Exodus 37
BSB1 Bezalel went on to construct the ark of acacia wood, two and a half cubits long, a cubit and a half wide, and a cubit and a half high. 2 He overlaid it with pure gold, both inside and out, and made a gold molding around it. 3 And he cast four gold rings for its four feet, two rings on one side and two on the other. 4 Then he made poles of acacia wood and overlaid them with gold. 5 He inserted the poles into the rings on the sides of the ark in order to carry it. 6 He constructed a mercy seat of pure gold, two and a half cubits long and a cubit and a half wide. 7 He made two cherubim of hammered gold at the ends of the mercy seat, 8 one cherub on one end and one on the other, all made from one piece of gold. 9 And the cherubim had wings that spread upward, overshadowing the mercy seat. The cherubim faced each other, looking toward the mercy seat. 10 He also made the table of acacia wood two cubits long, a cubit wide, and a cubit and a half high. 11 He overlaid it with pure gold and made a gold molding around it. 12 And he made a rim around it a handbreadth wide and put a gold molding on the rim. 13 He cast four gold rings for the table and fastened them to the four corners at its four legs. 14 The rings were placed close to the rim, to serve as holders for the poles used to carry the table. 15 He made the poles of acacia wood for carrying the table and overlaid them with gold. 16 He also made the utensils for the table out of pure gold: its plates and dishes, as well as its bowls and pitchers for pouring drink offerings. 17 Then he made the lampstand out of pure hammered gold, all of one piece: its base and shaft, its cups, and its buds and petals. 18 Six branches extended from the sides, three on one side and three on the other. 19 There were three cups shaped like almond blossoms on the first branch, each with buds and petals, three on the next branch, and the same for all six branches that extended from the lampstand. 20 And on the lampstand were four cups shaped like almond blossoms with buds and petals. 21 A bud was under the first pair of branches that extended from the lampstand, a bud under the second pair, and a bud under the third pair. 22 The buds and branches were all of one piece with the lampstand, hammered out of pure gold. 23 He also made its seven lamps, its wick trimmers, and trays of pure gold. 24 He made the lampstand and all its utensils from a talent of pure gold. 25 He made the altar of incense out of acacia wood. It was square, a cubit long, a cubit wide, and two cubits high. Its horns were of one piece. 26 And he overlaid with pure gold the top and all the sides and horns. Then he made a molding of gold around it. 27 He made two gold rings below the molding on opposite sides to hold the poles used to carry it. 28 And he made the poles of acacia wood and overlaid them with gold. 29 He also made the sacred anointing oil and the pure, fragrant incense, the work of a perfumer.
Study Notes — Exodus 37
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Exodus 37
- Themes from Exodus 37
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Exodus 37
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Exodus chapter 37 provides a detailed account of the construction of the tabernacle, including the ark of the covenant, the table, the lampstand, and the altar of incense. The chapter emphasizes the importance of following God's instructions carefully and the need for skilled and dedicated craftsmen to carry out the work. As the chapter progresses, it becomes clear that the tabernacle is not just a physical structure, but a symbol of God's presence among His people. For example, in Exodus 37:1, Bezalel is instructed to make the ark of the covenant, which would serve as a reminder of God's covenant with the Israelites. Similarly, in Exodus 37:17-24, the lampstand is constructed, symbolizing the light of God's presence in the midst of His people.
Context for the Chapter
Exodus chapter 37 is part of the larger narrative of the book of Exodus, which tells the story of the Israelites' deliverance from slavery in Egypt and their journey to the Promised Land. The chapter is also connected to the broader biblical narrative, which emphasizes the importance of worship and the presence of God among His people. As seen in Exodus 25:1-31:18, God provides detailed instructions for the construction of the tabernacle, highlighting the importance of obedience and attention to detail in worship. The chapter serves as a reminder of God's desire to dwell among His people and to be worshiped in a way that is pleasing to Him.
