Obedience, Commitment, and Excellence
Exodus 36-38 details the construction of the Tabernacle and its sacred furnishings. (see diagram below)
In Exodus 36, Bezalel, Oholiab, and every skilled worker continue the work of building the Tabernacle as the Lord commanded (v. 1). The people bring so many offerings for the construction that the craftsmen inform Moses they have more than enough materials (v. 2-5). Moses then commands the people to stop bringing offerings because the supply exceeds the need (v. 6-7). This overwhelming generosity reflects the people’s transformed hearts and willingness to contribute to God’s dwelling place.
The skilled workers make the Tabernacle’s inner curtains from finely twisted linen with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, decorated with cherubim (v. 8). They create eleven goat-hair curtains for the outer tent covering (v. 14). Additional layers of ram skins dyed red and another durable covering provide further protection (v. 19). The craftsmen construct the Tabernacle’s frames from acacia wood overlaid with gold, standing upright in silver bases (v. 20-30). They make crossbars to hold the structure together, securing the framework (v. 31-34).
Next, the workers make the inner veil separating the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, embroidered with cherubim (v. 35). They hang it on four gold-covered pillars set in silver bases (v. 36). They also craft a beautifully woven curtain for the entrance of the Tabernacle, supported by five acacia wood posts overlaid with gold (v. 37-38).
Exodus 36 illustrates the importance of obedience, generosity, and Spirit-filled craftsmanship in serving God. The Israelites’ overwhelming willingness to give reminds us that true worship involves joyful sacrifice. The beauty and detail of the Tabernacle reflect God’s desire for excellence in what is dedicated to Him. The veil serves as a powerful symbol of the separation between God and humanity, later removed through Jesus’ sacrifice.
The overall challenge to readers from Exodus 36 is to examine their own obedience, commitment, and willingness to contribute their talents and resources for God’s purposes. These chapters invite us to reflect on how we serve God, not just through spiritual practices but also through the work of our hands and the use of our skills. Are we offering our time, spiritual gifts, and resources generously for God’s work? Are we giving of ourselves wholeheartedly and with excellence, as the Israelites did? Let us serve Him with a heart of worship, knowing that He dwells among His people and that every contribution—no matter how big or small—is significant in fulfilling His greater plan.
Exodus 37 continues the detailed construction of the Tabernacle, following the specific instructions given by God. This chapter focuses on the creation of the sacred furniture and items that will be placed within the Tabernacle, all made according to God’s command.
Bezalel constructs the Ark of the Covenant using acacia wood and overlaid with pure gold, both inside and out (v. 1-2). The Ark is fitted with rings and poles for easy transportation (v. 3-5). The lid, called the Atonement Cover (NIV) or Mercy Seat (ESV), is made, and is also covered with gold (v. 6). Two cherubim of gold are placed at each end, facing each other, with their wings spread over the lid (v. 7-9). The Ark represents God’s throne and presence among His people, and the place where God will meet with Moses (Ex. 25:22).
Bezalel constructs the table from acacia wood and overlays it with pure gold (v. 10-11). The table is fitted with rings and poles for easy transportation (v. 12-15). The table is designed to hold twelve loaves of bread, representing the twelve tribes of Israel, and is placed in the Holy Place (v. 16). The lampstand is made from pure gold, crafted with intricate design, featuring a central shaft and six branches (v. 17-18). The lampstand holds seven lamps, which represent the light of God’s presence (v. 19-20). The lampstand is to be placed in the Holy Place, where it will give light to the room (v. 24). Bezalel constructs the altar of incense from acacia wood, overlaid with pure gold, with rings and poles for carrying it (v. 25-28). The altar is to be placed in front of the veil separating the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place.
The detailed instructions of the Tabernacle furniture in Exodus 37 highlight the sacredness and holiness of the Tabernacle and its furnishings. Each item—the Ark, table, lampstand, and altar—serves to reveal different aspects of God’s character and relationship with His people. The Ark represents God’s throne and presence, the table symbolizes His provision, the lampstand represents His guidance, and the altar of incense symbolizes the prayers of His people ascending to Him.
The meticulous construction of these items shows that God is a God of order, beauty, and holiness. Every detail matters in His design. This speaks to the importance of worshiping God with reverence, honor, and excellence in all that we do. The furnishings of the Tabernacle remind us that our worship should be intentional and that God desires to dwell among His people in a way that is both sacred and personal.
As we reflect on God’s holiness, let us ask ourselves how we can offer our lives to God in the same spirit of excellence and reverence. Just as the Tabernacle was designed to be a holy place for God’s presence, we, too, are called to be temples of the Holy Spirit. Let us offer our lives as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God.
Exodus 38 continues the detailed account of the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings. This chapter focuses on the construction of the altar, the courtyard, and the various materials used in the Tabernacle’s construction.
Bezalel constructs the Altar of Burnt Offering (brazen altar) using acacia wood and overlaid it with bronze (v. 1-2). The altar is to be square, measuring five cubits in length, width, and height, with horns on each corner (v. 2). It is placed in the courtyard of the Tabernacle (v. 4). The altar is equipped with a bronze grate to hold the offerings and has poles for carrying (v. 5-7). The Altar of Burnt Offering is central to Israel’s sacrificial system, where burnt offerings are made for atonement and devotion to God.
Bezalel also constructs a bronze basin for washing, made from mirrors donated by the women who served at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting (v. 8). This basin is placed between the altar and the Tabernacle, and it is used by the priests to wash their hands and feet before performing their duties. The basin symbolizes purity and the need for cleansing before approaching God in worship. Finally, a detailed inventory of the materials used in the construction of the Tabernacle is given. The gold, silver, and bronze used for the construction are accounted for, along with the contributions from the Israelites (v. 21-31).
Exodus 38 underscores the essential role of sacrifice, cleansing, and worship in Israel’s relationship with God. The construction of the Altar of Burnt Offering and the basin for washing represents the need for both atonement and purification before God. These elements point forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who is both the perfect sacrifice and the one who cleanses us from sin.
In Exodus 36-38, the meticulous craftsmanship and dedication of the Israelites in building the Tabernacle reflect their commitment to God’s commands and their desire to honor Him through their work. The detailed descriptions of the materials used, the construction of the furnishings, and the final assembly of the Tabernacle demonstrate that God values both the heart of the giver and the quality of the work. The Israelites’ response to God’s commands serves as an example of faithfulness and devotion, showing that worship involves not only the heart but also practical action in service to God’s purposes.
Challenge: Examine your own obedience, commitment, and willingness to contribute your talents and resources for God’s purposes. Are you giving of yourself wholeheartedly and with excellence, just as the Israelites did? No matter how big or small, in building God’s kingdom, each part of the process is significant in fulfilling His greater plan. That includes you.
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