life. We declare that the LORD is holy and HE declares us as holy.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about the robe of the ephod?
• Has GOD washed away all of your sins?
• How can you declare GOD as holy?

Reminder of Thoughtfulness

Reminder of Thoughtfulness

Exodus 28: ²⁶ “You shall make two rings of gold, and put them on the two ends of the breastplate, on the edge of it, which is on the inner side of the ephod. ²⁷ And two other rings of gold you shall make, and put them on the two shoulder straps, underneath the ephod toward its front, right at the seam above the intricately woven band of the ephod. ²⁸ They shall bind the breastplate by means of its rings to the rings of the ephod, using a blue cord, so that it is above the intricately woven band of the ephod, and so that the breastplate does not come loose from the ephod.

 

²⁹ “So Aaron shall bear the names of the sons of Israel on the breastplate of judgment over his heart, when he goes into the holy place, as a memorial before the Lord continually. ³⁰ And you shall put in the breastplate of judgment the Urim and the Thummim, and they shall be over Aaron’s heart when he goes in before the Lord. So Aaron shall bear the judgment of the children of Israel over his heart before the Lord continually.

 

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GOD gave Moses the final instructions to create the breastplate of judgment.

 

My Observations:

• GOD wanted Aaron to remember the children of Israel when he met with GOD.
• The judgment that GOD assigned to the high priest helped people to be successful by changing the mindset to focus on GOD versus human desires.
• Judgment was not always punitive, rather clarity of thought.

 

“Use good judgment” is a statement that comes to mind when making decisions. Bad judgment can cause problems, while good judgment progresses the person to success. GOD wanted the high priest to remember those where were assigned to him. GOD wants you and me to do the same.

 

GOD used rare stones, Urim and Thummim as a reminder of how rare good judgment would be. When faced with difficult situations, Aaron would need GOD to guide him in wisdom. People would bring selfish situations and present them before Aaron. Unique wisdom would point people to GOD as the constant answer.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about the thoughtfulness the priest needed to have about HIS people?
• Who has GOD given to you and what good judgment do you need to guide them?
• Will your thoughtfulness of others help someone grow in GOD?

Viewed as Precious

Viewed as Precious

Exodus 28: ¹⁵ “You shall make the breastplate of judgment. Artistically woven according to the workmanship of the ephod you shall make it: of gold, blue, purple, and scarlet thread, and fine woven linen, you shall make it. ¹⁶ It shall be doubled into a square: a span shall be its length, and a span shall be its width. ¹⁷ And you shall put settings of stones in it, four rows of stones: The first row shall be a sardius, a topaz, and an emerald; this shall be the first row; ¹⁸ the second row shall be a turquoise, a sapphire, and a diamond; ¹⁹ the third row, a jacinth, an agate, and an amethyst; ²⁰ and the fourth row, a beryl, an onyx, and a jasper. They shall be set in gold settings. ²¹ And the stones shall have the names of the sons of Israel, twelve according to their names, like the engravings of a signet, each one with its own name; they shall be according to the twelve tribes.

 

²² “You shall make chains for the breastplate at the end, like braided cords of pure gold. ²³ And you shall make two rings of gold for the breastplate, and put the two rings on the two ends of the breastplate. ²⁴ Then you shall put the two braided chains of gold in the two rings which are on the ends of the breastplate; ²⁵ and the other two ends of the two braided chains you shall fasten to the two settings, and put them on the shoulder straps of the ephod in the front.

 

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GOD told Moses to create the breastplate of judgment. HE gave the instructions to use twelve precious stones to engrave the names of the sons of Israel.

 

My Observations:

• GOD created people and values them as precious to HIM.
• GOD wanted each tribe to have its own unique stone, showing a unique relationship with HIM.
• GOD provided the precious stones and the skills to engrave names in them.

 

Four rows of three precious stones were to be laid out in the order of birth. GOD seems to specialize in symbolic gestures that help humans relate to HIS heart. The breastplate of “judgment” contained symbolism of how precious people are to HIM.

 

GOD used multiple colors. This was another symbolic gesture that does not place superiority of one race over another. GOD values you and me. HE values the people you despise and those who despise you. HE views people as precious and wanted the priest to do the same.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about the precious stones used in the breastplate of judgment?
• What stone do you think has your name carved in it?
• Have you forgotten how precious you are to GOD?

