Exodus 26

Chap. XXVI. Ver. 1—37. Building of the Tabernacle.—With this typical description of Christ and his church before our eyes, let us ask ourselves what our judgment on these subjects is. Do we see any glory in the person of Christ? any excellency in his character, or preciousness in his salvation, or wisdom in the doctrine of the cross? Do we perceive any beauty in holiness, or any amiableness in the character of Christians? These things are hidden under external meanness, from the carnal eye of the superficial observer, but are spiritually discerned by every true believer; who sees, through the exterior covering, the internal glory and hidden excellency of heavenly things. As our judgment, choice, and consequent practice are, so is our state towards God.

“To you that believe, Christ is precious.”—Let us also examine ourselves, as to the state of our own hearts; whether we possess a consciousness of dependence on God, love to him, hatred of sin, desire after holiness, and a full purship [purpose] with it, because incorruptible. It is a species of thorn, and yields gum

Notes on the verses

Chap. XXVI. Ver. 1. The tabernacle. [For plans of the tabernacle, see plates.]—Mishcan, from shachan, to dwell, means simply a dwelling-place or habitation. “When God had brought out the children of Israel out of Egypt,” says the very learned Dr. Cudworth, “resolving to manifest himself in a peculiar manner present among them, he thought good to dwell amongst them in a visible and external manner; and therefore, while they were in the wilderness, and sojourned in tents, he would have a tent or tabernacle built, to sojourn with them also.—Now the tabernacle, being thus a house for God to dwell in visibly, to make up the notion of dwelling or habitation complete, there must be all things suitable to a house belonging to it.—Hence, in the holy place, there must be a table and a candlestick, because these were the ordinary furniture of a room.

The table must have its dishes, and spoons, and bowls, and covers, belonging to it, though they were never used; and always be furnished with bread upon it. The candlestick must have its lamps continually burning,” &c.—Bagster.—With cherubims of cunning work.—“The work of a cunning workman, or embroiderer.” The word cherub 4