Exodus 27

Exodus 27:1

Moses Alone Meets the LORD

Eventually Joshua has to stay behind and Moses goes on alone. For six days the cloud, the symbol of the dwelling place of the glory of God, covers the mountain. Moses is waiting all this time. He does not become impatient like Saul, later, who also has to wait, but acts impatiently and thereby forfeits his kingship (1 Samuel 13:8-14).

On the seventh day the LORD calls him. Then Moses enters the cloud; he enters the glory of God, to abide there forty days and forty nights. In that time, he gets to hear and see beautiful things from God in view of God’s dwelling among His people.

The glory that Moses enters seems to be a consuming fire for the Israelites. Here we see the big difference with the time we live in. Whoever have been made qualified for the presence of God will feel at home there. Whoever believes that he can please God on the basis of the law will always think of God’s presence with fear and trembling.

Exodus 27:3

Introduction

The tangible, material tabernacle and the service in it are “the copies of the things in the heavens” (Hebrews 9:23). The tabernacle is not the true dwelling place of God, but represents it. God does not dwell in “a holy place made with hands, a [mere] copy of the true one” (Hebrews 9:24; 2 Chronicles 6:18).

In Scripture there are three real dwellings of God: 1. heaven (1 Kings 8:39a Psalms 115:3; 16), 2. the Lord Jesus (John 1:14a, where “dwelt” is literally “tabernacled”; Colossians 1:19; Colossians 2:9) and 3. the church (Ephesians 2:22; 1 Timothy 3:15; Hebrews 3:1-6).

The tabernacle is a tent in the wilderness. This can be applied to the church on earth, in which God the Holy Spirit dwells.

The tabernacle is: 1. a picture of the dwelling place of God among His people, 2. a picture of His glory as He revealed it completely in the Lord Jesus and 3. a description of the way of the sinner to God.

The description of the tabernacle is given to Moses by the LORD in one long speech in the Exodus 25-31. This speech – interspersed seven times with “the LORD said” or “the LORD spoke” – can be divided into four parts: 1. In Exodus 25-27 the furniture is described which in picture give the revelation of God in Christ to man. 2. In Exodus 28-29 we see the priesthood as the means by which man can approach God. 3. Exodus 30 contains the elements which show in picture how and with what man can approach God. 4. In Exodus 31 we hear who God designates to build the tabernacle.

Materials to Be Collected

For the construction of the tabernacle the LORD wants to use the means that His people make available for it. Those means must be offered to Him as a heave offering. It is not set as an obligation, but is asked “from every man whose heart moves him” (cf. 2 Corinthians 9:7).

If we bear in mind that the tabernacle is the revelation of God to man, we see that this revelation is linked to the mindset of the heart. Only those who ‘heave’ what they have beyond daily use and offer it to God as a “heave offering” share in God’s thoughts about His dwelling place.

In all of the materials something of God and the Lord Jesus becomes visible. In the seven kinds of materials needed, we see a number of features: 1. metals – speak of what characterizes God’s Being and nature; 2. fabrics – speak of the glory of the Lord Jesus as Man on earth; 3. skins – are derived from animals, and speak, like the fabrics, of the Lord Jesus as Man on earth, but more specifically in connection with His work on the cross; 4. wood – speaks of the perfect Manhood of the Lord Jesus; 5. oil – represents the Holy Spirit; 6. spices for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense – represent the inner, personal glories of the Lord Jesus; 7. precious stones – speak of the glories of God, as they are reflected in the individual believers.

All these materials must be used to make a “sanctuary” in which the LORD can dwell among His people. If it is our desire that the Lord Jesus can dwell with His people, the church, we will give Him our total life and everything we possess. The church is His house, but the picture of the construction of the tabernacle shows us how we can experience this in practice. Total surrender to Him is needed to work out the truth of being God’s house to God’s glory in practice in the gathering and living together of the church.

What the tabernacle should look like is not left to the imagination of Moses. The LORD shows him the model and he must make it like that. Thus Ezekiel sees in a vision the form and stature of the new temple which he is to present to Israel: “So that they may observe its whole design and all its statutes and do them” (Ezekiel 43:11; cf. 1 Chronicles 28:19).

Exodus 27:4

Introduction

The tangible, material tabernacle and the service in it are “the copies of the things in the heavens” (Hebrews 9:23). The tabernacle is not the true dwelling place of God, but represents it. God does not dwell in “a holy place made with hands, a [mere] copy of the true one” (Hebrews 9:24; 2 Chronicles 6:18).

In Scripture there are three real dwellings of God: 1. heaven (1 Kings 8:39a Psalms 115:3; 16), 2. the Lord Jesus (John 1:14a, where “dwelt” is literally “tabernacled”; Colossians 1:19; Colossians 2:9) and 3. the church (Ephesians 2:22; 1 Timothy 3:15; Hebrews 3:1-6).