Ephod to Remember Mercy

Ephod to Remember Mercy

Exodus 28: ⁵ “They shall take the gold, blue, purple, and scarlet thread, and the fine linen, ⁶ and they shall make the ephod of gold, blue, purple, and scarlet thread, and fine woven linen, artistically worked. ⁷ It shall have two shoulder straps joined at its two edges, and so it shall be joined together. ⁸ And the intricately woven band of the ephod, which is on it, shall be of the same workmanship, made of gold, blue, purple, and scarlet thread, and fine woven linen.

 

⁹ “Then you shall take two onyx stones and engrave on them the names of the sons of Israel: ¹⁰ six of their names on one stone and six names on the other stone, in order of their birth. ¹¹ With the work of an engraver in stone, like the engravings of a signet, you shall engrave the two stones with the names of the sons of Israel. You shall set them in settings of gold. ¹² And you shall put the two stones on the shoulders of the ephod as memorial stones for the sons of Israel. So Aaron shall bear their names before the Lord on his two shoulders as a memorial. ¹³ You shall also make settings of gold, ¹⁴ and you shall make two chains of pure gold like braided cords, and fasten the braided chains to the settings.

 

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GOD told Moses to engrave the names of Israel’s sons onto onyx stones. HE also had Moses make an ephod to hang the two stones.

 

My Observations:

• GOD knew Jacob (Israel) was a scoundrel, yet HE claimed him in HIS family.
• GOD saw the atrocities the sons of Israel did against Joseph and other people, yet HE had their named engraved in rare stones.
• GOD seems to be showing an extreme amount of mercy on the family who was in the lineage of CHRIST.

 

If humans made up the story of JESUS, they would have made it like Hollywood. Everyone in JESUS’s family would be perfect and JESUS would easily defeat evil. But it didn’t happen that way.

 

Israel and his sons were sinners like you and me. Joseph’s own brothers plotted to kill him out of rage and jealousy. Have you ever been jealous or enraged? GOD reveals to us that we need mercy and that HE has shown it. The priest would remember GOD’s mercy on HIS people every time he put on the ephod.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about making the ephod?
• What mercy is GOD showing you right now?
• Have you overlooked GOD’s mercy on you and taken HIS love for granted?

Clothes Used for Acknowledgment

 

Clothes Used for Acknowledgment

Exodus 28: “Now take Aaron your brother, and his sons with him, from among the children of Israel, that he may minister to Me as priest, Aaron and Aaron’s sons: Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. ² And you shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother, for glory and for beauty. ³ So you shall speak to all who are gifted artisans, whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom, that they may make Aaron’s garments, to consecrate him, that he may minister to Me as priest. ⁴ And these are the garments which they shall make: a breastplate, an ephod, a robe, a skillfully woven tunic, a turban, and a sash. So they shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother and his sons, that he may minister to Me as priest.

 

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GOD told Moses to make holy garments for Aaron and his sons.

 

My Observations:

• GOD enjoys when humans acknowledge HIS use of beauty.
• GOD seemed to have the garments made for the priests to meet with HIM.
• GOD seemed to desire a specific time in which the priest was declared as holy by putting on the garments and having a discussion with HIM.

 

Reverence comes to mind when I see the lengths GOD had Moses go through to make the garments. GOD would supernaturally provide the skills needed to people who would create the garments. The priest was a human who was a sinner. But during the time the priest wore the garment, he would be declared holy.

 

It really stands out to me that GOD enjoys beauty. The garment was not only functional, but beautiful. The priest would feel special and represent the needs of the people in a special way. The garments would not be seen by the masses of people. This was for a meeting between the priest and GOD.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about the holy garments?
• What beauty comes to mind that you can acknowledge came from GOD?
• What special skill has GOD gifted you with when HE filled you with the spirit of wisdom?

Lampstand of the Tabernacle

Lampstand of the Tabernacle

Exodus 27: ²⁰ “And you shall command the children of Israel that they bring you pure oil of pressed olives for the light, to cause the lamp to burn continually. ²¹ In the tabernacle of meeting, outside the veil which is before the Testimony, Aaron and his sons shall tend it from evening until morning before the Lord. It shall be a statute forever to their generations on behalf of the children of Israel.