Heart Application
The chapter serves as a reminder of the importance of attention to detail and obedience in our worship and service to God. Just as the craftsmen who constructed the tabernacle worked diligently to create a structure that was pleasing to God, we should strive to offer our best to God in our worship and service. As seen in Exodus 37:1-9, the construction of the ark of the covenant demonstrates God's care and concern for His people, and we should respond with reverence and awe.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Exodus chapter 37 describes the construction of the tabernacle, a portable place of worship for the Israelites. The chapter emphasizes the importance of following God's instructions carefully and the need for skilled and dedicated craftsmen to carry out the work. As seen in Exodus 37:1, the construction of the ark of the covenant serves as a reminder of God's covenant with the Israelites. The chapter highlights the symbolism of the tabernacle, which serves as a reminder of God's presence among His people.
Voices from the Church
“The tabernacle was a symbol of the presence of God among His people, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of worship and the presence of God in our lives.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The construction of the tabernacle was a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of the Israelites, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of diligence and attention to detail in our work and worship.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- The Construction of the Ark of the Covenant (Exodus 37:1-9) — The chapter begins with the construction of the ark of the covenant, which would serve as a symbol of God's presence among the Israelites and a reminder of His covenant with them.
- The Construction of the Table (Exodus 37:10-16) — The chapter continues with the construction of the table, which would be used to display the bread of the Presence.
- The Construction of the Lampstand (Exodus 37:17-24) — The chapter describes the construction of the lampstand, which would serve as a symbol of the light of God's presence among His people.
- The Construction of the Altar of Incense (Exodus 37:25-28) — The chapter notes the construction of the altar of incense, which would be used for the burning of incense before God.
- The Construction of the Anointing Oil and the Incense (Exodus 37:29) — The chapter concludes with the construction of the anointing oil and the incense, which would be used in the worship of God.
Core Doctrines
- The Doctrine of Worship
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of worship and the presence of God among His people. The construction of the tabernacle and its furnishings serves as a reminder of the value and worth of God's presence among His people.
- The Doctrine of Obedience
- The chapter highlights the importance of obedience to God's instructions. The craftsmen who constructed the tabernacle worked diligently to create a structure that was pleasing to God, and we should strive to offer our best to God in our worship and service.
- The Doctrine of the Presence of God
- The chapter serves as a reminder of God's desire to dwell among His people. The tabernacle, constructed in Exodus chapter 37, serves as a symbol of God's presence among the Israelites and a reminder of His covenant with them.
- The Doctrine of the Covenant
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of God's covenant with the Israelites. The ark of the covenant, constructed in Exodus 37:1-9, serves as a reminder of God's covenant with the Israelites and His desire to be their God.
Lessons from Exodus 37
- The Importance of Attention to Detail — The chapter highlights the importance of attention to detail in our worship and service to God. Just as the craftsmen who constructed the tabernacle worked diligently to create a structure that was pleasing to God, we should strive to offer our best to God in our worship and service.
- The Value of Skilled Craftsmanship — The chapter emphasizes the value of skilled craftsmanship in our work and worship. The craftsmen who constructed the tabernacle were skilled and dedicated, and we should strive to develop our own skills and talents in order to serve God effectively.
- The Significance of the Tabernacle — The chapter serves as a reminder of the significance of the tabernacle in the biblical narrative. The tabernacle was a symbol of God's presence among His people, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of worship and the presence of God in our lives.
- The Importance of Obedience — The chapter highlights the importance of obedience to God's instructions. The craftsmen who constructed the tabernacle worked diligently to create a structure that was pleasing to God, and we should strive to offer our best to God in our worship and service.
- The Symbolism of the Tabernacle — The chapter notes the symbolism of the tabernacle and its furnishings, which serves as a reminder of God's covenant with the Israelites and His desire to dwell among His people.