The tabernacle is a tent in the wilderness. This can be applied to the church on earth, in which God the Holy Spirit dwells.

The tabernacle is: 1. a picture of the dwelling place of God among His people, 2. a picture of His glory as He revealed it completely in the Lord Jesus and 3. a description of the way of the sinner to God.

The description of the tabernacle is given to Moses by the LORD in one long speech in the Exodus 25-31. This speech – interspersed seven times with “the LORD said” or “the LORD spoke” – can be divided into four parts: 1. In Exodus 25-27 the furniture is described which in picture give the revelation of God in Christ to man. 2. In Exodus 28-29 we see the priesthood as the means by which man can approach God. 3. Exodus 30 contains the elements which show in picture how and with what man can approach God. 4. In Exodus 31 we hear who God designates to build the tabernacle.

Materials to Be Collected

For the construction of the tabernacle the LORD wants to use the means that His people make available for it. Those means must be offered to Him as a heave offering. It is not set as an obligation, but is asked “from every man whose heart moves him” (cf. 2 Corinthians 9:7).

If we bear in mind that the tabernacle is the revelation of God to man, we see that this revelation is linked to the mindset of the heart. Only those who ‘heave’ what they have beyond daily use and offer it to God as a “heave offering” share in God’s thoughts about His dwelling place.

In all of the materials something of God and the Lord Jesus becomes visible. In the seven kinds of materials needed, we see a number of features: 1. metals – speak of what characterizes God’s Being and nature; 2. fabrics – speak of the glory of the Lord Jesus as Man on earth; 3. skins – are derived from animals, and speak, like the fabrics, of the Lord Jesus as Man on earth, but more specifically in connection with His work on the cross; 4. wood – speaks of the perfect Manhood of the Lord Jesus; 5. oil – represents the Holy Spirit; 6. spices for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense – represent the inner, personal glories of the Lord Jesus; 7. precious stones – speak of the glories of God, as they are reflected in the individual believers.

All these materials must be used to make a “sanctuary” in which the LORD can dwell among His people. If it is our desire that the Lord Jesus can dwell with His people, the church, we will give Him our total life and everything we possess. The church is His house, but the picture of the construction of the tabernacle shows us how we can experience this in practice. Total surrender to Him is needed to work out the truth of being God’s house to God’s glory in practice in the gathering and living together of the church.

What the tabernacle should look like is not left to the imagination of Moses. The LORD shows him the model and he must make it like that. Thus Ezekiel sees in a vision the form and stature of the new temple which he is to present to Israel: “So that they may observe its whole design and all its statutes and do them” (Ezekiel 43:11; cf. 1 Chronicles 28:19).

Exodus 27:5

Introduction

The tangible, material tabernacle and the service in it are “the copies of the things in the heavens” (Hebrews 9:23). The tabernacle is not the true dwelling place of God, but represents it. God does not dwell in “a holy place made with hands, a [mere] copy of the true one” (Hebrews 9:24; 2 Chronicles 6:18).

In Scripture there are three real dwellings of God: 1. heaven (1 Kings 8:39a Psalms 115:3; 16), 2. the Lord Jesus (John 1:14a, where “dwelt” is literally “tabernacled”; Colossians 1:19; Colossians 2:9) and 3. the church (Ephesians 2:22; 1 Timothy 3:15; Hebrews 3:1-6).

The tabernacle is a tent in the wilderness. This can be applied to the church on earth, in which God the Holy Spirit dwells.

The tabernacle is: 1. a picture of the dwelling place of God among His people, 2. a picture of His glory as He revealed it completely in the Lord Jesus and 3. a description of the way of the sinner to God.

The description of the tabernacle is given to Moses by the LORD in one long speech in the Exodus 25-31. This speech – interspersed seven times with “the LORD said” or “the LORD spoke” – can be divided into four parts: 1. In Exodus 25-27 the furniture is described which in picture give the revelation of God in Christ to man. 2. In Exodus 28-29 we see the priesthood as the means by which man can approach God. 3. Exodus 30 contains the elements which show in picture how and with what man can approach God. 4. In Exodus 31 we hear who God designates to build the tabernacle.

Materials to Be Collected

For the construction of the tabernacle the LORD wants to use the means that His people make available for it. Those means must be offered to Him as a heave offering. It is not set as an obligation, but is asked “from every man whose heart moves him” (cf. 2 Corinthians 9:7).

If we bear in mind that the tabernacle is the revelation of God to man, we see that this revelation is linked to the mindset of the heart. Only those who ‘heave’ what they have beyond daily use and offer it to God as a “heave offering” share in God’s thoughts about His dwelling place.