 

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GOD gave Moses instructions on how to keep the fire of the lampstand burning at each stop.

 

My Observations:

• GOD the FATHER, SON and HOLY SPIRIT showed HIMSELF as fire in a bush to Moses and in a pillar of fire to the children of Israel.
• GOD told Moses that Aaron and his sons, representing the Levitical priests, will tend to the fire.
• GOD wanted a symbolic gesture of showing the people that HE would never leave them and HE could be counted on.

 

When the children of Israel would stop where GOD told them to stop, they would have to erect the tabernacle based on the instructions GOD gave them. The lampstand would be put up and lit until they were told to leave. This meant the priests had to keep olives ready to be pressed into oil. GOD would provide the olives in abundance.

 

GOD wanted you and me to know HE is with us, no matter how things seem. JESUS is the “light” of the world. HE lights up dark paths and eradicates dark thoughts. HE gives HIS light to us to pass on to others. We should never hide the light HE has given us in shame.

 

This symbolic light was to provide encouragement to all people that JESUS has overcome the world. It began with the priests and ended with JESUS being raised from the dead.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about keeping the fire of the tabernacle lampstand?
• What light has GOD given you?
• Is something hindering you from shining GOD’s light on those around you?

A Place of Preparation

 A Place of Preparation

Exodus 27: ⁹ “You shall also make the court of the tabernacle. For the south side there shall be hangings for the court made of fine woven linen, one hundred cubits long for one side. ¹⁰ And its twenty pillars and their twenty sockets shall be bronze. The hooks of the pillars and their bands shall be silver. ¹¹ Likewise along the length of the north side there shall be hangings one hundred cubits long, with its twenty pillars and their twenty sockets of bronze, and the hooks of the pillars and their bands of silver.

 

¹² “And along the width of the court on the west side shall be hangings of fifty cubits, with their ten pillars and their ten sockets. ¹³ The width of the court on the east side shall be fifty cubits. ¹⁴ The hangings on one side of the gate shall be fifteen cubits, with their three pillars and their three sockets. ¹⁵ And on the other side shall be hangings of fifteen cubits, with their three pillars and their three sockets.

 

¹⁶ “For the gate of the court there shall be a screen twenty cubits long, woven of blue, purple, and scarlet thread, and fine woven linen, made by a weaver. It shall have four pillars and four sockets. ¹⁷ All the pillars around the court shall have bands of silver; their hooks shall be of silver and their sockets of bronze. ¹⁸ The length of the court shall be one hundred cubits, the width fifty throughout, and the height five cubits, made of fine woven linen, and its sockets of bronze. ¹⁹ All the utensils of the tabernacle for all its service, all its pegs, and all the pegs of the court, shall be of bronze.

 

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GOD gave Moses instructions on how to build a courtyard for the tabernacle.

 

My Observations:

• GOD seemed to be providing a place for the high priest to transition from the day to day, to getting ready to meet with the Most High GOD.
• GOD gave very specific numbers of pillars.
• GOD used a mixture of bronze and silver.

 

To prepare the high priest for meeting GOD, a courtyard was arranged to transition the mindset from whatever was going on, to focusing on meeting with GOD. This shows that GOD was to be handled with reverence, though the formality was disassembled when JESUS died on the cross.

 

Later, when prophets saw a glimpse of GOD, they trembled at HIS sight. Sixty pillars would be needed in the construction. Twenty for the south, twenty for the north, ten for the west and ten for the east. GOD gave specific instructions for the pillars on the east. GOD wants us to prepare ourselves when speaking with HIM.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about the courtyard and the pillars?
• Has GOD become common to you?
• How are you viewing GOD in your life?