Themes from Exodus 37
- The Presence of God — The chapter serves as a reminder of God's desire to dwell among His people. The tabernacle, constructed in Exodus chapter 37, serves as a symbol of God's presence among the Israelites and a reminder of His covenant with them.
- The Importance of Worship — The chapter emphasizes the importance of worship and the presence of God among His people. The construction of the tabernacle and its furnishings serves as a reminder of the value and worth of God's presence among His people.
- The Value of Obedience — The chapter highlights the importance of obedience to God's instructions. The craftsmen who constructed the tabernacle worked diligently to create a structure that was pleasing to God, and we should strive to offer our best to God in our worship and service.
- The Significance of the Covenant — The chapter emphasizes the importance of God's covenant with the Israelites. The ark of the covenant, constructed in Exodus 37:1-9, serves as a reminder of God's covenant with the Israelites and His desire to be their God.
- The Importance of Attention to Detail — The chapter highlights the importance of attention to detail in our worship and service to God. Just as the craftsmen who constructed the tabernacle worked diligently to create a structure that was pleasing to God, we should strive to offer our best to God in our worship and service.
Questions for Meditation
- What is the significance of the tabernacle in the biblical narrative, and how does it relate to our worship and service to God today?
- How does the construction of the tabernacle and its furnishings serve as a reminder of God's presence among His people, and what implications does this have for our daily lives?
- What role does obedience play in our worship and service to God, and how can we apply the principles of obedience seen in Exodus chapter 37 to our own lives?
- How does the symbolism of the tabernacle and its furnishings serve as a reminder of God's covenant with the Israelites, and what does this mean for our understanding of God's relationship with His people today?
- What lessons can we learn from the skilled craftsmen who constructed the tabernacle, and how can we apply these lessons to our own work and worship?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The Construction of the Ark of the Covenant (Exodus 37:1-9)
| 37:1 | The chapter begins with the construction of the ark of the covenant, which would serve as a symbol of God's presence among the Israelites and a reminder of His covenant with them. |
| 37:2 | The ark was made of acacia wood, two and a half cubits long, a cubit and a half wide, and a cubit and a half high. |
2. The Construction of the Table (Exodus 37:10-16)
| 37:10 | The chapter continues with the construction of the table, which would be used to display the bread of the Presence. |
| 37:11 | The table was made of acacia wood, two cubits long, a cubit wide, and a cubit and a half high. |
3. The Construction of the Lampstand (Exodus 37:17-24)
| 37:17 | The chapter describes the construction of the lampstand, which would serve as a symbol of the light of God's presence among His people. |
| 37:18 | The lampstand was made of gold, with seven branches, each with a bowl, a knop, and a flower. |
4. The Construction of the Altar of Incense (Exodus 37:25-28)
| 37:25 | The chapter notes the construction of the altar of incense, which would be used for the burning of incense before God. |
| 37:26 | The altar was made of acacia wood, a cubit long, a cubit wide, and two cubits high. |
5. The Construction of the Anointing Oil and the Incense (Exodus 37:29)
| 37:29 | The chapter concludes with the construction of the anointing oil and the incense, which would be used in the worship of God. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the tabernacle in the biblical narrative?
The tabernacle serves as a symbol of God's presence among His people and a reminder of His covenant with them, as seen in Exodus 37:1-9. The tabernacle was a portable place of worship, where the Israelites could offer sacrifices and worship God.
What is the importance of the ark of the covenant?
The ark of the covenant, constructed in Exodus 37:1-9, serves as a reminder of God's covenant with the Israelites and His desire to be their God. The ark was a symbol of God's presence among His people, and it was used to store the tablets of the covenant.
What is the significance of the lampstand in the tabernacle?