In all of the materials something of God and the Lord Jesus becomes visible. In the seven kinds of materials needed, we see a number of features: 1. metals – speak of what characterizes God’s Being and nature; 2. fabrics – speak of the glory of the Lord Jesus as Man on earth; 3. skins – are derived from animals, and speak, like the fabrics, of the Lord Jesus as Man on earth, but more specifically in connection with His work on the cross; 4. wood – speaks of the perfect Manhood of the Lord Jesus; 5. oil – represents the Holy Spirit; 6. spices for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense – represent the inner, personal glories of the Lord Jesus; 7. precious stones – speak of the glories of God, as they are reflected in the individual believers.

All these materials must be used to make a “sanctuary” in which the LORD can dwell among His people. If it is our desire that the Lord Jesus can dwell with His people, the church, we will give Him our total life and everything we possess. The church is His house, but the picture of the construction of the tabernacle shows us how we can experience this in practice. Total surrender to Him is needed to work out the truth of being God’s house to God’s glory in practice in the gathering and living together of the church.

What the tabernacle should look like is not left to the imagination of Moses. The LORD shows him the model and he must make it like that. Thus Ezekiel sees in a vision the form and stature of the new temple which he is to present to Israel: “So that they may observe its whole design and all its statutes and do them” (Ezekiel 43:11; cf. 1 Chronicles 28:19).

Exodus 27:6

Introduction

The tangible, material tabernacle and the service in it are “the copies of the things in the heavens” (Hebrews 9:23). The tabernacle is not the true dwelling place of God, but represents it. God does not dwell in “a holy place made with hands, a [mere] copy of the true one” (Hebrews 9:24; 2 Chronicles 6:18).

In Scripture there are three real dwellings of God: 1. heaven (1 Kings 8:39a Psalms 115:3; 16), 2. the Lord Jesus (John 1:14a, where “dwelt” is literally “tabernacled”; Colossians 1:19; Colossians 2:9) and 3. the church (Ephesians 2:22; 1 Timothy 3:15; Hebrews 3:1-6).

The tabernacle is a tent in the wilderness. This can be applied to the church on earth, in which God the Holy Spirit dwells.

The tabernacle is: 1. a picture of the dwelling place of God among His people, 2. a picture of His glory as He revealed it completely in the Lord Jesus and 3. a description of the way of the sinner to God.

The description of the tabernacle is given to Moses by the LORD in one long speech in the Exodus 25-31. This speech – interspersed seven times with “the LORD said” or “the LORD spoke” – can be divided into four parts: 1. In Exodus 25-27 the furniture is described which in picture give the revelation of God in Christ to man. 2. In Exodus 28-29 we see the priesthood as the means by which man can approach God. 3. Exodus 30 contains the elements which show in picture how and with what man can approach God. 4. In Exodus 31 we hear who God designates to build the tabernacle.

Materials to Be Collected

For the construction of the tabernacle the LORD wants to use the means that His people make available for it. Those means must be offered to Him as a heave offering. It is not set as an obligation, but is asked “from every man whose heart moves him” (cf. 2 Corinthians 9:7).

If we bear in mind that the tabernacle is the revelation of God to man, we see that this revelation is linked to the mindset of the heart. Only those who ‘heave’ what they have beyond daily use and offer it to God as a “heave offering” share in God’s thoughts about His dwelling place.

In all of the materials something of God and the Lord Jesus becomes visible. In the seven kinds of materials needed, we see a number of features: 1. metals – speak of what characterizes God’s Being and nature; 2. fabrics – speak of the glory of the Lord Jesus as Man on earth; 3. skins – are derived from animals, and speak, like the fabrics, of the Lord Jesus as Man on earth, but more specifically in connection with His work on the cross; 4. wood – speaks of the perfect Manhood of the Lord Jesus; 5. oil – represents the Holy Spirit; 6. spices for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense – represent the inner, personal glories of the Lord Jesus; 7. precious stones – speak of the glories of God, as they are reflected in the individual believers.

All these materials must be used to make a “sanctuary” in which the LORD can dwell among His people. If it is our desire that the Lord Jesus can dwell with His people, the church, we will give Him our total life and everything we possess. The church is His house, but the picture of the construction of the tabernacle shows us how we can experience this in practice. Total surrender to Him is needed to work out the truth of being God’s house to God’s glory in practice in the gathering and living together of the church.

What the tabernacle should look like is not left to the imagination of Moses. The LORD shows him the model and he must make it like that. Thus Ezekiel sees in a vision the form and stature of the new temple which he is to present to Israel: “So that they may observe its whole design and all its statutes and do them” (Ezekiel 43:11; cf. 1 Chronicles 28:19).