Altar of the Tabernacle

Altar of the Tabernacle

Exodus 27: “You shall make an altar of acacia wood, five cubits long and five cubits wide—the altar shall be square—and its height shall be three cubits. ² You shall make its horns on its four corners; its horns shall be of one piece with it. And you shall overlay it with bronze. ³ Also you shall make its pans to receive its ashes, and its shovels and its basins and its forks and its firepans; you shall make all its utensils of bronze. ⁴ You shall make a grate for it, a network of bronze; and on the network you shall make four bronze rings at its four corners. ⁵ You shall put it under the rim of the altar beneath, that the network may be midway up the altar. ⁶ And you shall make poles for the altar, poles of acacia wood, and overlay them with bronze. ⁷ The poles shall be put in the rings, and the poles shall be on the two sides of the altar to bear it. ⁸ You shall make it hollow with boards; as it was shown you on the mountain, so shall they make it.

 

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GOD gave Moses specific instruction on how to make an altar to sacrifice animals to HIM.

 

My Observations:

• GOD expected specific animals to be sacrificed at specific times for specific reasons.
• GOD chose bronze as the metal which could withstand heat and maintain integrity.
• GOD knew the sacrifice would be messy, so HE had Moses build a way to clean it.

 

Sacrifices would be a reminder of Adam and Eve’s sin and for the need of bloodshed to atone for sin. GOD killed an animal to cover Adam and Eve. But HE also died for our sins, showing humans that HIS blood was needed to save humanity.

 

The altar would be able to transfer ashes and blood away from the top. Cleaning the altar was thought of in the design. Bronze is made of copper and tin. Neither metal is mentioned in the revelation of heaven, only gold. GOD also knew the children of Israel would need to cary the altar around, so HE designed a way to carry it. GOD was pointing to the sacrifice of JESUS.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about the details of the altar?
• Has GOD ever given you specific instructions?
• How often do you remember the sacrifice JESUS made for you?

Important Veil

Important Veil

Exodus 26: ³¹ “You shall make a veil woven of blue, purple, and scarlet thread, and fine woven linen. It shall be woven with an artistic design of cherubim. ³² You shall hang it upon the four pillars of acacia wood overlaid with gold. Their hooks shall be gold, upon four sockets of silver. ³³ And you shall hang the veil from the clasps. Then you shall bring the ark of the Testimony in there, behind the veil. The veil shall be a divider for you between the holy place and the Most Holy. ³⁴ You shall put the mercy seat upon the ark of the Testimony in the Most Holy. ³⁵ You shall set the table outside the veil, and the lampstand across from the table on the side of the tabernacle toward the south; and you shall put the table on the north side.

 

³⁶ “You shall make a screen for the door of the tabernacle, woven of blue, purple, and scarlet thread, and fine woven linen, made by a weaver. ³⁷ And you shall make for the screen five pillars of acacia wood, and overlay them with gold; their hooks shall be gold, and you shall cast five sockets of bronze for them.

 

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GOD provided Moses with the final instructions to build the tabernacle. HE gave the measurements of the veil that would be used to divide the holy place from the most holy place.

 

My Observations:

• GOD established a place and a process of temporarily forgiving sins through a remediator, namely a high priest.
• GOD required a certain amount of formality that HE taught the children of Israel.
• GOD had Moses make a veil to protect other people from HIS glory.

 

Keeping the people safe was GOD’s number one purpose. If HE wanted to harm humans HE would not have gone through the lengths that HE did to have them make the tabernacle in this fashion. GOD was planning to meet with humans to provide guidance and to forgive sins.

 

Humans would be able to listen to GOD and surrender what they were doing to be led by GOD. The ark of the Testimony would be behind the veil. Moses was not given the instructions of the contents of the ark yet. But the ark was supposed to carry remnants of how GOD provided. GOD was building a temporary tent to meet with humans to forgive sins and to be with them.

 

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about the veil measurements?
• Has GOD told you to do something and is providing protection in the thing HE told you to do?
• What lengths has GOD taken to show you mercy, forgiveness and love?

Holding the Structure Together

Holding the Structure Together

Exodus 26: ²⁶ “And you shall make bars of acacia wood: five for the boards on one side of the tabernacle, ²⁷ five bars for the boards on the other side of the tabernacle, and five bars for the boards of the side of the tabernacle, for the far side westward. ²⁸ The middle bar shall pass through the midst of the boards from end to end. ²⁹ You shall overlay the boards with gold, make their rings of gold as holders for the bars, and overlay the bars with gold. ³⁰ And you shall raise up the tabernacle according to its pattern which you were shown on the mountain.