The lampstand, constructed in Exodus 37:17-24, serves as a symbol of the light of God's presence among His people. The lampstand was used to provide light in the tabernacle, and it was a reminder of God's presence and guidance.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 37:1 → Hebrews 8:1-2 | The construction of the ark of the covenant in Exodus 37:1-9 serves as a reminder of God's covenant with the Israelites, which is fulfilled in Christ, as seen in Hebrews 8:1-2. |
| 2 | Exodus 37:17 → John 1:14 | The lampstand, constructed in Exodus 37:17-24, serves as a symbol of the light of God's presence among His people, which is fulfilled in Christ, as seen in John 1:14. |
| 3 | Exodus 37:25 → Leviticus 16:1-34 | The altar of incense, constructed in Exodus 37:25-28, serves as a reminder of the importance of worship and the presence of God among His people, as seen in Leviticus 16:1-34. |
| 4 | Exodus 37:29 → Psalm 133:1-3 | The anointing oil and incense, constructed in Exodus 37:29, serve as a reminder of the importance of unity and worship among God's people, as seen in Psalm 133:1-3. |
| 5 | Exodus 37:1-9 → 1 Kings 8:1-66 | The construction of the ark of the covenant and the tabernacle serves as a reminder of God's presence among His people, which is fulfilled in the temple, as seen in 1 Kings 8:1-66. |
| 6 | Exodus 37:17-24 → Revelation 21:22-27 | The lampstand serves as a symbol of the light of God's presence among His people, which is fulfilled in the New Jerusalem, as seen in Revelation 21:22-27. |
| 7 | Exodus 37:25-28 → Hebrews 13:10-12 | The altar of incense serves as a reminder of the importance of worship and the presence of God among His people, which is fulfilled in Christ, as seen in Hebrews 13:10-12. |
| 8 | Exodus 37:29 → Ephesians 4:1-16 | The anointing oil and incense serve as a reminder of the importance of unity and worship among God's people, which is fulfilled in the church, as seen in Ephesians 4:1-16. |
| 9 | Exodus 37:1-9 → Colossians 2:1-10 | The construction of the ark of the covenant and the tabernacle serves as a reminder of God's presence among His people, which is fulfilled in Christ, as seen in Colossians 2:1-10. |
| 10 | Exodus 37:17-24 → 1 John 1:1-7 | The lampstand serves as a symbol of the light of God's presence among His people, which is fulfilled in Christ, as seen in 1 John 1:1-7. |
Sermons on Exodus 37
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Tabernacle 09 Mercy Seat-Cheribum by J. Henry Brown | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the uncertainty and questions that arise in life. They ponder why certain things happen and why they cannot fully understand them. The sermo |
|
Golden Snuffers by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of the 'golden snuffers' in maintaining the freshness of God's testimony through His people, represented as wicks in the candlestick of |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Exodus 37
Matthew Henry's commentary on Exodus 37 emphasizes the importance of the tabernacle as a symbol of God's presence among His people. Henry notes that the tabernacle was a type of Christ, who is the ultimate symbol of God's presence among His people. Henry also emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's instructions, as seen in the construction of the tabernacle and its furnishings. The commentary serves as a reminder of the value and worth of God's presence among His people, and the importance of worship and obedience in our lives. As Henry notes, the tabernacle was a 'shadow of good things to come,' and it serves as a reminder of the ultimate reality of God's presence among His people, which is fulfilled in Christ. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Importance of Skilled Craftsmanship
The chapter highlights the importance of skilled craftsmen, such as Bezalel and Oholiab, who worked diligently to create the various components of the tabernacle. This emphasis on craftsmanship serves as a reminder of the value of meticulous attention to detail in our own work and worship.
The Use of Precious Materials
The chapter notes the use of precious materials, such as gold and acacia wood, in the construction of the tabernacle and its furnishings. This use of precious materials serves as a reminder of the value and worth of God's presence among His people.
The Symbolism of the Tabernacle
The chapter highlights the symbolism of the tabernacle, which serves as a reminder of God's presence among His people. The various components of the tabernacle, such as the ark of the covenant and the altar of incense, serve as symbols of God's covenant with the Israelites and His desire to dwell among them.