Exodus 27:7

Introduction

The tangible, material tabernacle and the service in it are “the copies of the things in the heavens” (Hebrews 9:23). The tabernacle is not the true dwelling place of God, but represents it. God does not dwell in “a holy place made with hands, a [mere] copy of the true one” (Hebrews 9:24; 2 Chronicles 6:18).

In Scripture there are three real dwellings of God: 1. heaven (1 Kings 8:39a Psalms 115:3; 16), 2. the Lord Jesus (John 1:14a, where “dwelt” is literally “tabernacled”; Colossians 1:19; Colossians 2:9) and 3. the church (Ephesians 2:22; 1 Timothy 3:15; Hebrews 3:1-6).

The tabernacle is a tent in the wilderness. This can be applied to the church on earth, in which God the Holy Spirit dwells.

The tabernacle is: 1. a picture of the dwelling place of God among His people, 2. a picture of His glory as He revealed it completely in the Lord Jesus and 3. a description of the way of the sinner to God.

The description of the tabernacle is given to Moses by the LORD in one long speech in the Exodus 25-31. This speech – interspersed seven times with “the LORD said” or “the LORD spoke” – can be divided into four parts: 1. In Exodus 25-27 the furniture is described which in picture give the revelation of God in Christ to man. 2. In Exodus 28-29 we see the priesthood as the means by which man can approach God. 3. Exodus 30 contains the elements which show in picture how and with what man can approach God. 4. In Exodus 31 we hear who God designates to build the tabernacle.

Materials to Be Collected

For the construction of the tabernacle the LORD wants to use the means that His people make available for it. Those means must be offered to Him as a heave offering. It is not set as an obligation, but is asked “from every man whose heart moves him” (cf. 2 Corinthians 9:7).

If we bear in mind that the tabernacle is the revelation of God to man, we see that this revelation is linked to the mindset of the heart. Only those who ‘heave’ what they have beyond daily use and offer it to God as a “heave offering” share in God’s thoughts about His dwelling place.

In all of the materials something of God and the Lord Jesus becomes visible. In the seven kinds of materials needed, we see a number of features: 1. metals – speak of what characterizes God’s Being and nature; 2. fabrics – speak of the glory of the Lord Jesus as Man on earth; 3. skins – are derived from animals, and speak, like the fabrics, of the Lord Jesus as Man on earth, but more specifically in connection with His work on the cross; 4. wood – speaks of the perfect Manhood of the Lord Jesus; 5. oil – represents the Holy Spirit; 6. spices for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense – represent the inner, personal glories of the Lord Jesus; 7. precious stones – speak of the glories of God, as they are reflected in the individual believers.

All these materials must be used to make a “sanctuary” in which the LORD can dwell among His people. If it is our desire that the Lord Jesus can dwell with His people, the church, we will give Him our total life and everything we possess. The church is His house, but the picture of the construction of the tabernacle shows us how we can experience this in practice. Total surrender to Him is needed to work out the truth of being God’s house to God’s glory in practice in the gathering and living together of the church.

What the tabernacle should look like is not left to the imagination of Moses. The LORD shows him the model and he must make it like that. Thus Ezekiel sees in a vision the form and stature of the new temple which he is to present to Israel: “So that they may observe its whole design and all its statutes and do them” (Ezekiel 43:11; cf. 1 Chronicles 28:19).

Exodus 27:8

Introduction

The tangible, material tabernacle and the service in it are “the copies of the things in the heavens” (Hebrews 9:23). The tabernacle is not the true dwelling place of God, but represents it. God does not dwell in “a holy place made with hands, a [mere] copy of the true one” (Hebrews 9:24; 2 Chronicles 6:18).

In Scripture there are three real dwellings of God: 1. heaven (1 Kings 8:39a Psalms 115:3; 16), 2. the Lord Jesus (John 1:14a, where “dwelt” is literally “tabernacled”; Colossians 1:19; Colossians 2:9) and 3. the church (Ephesians 2:22; 1 Timothy 3:15; Hebrews 3:1-6).

The tabernacle is a tent in the wilderness. This can be applied to the church on earth, in which God the Holy Spirit dwells.

The tabernacle is: 1. a picture of the dwelling place of God among His people, 2. a picture of His glory as He revealed it completely in the Lord Jesus and 3. a description of the way of the sinner to God.

The description of the tabernacle is given to Moses by the LORD in one long speech in the Exodus 25-31. This speech – interspersed seven times with “the LORD said” or “the LORD spoke” – can be divided into four parts: 1. In Exodus 25-27 the furniture is described which in picture give the revelation of God in Christ to man. 2. In Exodus 28-29 we see the priesthood as the means by which man can approach God. 3. Exodus 30 contains the elements which show in picture how and with what man can approach God. 4. In Exodus 31 we hear who God designates to build the tabernacle.