 

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GOD provided Moses with the instructions on how to hold the temporary structure together.

 

My Observations:

• GOD wanted the children of Israel to succeed, so HE gave very detailed instructions.
• GOD wanted the structure to be held together in a sturdy fashion.
• GOD wanted to be with HIS people without the distractions of the structure falling apart.

 

Providing the engineering of how to keep the structure together seems to be a pattern that GOD showed before. When HE gave Noah specific instructions, HE used the ark to save humanity. This time HIS reason for building the tabernacle was to be with HIS creation and guide them daily.

 

GOD told Moses t use strong wood, overlayed with a substance that came from heaven, namely gold. Gold was not currency to GOD, rather building material. HE was preparing a place to have safe discussions with HIM so the people would not be harmed by HIS presence. GOD could not risk a panel or a curtain falling down, exposing the high priest to HIS glory, which would kill a person instantly.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about the bars that would hold the tabernacle together?
• Has GOD indicated to you that HE wants to be with you?
• How is GOD showing you that HE wants a strong stable relationship with HIM?

Heavy Temporary Dwelling Place

Heavy Temporary Dwelling Place

Exodus 26: ¹⁴ “You shall also make a covering of ram skins dyed red for the tent, and a covering of badger skins above that.

 

¹⁵ “And for the tabernacle you shall make the boards of acacia wood, standing upright. ¹⁶ Ten cubits shall be the length of a board, and a cubit and a half shall be the width of each board. ¹⁷ Two tenons shall be in each board for binding one to another. Thus you shall make for all the boards of the tabernacle. ¹⁸ And you shall make the boards for the tabernacle, twenty boards for the south side. ¹⁹ You shall make forty sockets of silver under the twenty boards: two sockets under each of the boards for its two tenons. ²⁰ And for the second side of the tabernacle, the north side, there shall be twenty boards ²¹ and their forty sockets of silver: two sockets under each of the boards. ²² For the far side of the tabernacle, westward, you shall make six boards. ²³ And you shall also make two boards for the two back corners of the tabernacle. ²⁴ They shall be coupled together at the bottom and they shall be coupled together at the top by one ring. Thus it shall be for both of them. They shall be for the two corners. ²⁵ So there shall be eight boards with their sockets of silver—sixteen sockets—two sockets under each of the boards.

 

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GOD gave Moses very specific instruction to cover the tabernacle. HE also provided details into the structure that could easily be assembled and disassembled.

 

My Observations:

• GOD chose a sturdy wood that was rot and water resistant and very heavy.
• GOD gave the instructions on how to make a tongue and groove structure that was not flimsy.
• GOD wanted a temporary meeting place that would need to be carried around for forty years.

 

The tabernacle weighed about seven to ten tons. Its top was red and had a dark center. GOD seems to want the structure noticed and carefully carried. This enormous structure would require a large group of people to build, assemble and disassemble it when GOD said to move from one location to the next.

 

There was no other structure like it at the time. The Egyptians had stone pyramid tombs and huge grain vaults, made by the children of Israel. GOD was preparing the children of Israel for HIS presence. HE would be with them and wanted a formal structure. I notice that the structure came after the curse mentioned in Genesis. The structure was more for humans than it was for GOD.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about the top and walls of the tabernacle?
• Has GOD called you into something that requires a stronger structure?
• Does GOD want you to strengthen the flimsy idea and make it into something sturdy with components?

Second Set of Curtains for the Tabernacle

Second Set of Curtains for the Tabernacle

Exodus 26: ⁷ “You shall also make curtains of goats’ hair, to be a tent over the tabernacle. You shall make eleven curtains. ⁸ The length of each curtain shall be thirty cubits, and the width of each curtain four cubits; and the eleven curtains shall all have the same measurements. ⁹ And you shall couple five curtains by themselves and six curtains by themselves, and you shall double over the sixth curtain at the forefront of the tent. ¹⁰ You shall make fifty loops on the edge of the curtain that is outermost in one set, and fifty loops on the edge of the curtain of the second set. ¹¹ And you shall make fifty bronze clasps, put the clasps into the loops, and couple the tent together, that it may be one. ¹² The remnant that remains of the curtains of the tent, the half curtain that remains, shall hang over the back of the tabernacle. ¹³ And a cubit on one side and a cubit on the other side, of what remains of the length of the curtains of the tent, shall hang over the sides of the tabernacle, on this side and on that side, to cover it.