Materials to Be Collected

For the construction of the tabernacle the LORD wants to use the means that His people make available for it. Those means must be offered to Him as a heave offering. It is not set as an obligation, but is asked “from every man whose heart moves him” (cf. 2 Corinthians 9:7).

If we bear in mind that the tabernacle is the revelation of God to man, we see that this revelation is linked to the mindset of the heart. Only those who ‘heave’ what they have beyond daily use and offer it to God as a “heave offering” share in God’s thoughts about His dwelling place.

In all of the materials something of God and the Lord Jesus becomes visible. In the seven kinds of materials needed, we see a number of features: 1. metals – speak of what characterizes God’s Being and nature; 2. fabrics – speak of the glory of the Lord Jesus as Man on earth; 3. skins – are derived from animals, and speak, like the fabrics, of the Lord Jesus as Man on earth, but more specifically in connection with His work on the cross; 4. wood – speaks of the perfect Manhood of the Lord Jesus; 5. oil – represents the Holy Spirit; 6. spices for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense – represent the inner, personal glories of the Lord Jesus; 7. precious stones – speak of the glories of God, as they are reflected in the individual believers.

All these materials must be used to make a “sanctuary” in which the LORD can dwell among His people. If it is our desire that the Lord Jesus can dwell with His people, the church, we will give Him our total life and everything we possess. The church is His house, but the picture of the construction of the tabernacle shows us how we can experience this in practice. Total surrender to Him is needed to work out the truth of being God’s house to God’s glory in practice in the gathering and living together of the church.

What the tabernacle should look like is not left to the imagination of Moses. The LORD shows him the model and he must make it like that. Thus Ezekiel sees in a vision the form and stature of the new temple which he is to present to Israel: “So that they may observe its whole design and all its statutes and do them” (Ezekiel 43:11; cf. 1 Chronicles 28:19).

Exodus 27:9

Introduction

The tangible, material tabernacle and the service in it are “the copies of the things in the heavens” (Hebrews 9:23). The tabernacle is not the true dwelling place of God, but represents it. God does not dwell in “a holy place made with hands, a [mere] copy of the true one” (Hebrews 9:24; 2 Chronicles 6:18).

In Scripture there are three real dwellings of God: 1. heaven (1 Kings 8:39a Psalms 115:3; 16), 2. the Lord Jesus (John 1:14a, where “dwelt” is literally “tabernacled”; Colossians 1:19; Colossians 2:9) and 3. the church (Ephesians 2:22; 1 Timothy 3:15; Hebrews 3:1-6).

The tabernacle is a tent in the wilderness. This can be applied to the church on earth, in which God the Holy Spirit dwells.

The tabernacle is: 1. a picture of the dwelling place of God among His people, 2. a picture of His glory as He revealed it completely in the Lord Jesus and 3. a description of the way of the sinner to God.

The description of the tabernacle is given to Moses by the LORD in one long speech in the Exodus 25-31. This speech – interspersed seven times with “the LORD said” or “the LORD spoke” – can be divided into four parts: 1. In Exodus 25-27 the furniture is described which in picture give the revelation of God in Christ to man. 2. In Exodus 28-29 we see the priesthood as the means by which man can approach God. 3. Exodus 30 contains the elements which show in picture how and with what man can approach God. 4. In Exodus 31 we hear who God designates to build the tabernacle.

Materials to Be Collected

For the construction of the tabernacle the LORD wants to use the means that His people make available for it. Those means must be offered to Him as a heave offering. It is not set as an obligation, but is asked “from every man whose heart moves him” (cf. 2 Corinthians 9:7).

If we bear in mind that the tabernacle is the revelation of God to man, we see that this revelation is linked to the mindset of the heart. Only those who ‘heave’ what they have beyond daily use and offer it to God as a “heave offering” share in God’s thoughts about His dwelling place.

In all of the materials something of God and the Lord Jesus becomes visible. In the seven kinds of materials needed, we see a number of features: 1. metals – speak of what characterizes God’s Being and nature; 2. fabrics – speak of the glory of the Lord Jesus as Man on earth; 3. skins – are derived from animals, and speak, like the fabrics, of the Lord Jesus as Man on earth, but more specifically in connection with His work on the cross; 4. wood – speaks of the perfect Manhood of the Lord Jesus; 5. oil – represents the Holy Spirit; 6. spices for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense – represent the inner, personal glories of the Lord Jesus; 7. precious stones – speak of the glories of God, as they are reflected in the individual believers.

All these materials must be used to make a “sanctuary” in which the LORD can dwell among His people. If it is our desire that the Lord Jesus can dwell with His people, the church, we will give Him our total life and everything we possess. The church is His house, but the picture of the construction of the tabernacle shows us how we can experience this in practice. Total surrender to Him is needed to work out the truth of being God’s house to God’s glory in practice in the gathering and living together of the church.

What the tabernacle should look like is not left to the imagination of Moses. The LORD shows him the model and he must make it like that. Thus Ezekiel sees in a vision the form and stature of the new temple which he is to present to Israel: “So that they may observe its whole design and all its statutes and do them” (Ezekiel 43:11; cf. 1 Chronicles 28:19).

Exodus 27:10

Introduction

The tangible, material tabernacle and the service in it are “the copies of the things in the heavens” (Hebrews 9:23). The tabernacle is not the true dwelling place of God, but represents it. God does not dwell in “a holy place made with hands, a [mere] copy of the true one” (Hebrews 9:24; 2 Chronicles 6:18).

In Scripture there are three real dwellings of God: 1. heaven (1 Kings 8:39a Psalms 115:3; 16), 2. the Lord Jesus (John 1:14a, where “dwelt” is literally “tabernacled”; Colossians 1:19; Colossians 2:9) and 3. the church (Ephesians 2:22; 1 Timothy 3:15; Hebrews 3:1-6).

The tabernacle is a tent in the wilderness. This can be applied to the church on earth, in which God the Holy Spirit dwells.

The tabernacle is: 1. a picture of the dwelling place of God among His people, 2. a picture of His glory as He revealed it completely in the Lord Jesus and 3. a description of the way of the sinner to God.

The description of the tabernacle is given to Moses by the LORD in one long speech in the Exodus 25-31. This speech – interspersed seven times with “the LORD said” or “the LORD spoke” – can be divided into four parts: 1. In Exodus 25-27 the furniture is described which in picture give the revelation of God in Christ to man. 2. In Exodus 28-29 we see the priesthood as the means by which man can approach God. 3. Exodus 30 contains the elements which show in picture how and with what man can approach God. 4. In Exodus 31 we hear who God designates to build the tabernacle.

Materials to Be Collected

For the construction of the tabernacle the LORD wants to use the means that His people make available for it. Those means must be offered to Him as a heave offering. It is not set as an obligation, but is asked “from every man whose heart moves him” (cf. 2 Corinthians 9:7).

If we bear in mind that the tabernacle is the revelation of God to man, we see that this revelation is linked to the mindset of the heart. Only those who ‘heave’ what they have beyond daily use and offer it to God as a “heave offering” share in God’s thoughts about His dwelling place.

In all of the materials something of God and the Lord Jesus becomes visible. In the seven kinds of materials needed, we see a number of features: 1. metals – speak of what characterizes God’s Being and nature; 2. fabrics – speak of the glory of the Lord Jesus as Man on earth; 3. skins – are derived from animals, and speak, like the fabrics, of the Lord Jesus as Man on earth, but more specifically in connection with His work on the cross; 4. wood – speaks of the perfect Manhood of the Lord Jesus; 5. oil – represents the Holy Spirit; 6. spices for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense – represent the inner, personal glories of the Lord Jesus; 7. precious stones – speak of the glories of God, as they are reflected in the individual believers.

All these materials must be used to make a “sanctuary” in which the LORD can dwell among His people. If it is our desire that the Lord Jesus can dwell with His people, the church, we will give Him our total life and everything we possess. The church is His house, but the picture of the construction of the tabernacle shows us how we can experience this in practice. Total surrender to Him is needed to work out the truth of being God’s house to God’s glory in practice in the gathering and living together of the church.

What the tabernacle should look like is not left to the imagination of Moses. The LORD shows him the model and he must make it like that. Thus Ezekiel sees in a vision the form and stature of the new temple which he is to present to Israel: “So that they may observe its whole design and all its statutes and do them” (Ezekiel 43:11; cf. 1 Chronicles 28:19).

Exodus 27:11

Introduction

The tangible, material tabernacle and the service in it are “the copies of the things in the heavens” (Hebrews 9:23). The tabernacle is not the true dwelling place of God, but represents it. God does not dwell in “a holy place made with hands, a [mere] copy of the true one” (Hebrews 9:24; 2 Chronicles 6:18).

In Scripture there are three real dwellings of God: 1. heaven (1 Kings 8:39a Psalms 115:3; 16), 2. the Lord Jesus (John 1:14a, where “dwelt” is literally “tabernacled”; Colossians 1:19; Colossians 2:9) and 3. the church (Ephesians 2:22; 1 Timothy 3:15; Hebrews 3:1-6).