 

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GOD gave Moses additional detailed instructions for the second set of curtains.

 

My Observations:

• A scapegoat would be instituted as a symbolic representation of taking on the guilt of sin and JESUS became our scapegoat.
• JESUS also said HE would separate the sheep from the goats, meaning believers would be separated from non-believer in HIS salvation.
• GOD called for the use of bronze on these curtains, which is a lesser metal that would patina due to the cheap metal ingredients.

 

I believe the second set of curtains represent the human part of the relationship with GOD. Goat’s hair could be shaved off without killing the animal. Bronze would be used to hold up the goat hair curtains. I believe GOD allows humans to temporarily do their own thing, but is will have lesser results, like bronze compared to gold.

 

I also believe that human results require the need for JESUS to become our scapegoat. The overwhelming number of curtains and the extreme extra care it would take to fashion the curtains would remind the high priests of the need for GOD’s forgiveness.  GOD was very intentional in HIS choice of materials.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about the details regarding the curtains made from goat’s hair?
• Has GOD focused your attention on HIS mercy HE has for you?
• Have you placed your human efforts and expectations under GOD’s control?

First Set of Curtains for the Tabernacle

First Set of Curtains for the Tabernacle

Exodus 26: “Moreover you shall make the tabernacle with ten curtains of fine woven linen and blue, purple, and scarlet thread; with artistic designs of cherubim you shall weave them. ² The length of each curtain shall be twenty-eight cubits, and the width of each curtain four cubits. And every one of the curtains shall have the same measurements. ³ Five curtains shall be coupled to one another, and the other five curtains shall be coupled to one another. ⁴ And you shall make loops of blue yarn on the edge of the curtain on the selvedge of one set, and likewise you shall do on the outer edge of the other curtain of the second set. ⁵ Fifty loops you shall make in the one curtain, and fifty loops you shall make on the edge of the curtain that is on the end of the second set, that the loops may be clasped to one another. ⁶ And you shall make fifty clasps of gold, and couple the curtains together with the clasps, so that it may be one tabernacle.

 

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GOD gave Moses very detailed instructions on how to make the first set of curtains for the tabernacle.

 

My Observations:

• GOD wanted representation of angels HE would use to protect the people.
• GOD was very specific in terms of colors, measurements and numbers.
• GOD would provide the talent to the people who made the tabernacle curtains.

 

JESUS’s robe would be scarlet and purple, similar to the colors of the curtains. HIS robe mocked HIS kingly status. But the curtains were supposed to be special. Eventually there would be twenty-one curtains

 

Some of the curtains would be used to separate the three main sections of the tabernacle, namely the Outer Court, Holy Place and the Most Holy place or the Holies of Holies. The designs, colors and measurements were for humans to see and be reminded of GOD’s presence and protection. GOD provided the measurement and the skill it would take to make everything.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about the detailed measurements of the first set of curtains?
• Has GOD ever given you detailed instructions?
• What are you working on that is preparing you for your meetings with GOD?

 

Miracle of the Almond Blossoms Predicted

 Miracle of the Almond Blossoms Predicted

Exodus 25: ³¹ “You shall also make a lampstand of pure gold; the lampstand shall be of hammered work. Its shaft, its branches, its bowls, its ornamental knobs, and flowers shall be of one piece. ³² And six branches shall come out of its sides: three branches of the lampstand out of one side, and three branches of the lampstand out of the other side. ³³ Three bowls shall be made like almond blossoms on one branch, with an ornamental knob and a flower, and three bowls made like almond blossoms on the other branch, with an ornamental knob and a flower—and so for the six branches that come out of the lampstand. ³⁴ On the lampstand itself four bowls shall be made like almond blossoms, each with its ornamental knob and flower. ³⁵ And there shall be a knob under the first two branches of the same, a knob under the second two branches of the same, and a knob under the third two branches of the same, according to the six branches that extend from the lampstand. ³⁶ Their knobs and their branches shall be of one piece; all of it shall be one hammered piece of pure gold. ³⁷ You shall make seven lamps for it, and they shall arrange its lamps so that they give light in front of it. ³⁸ And its wick-trimmers and their trays shall be of pure gold. ³⁹ It shall be made of a talent of pure gold, with all these utensils. ⁴⁰ And see to it that you make them according to the pattern which was shown you on the mountain.

 

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GOD gave Moses specific instructions to make a gold lampstand. HE even may have shown him a pattern.

 

My Observations:

• GOD told Moses to add almond blossoms as a symbol of what HE was going to do.
• Eventually Aaron’s rod would blossom and produce almonds.
• Everything GOD does is intentional and had meaning of high importance.

 

Predicting that HE was going to make Aaron’s rod blossom almond blossoms may not have been understood by Moses at the time. But when it happened, he could look at the lampstand and see that GOD had it planned all along.

 

GOD is amazing! HE took something as simple as decorating a lampstand and turned it into a prophecy. JESUS would later use the lampstand as an analogy for seven churches mentions in Revelation. You and I are the light of the world. GOD wants out light held high, as if it were on a lampstand.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about the specifics of the lampstand?
• Has GOD given you specific instruction that you don’t understand?
• Even if you do not understand what GOD has you doing, will you continue anyway?

Breaking Bread

Breaking Bread

Exodus 25: ²³ “You shall also make a table of acacia wood; two cubits shall be its length, a cubit its width, and a cubit and a half its height. ²⁴ And you shall overlay it with pure gold, and make a molding of gold all around. ²⁵ You shall make for it a frame of a handbreadth all around, and you shall make a gold molding for the frame all around. ²⁶ And you shall make for it four rings of gold, and put the rings on the four corners that are at its four legs. ²⁷ The rings shall be close to the frame, as holders for the poles to bear the table. ²⁸ And you shall make the poles of acacia wood, and overlay them with gold, that the table may be carried with them. ²⁹ You shall make its dishes, its pans, its pitchers, and its bowls for pouring. You shall make them of pure gold. ³⁰ And you shall set the showbread on the table before Me always.

 

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GOD gave Moses specific instructions to build a table and dishes for HIM to have Showbread with him or any high priest.

 

My Observations:

• GOD wants to interact with HIS creation.
• Showbread, also known as shewbread, is unleavened, representing no sin.
• Gold was a remnant of the garden of Eden and is special to GOD.

 

Never leaving us or forsaking is included preparation to eat with us. GOD wanted a special, portable table that was to be handled properly. GOD was telling humans how to handle HIM properly.

 

HE wanted unleavened bread that was named Showbread or shewbread. GOD would eat with HIS creation in the form or the preincarnate JESUS. Eating is something that will happen forever. In heaven there will be a feast. GOD wants to interact with you and me.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about the special table for the Showbread?
• Have you made a special place or thing that honors GOD?
• What would you say to GOD if HE showed HIMSELF to you physically?

A Place of Mercy

A Place of Mercy

Exodus 25: ¹⁷ “You shall make a mercy seat of pure gold; two and a half cubits shall be its length and a cubit and a half its width. ¹⁸ And you shall make two cherubim of gold; of hammered work you shall make them at the two ends of the mercy seat. ¹⁹ Make one cherub at one end, and the other cherub at the other end; you shall make the cherubim at the two ends of it of one piece with the mercy seat. ²⁰ And the cherubim shall stretch out their wings above, covering the mercy seat with their wings, and they shall face one another; the faces of the cherubim shall be toward the mercy seat. ²¹ You shall put the mercy seat on top of the ark, and in the ark you shall put the Testimony that I will give you. ²² And there I will meet with you, and I will speak with you from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubim which are on the ark of the Testimony, about everything which I will give you in commandment to the children of Israel.

 

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GOD gave specific instructions regarding building a mercy seat that would be the top of the Ark of the Testimony. HE also said HE would meet Moses there and any high priest.

 

My Observations:

• GOD planned out HIS mercy.
• GOD had a specific way HE wanted to deal with the mercy of the people.
• GOD was making the children of Israel aware that they needed mercy.

 

Specific instructions required specific skills that would be assigned later in the process. GOD focused on the need for HIS mercy. HE knew humans would try to make up their own rules and would leave HIM out of their plans. HE developed a process that required the admission of sin to receive mercy.