The tabernacle is a tent in the wilderness. This can be applied to the church on earth, in which God the Holy Spirit dwells.

The tabernacle is: 1. a picture of the dwelling place of God among His people, 2. a picture of His glory as He revealed it completely in the Lord Jesus and 3. a description of the way of the sinner to God.

The description of the tabernacle is given to Moses by the LORD in one long speech in the Exodus 25-31. This speech – interspersed seven times with “the LORD said” or “the LORD spoke” – can be divided into four parts: 1. In Exodus 25-27 the furniture is described which in picture give the revelation of God in Christ to man. 2. In Exodus 28-29 we see the priesthood as the means by which man can approach God. 3. Exodus 30 contains the elements which show in picture how and with what man can approach God. 4. In Exodus 31 we hear who God designates to build the tabernacle.

Materials to Be Collected

For the construction of the tabernacle the LORD wants to use the means that His people make available for it. Those means must be offered to Him as a heave offering. It is not set as an obligation, but is asked “from every man whose heart moves him” (cf. 2 Corinthians 9:7).

If we bear in mind that the tabernacle is the revelation of God to man, we see that this revelation is linked to the mindset of the heart. Only those who ‘heave’ what they have beyond daily use and offer it to God as a “heave offering” share in God’s thoughts about His dwelling place.

In all of the materials something of God and the Lord Jesus becomes visible. In the seven kinds of materials needed, we see a number of features: 1. metals – speak of what characterizes God’s Being and nature; 2. fabrics – speak of the glory of the Lord Jesus as Man on earth; 3. skins – are derived from animals, and speak, like the fabrics, of the Lord Jesus as Man on earth, but more specifically in connection with His work on the cross; 4. wood – speaks of the perfect Manhood of the Lord Jesus; 5. oil – represents the Holy Spirit; 6. spices for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense – represent the inner, personal glories of the Lord Jesus; 7. precious stones – speak of the glories of God, as they are reflected in the individual believers.

All these materials must be used to make a “sanctuary” in which the LORD can dwell among His people. If it is our desire that the Lord Jesus can dwell with His people, the church, we will give Him our total life and everything we possess. The church is His house, but the picture of the construction of the tabernacle shows us how we can experience this in practice. Total surrender to Him is needed to work out the truth of being God’s house to God’s glory in practice in the gathering and living together of the church.

What the tabernacle should look like is not left to the imagination of Moses. The LORD shows him the model and he must make it like that. Thus Ezekiel sees in a vision the form and stature of the new temple which he is to present to Israel: “So that they may observe its whole design and all its statutes and do them” (Ezekiel 43:11; cf. 1 Chronicles 28:19).

Exodus 27:12

The Ark

God begins with a description of the center of the tabernacle: the ark. It is most hidden from man, but most precious to God. There He dwells. The ark with the mercy seat on it represent: 1. the truth concerning the Person of the Lord Jesus: He is God (pure gold) and Man (wood) in one Person; 2. the truth of the work of the Lord Jesus, of which the mercy seat speaks (Exodus 25:17).

The testimony, the law, must be placed in the ark. This represents the Lord Jesus saying: “Your Law is within my heart” (Psalms 40:8). His desire is to do God’s will. In everything His obedience to God is expressed.

The ark must be carried by the Levites. The care for the ark is entrusted to people who have been appointed by God. In our time it means all believers. A special class doesn’t exist in the New Testament church.

Exodus 27:13

The Ark

God begins with a description of the center of the tabernacle: the ark. It is most hidden from man, but most precious to God. There He dwells. The ark with the mercy seat on it represent: 1. the truth concerning the Person of the Lord Jesus: He is God (pure gold) and Man (wood) in one Person; 2. the truth of the work of the Lord Jesus, of which the mercy seat speaks (Exodus 25:17).

The testimony, the law, must be placed in the ark. This represents the Lord Jesus saying: “Your Law is within my heart” (Psalms 40:8). His desire is to do God’s will. In everything His obedience to God is expressed.

The ark must be carried by the Levites. The care for the ark is entrusted to people who have been appointed by God. In our time it means all believers. A special class doesn’t exist in the New Testament church.

Exodus 27:14

The Ark

God begins with a description of the center of the tabernacle: the ark. It is most hidden from man, but most precious to God. There He dwells. The ark with the mercy seat on it represent: 1. the truth concerning the Person of the Lord Jesus: He is God (pure gold) and Man (wood) in one Person; 2. the truth of the work of the Lord Jesus, of which the mercy seat speaks (Exodus 25:17).

The testimony, the law, must be placed in the ark. This represents the Lord Jesus saying: “Your Law is within my heart” (Psalms 40:8). His desire is to do God’s will. In everything His obedience to God is expressed.