 

GOD still requires us to admit we need JESUS for our salvation and for daily decision making. If we let the world dictate our direction, we would not admit we need GOD. Only one person could fit on the mercy seat. GOD would speak from above to the person sitting on the seat.

 

Challenge:

• Why does GOD remind Moses about the mercy seat that would fit on the Ark of the Testimony?
• Have you learned GOD’s process for receiving mercy?
• Have you asked GOD for mercy before asking for things that may take you away from HIM?

Build an Ark

Build an Ark

Exodus 25: ¹⁰ “And they shall make an ark of acacia wood; two and a half cubits shall be its length, a cubit and a half its width, and a cubit and a half its height. ¹¹ And you shall overlay it with pure gold, inside and out you shall overlay it, and shall make on it a molding of gold all around. ¹² You shall cast four rings of gold for it, and put them in its four corners; two rings shall be on one side, and two rings on the other side. ¹³ And you shall make poles of acacia wood, and overlay them with gold. ¹⁴ You shall put the poles into the rings on the sides of the ark, that the ark may be carried by them. ¹⁵ The poles shall be in the rings of the ark; they shall not be taken from it. ¹⁶ And you shall put into the ark the Testimony which I will give you.

 

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GOD told Moses to build the ark of the Testimony. HE gave specific instructions on how to build the ark.

 

My Observations:

• Gold is a special metal that GOD instructed them to use.
• This is the third and final ark of the Bible.
• GOD told Moses to build an ark, but did not tell him what to put in it yet.

 

First there was Noah’s ark. Then Jochebed mad an ark to save Moses. Now GOD instructed Moses to build the ark of the Testimony. The first two arks were used for a short-term, highly valuable mission to save one or more people. But this ark would be used for decades.

 

The builders of the ark could touch the wood and the gold without harming themselves. But when the ark was filled with the items GOD wanted in there, the ark would become deadly. This ark was to be handled properly and with holy wisdom.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about HIS instructions to build the ark of the Testimony?
• Has GOD given you specific instructions?
• What is GOD telling you to build?

Pattern of the Tabernacle

Pattern of the Tabernacle

Exodus 25: Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: ² “Speak to the children of Israel, that they bring Me an offering. From everyone who gives it willingly with his heart you shall take My offering. ³ And this is the offering which you shall take from them: gold, silver, and bronze; ⁴ blue, purple, and scarlet thread, fine linen, and goats’ hair; ⁵ ram skins dyed red, badger skins, and acacia wood; ⁶ oil for the light, and spices for the anointing oil and for the sweet incense; ⁷ onyx stones, and stones to be set in the ephod and in the breastplate. ⁸ And let them make Me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them. ⁹ According to all that I show you, that is, the pattern of the tabernacle and the pattern of all its furnishings, just so you shall make it.

 

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Moses and Joshua went up the mountain as GOD told them to do. There GOD gave directions on what to build for HIM to go along with the children of Israel on their journey.

 

My Observations:

• GOD asked for people to willingly give an offering so they could be part of the process of building the tabernacle.
• GOD was making a temporary meeting place that had HIS specifications that mimicked the temple revealed to the writer John.
• GOD was preparing the people to address HIM with sovereignty versus commonality.
• GOD used lots of colors including gold, silver, bronze, blue, purple, red, white and black.
• GOD used textures that rounded out the senses of humans like soft hair and smooth stones.

 

Before GOD gave any law, HE provided a place to put the law HE would make. Sinai means jagged stone. This is the place GOD would write HIS law in something that would not smudge or fade. The tablets were to be placed in the tabernacle they were about to build.

 

GOD shows us HIS promise that HE would never leave us or forsake us. HE wanted a place where HE would come and be with HIS people. HE knew what the temple in heaven looked like and HE wanted to mimic this in the tent. The temple seen in heaven would be slightly different, because there would be no need to confess sin or sacrifice due to sin.

 

A tabernacle is a tent. This could be carried around and temporarily erected at the place GOD guided them to. GOD knew the two-week journey would take forty years.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about the offering instructions for the tabernacle?
• Has GOD become too common in your life?
• What can you learn about GOD’s formality when it comes to HIS instructions for holiness?