The ark must be carried by the Levites. The care for the ark is entrusted to people who have been appointed by God. In our time it means all believers. A special class doesn’t exist in the New Testament church.

Exodus 27:15

The Ark

God begins with a description of the center of the tabernacle: the ark. It is most hidden from man, but most precious to God. There He dwells. The ark with the mercy seat on it represent: 1. the truth concerning the Person of the Lord Jesus: He is God (pure gold) and Man (wood) in one Person; 2. the truth of the work of the Lord Jesus, of which the mercy seat speaks (Exodus 25:17).

The testimony, the law, must be placed in the ark. This represents the Lord Jesus saying: “Your Law is within my heart” (Psalms 40:8). His desire is to do God’s will. In everything His obedience to God is expressed.

The ark must be carried by the Levites. The care for the ark is entrusted to people who have been appointed by God. In our time it means all believers. A special class doesn’t exist in the New Testament church.

Exodus 27:16

The Ark

God begins with a description of the center of the tabernacle: the ark. It is most hidden from man, but most precious to God. There He dwells. The ark with the mercy seat on it represent: 1. the truth concerning the Person of the Lord Jesus: He is God (pure gold) and Man (wood) in one Person; 2. the truth of the work of the Lord Jesus, of which the mercy seat speaks (Exodus 25:17).

The testimony, the law, must be placed in the ark. This represents the Lord Jesus saying: “Your Law is within my heart” (Psalms 40:8). His desire is to do God’s will. In everything His obedience to God is expressed.

The ark must be carried by the Levites. The care for the ark is entrusted to people who have been appointed by God. In our time it means all believers. A special class doesn’t exist in the New Testament church.

Exodus 27:17

The Ark

God begins with a description of the center of the tabernacle: the ark. It is most hidden from man, but most precious to God. There He dwells. The ark with the mercy seat on it represent: 1. the truth concerning the Person of the Lord Jesus: He is God (pure gold) and Man (wood) in one Person; 2. the truth of the work of the Lord Jesus, of which the mercy seat speaks (Exodus 25:17).

The testimony, the law, must be placed in the ark. This represents the Lord Jesus saying: “Your Law is within my heart” (Psalms 40:8). His desire is to do God’s will. In everything His obedience to God is expressed.

The ark must be carried by the Levites. The care for the ark is entrusted to people who have been appointed by God. In our time it means all believers. A special class doesn’t exist in the New Testament church.

Exodus 27:18

The Ark

God begins with a description of the center of the tabernacle: the ark. It is most hidden from man, but most precious to God. There He dwells. The ark with the mercy seat on it represent: 1. the truth concerning the Person of the Lord Jesus: He is God (pure gold) and Man (wood) in one Person; 2. the truth of the work of the Lord Jesus, of which the mercy seat speaks (Exodus 25:17).

The testimony, the law, must be placed in the ark. This represents the Lord Jesus saying: “Your Law is within my heart” (Psalms 40:8). His desire is to do God’s will. In everything His obedience to God is expressed.

The ark must be carried by the Levites. The care for the ark is entrusted to people who have been appointed by God. In our time it means all believers. A special class doesn’t exist in the New Testament church.

Exodus 27:19

The Mercy Seat

The mercy seat covers the ark in which the law is. The law condemns man. On the mercy seat are two cherubs who form a whole with the mercy seat. Cherubs watch over the holiness of God and are the executioners of His judgment (Genesis 3:24). Therefore blood is sprinkled on the mercy seat. The blood says, as it were, that God’s holy and just demands have been met. Judgment has been exercised, but it has been exercised over an innocent sacrifice, so that the guilty may receive forgiveness and go unpunished.

Exodus 27:20

The Mercy Seat

The mercy seat covers the ark in which the law is. The law condemns man. On the mercy seat are two cherubs who form a whole with the mercy seat. Cherubs watch over the holiness of God and are the executioners of His judgment (Genesis 3:24). Therefore blood is sprinkled on the mercy seat. The blood says, as it were, that God’s holy and just demands have been met. Judgment has been exercised, but it has been exercised over an innocent sacrifice, so that the guilty may receive forgiveness and go unpunished.

Exodus 27:21

The Mercy Seat

The mercy seat covers the ark in which the law is. The law condemns man. On the mercy seat are two cherubs who form a whole with the mercy seat. Cherubs watch over the holiness of God and are the executioners of His judgment (Genesis 3:24). Therefore blood is sprinkled on the mercy seat. The blood says, as it were, that God’s holy and just demands have been met. Judgment has been exercised, but it has been exercised over an innocent sacrifice, so that the guilty may receive forgiveness and go unpunished.