The Tabernacle: God’s Dwelling Among His People
Exodus 25-27 contains God’s detailed instructions for building the Tabernacle (see image below), the sacred place where His presence would dwell among Israel. After delivering His people from Egypt and giving them His covenant at Mount Sinai, God now provides a tangible way for them to worship Him. These chapters describe the Ark of the Covenant, the table for the bread of the Presence (ESV) (the Showbread (KJV)), the Golden Lampstand, and the Tabernacle structure, each filled with profound theological meaning.
Exodus 25 begins with God instructing Moses to collect an offering from the people to gather materials for the construction of the Tabernacle, including gold, silver, bronze, fine linen, and acacia wood, among other items (v. 1-7). God emphasizes that the people must give willingly. Moses, He says, is to receive offerings from only those “whose heart prompts them to give” (v. 2). The purpose of this offering is to build a sanctuary where God will dwell among His people (v. 8). God commands that the Tabernacle be built precisely according to His pattern (v. 9), showing that worship must be done on God’s terms, not man’s. God’s presence is central to worship, and the Tabernacle was to be a physical symbol of His nearness.
The Ark of the Covenant, the most sacred object in the Tabernacle, was to be made of acacia wood overlaid with pure gold (v. 10-11). It was to include four gold rings fastened to its four feet, with two rings on one side and two rings on the other. In addition, poles of acacia wood overlayed with gold were to be inserted into the rings on the sides of the Ark to carry it (v. 12-14). Inside the Ark was where the Tablets of the Law were eventually to be placed (v. 16). Moses was then instructed to build a cover and place it on top of the Ark of the Covenant. The cover was called the Atonement Cover (NIV) or the Mercy Seat (ESV/KJV). It was to be made of pure gold and was to include two cherubim with outstretched wings facing each other, overshadowing the cover (v. 17-20). Above the cover, between the two cherubim, is the place where God would meet with Moses and speak to Israel (v. 22).
Each of these elements carries deep theological significance. The Ark of the Covenant represents God’s presence and covenant with His people. The law inside of it reminds us of God’s righteousness and His divine standard for holiness. The law reveals God’s moral character—He is just and pure and calls His people to reflect His holiness. The Mercy Seat reveals God’s mercy and shows that atonement is necessary for sinners to approach Him.
Furthermore, it foreshadows Jesus Christ, our ultimate atonement. Finally, the cherubim recall God’s holiness, the need for atonement, and the separation between God and sinful humanity. The first mention of cherubim is in Genesis 3:24, where they guard the entrance to the Garden of Eden after Adam and Eve’s expulsion. Their presence with a flaming sword signifies separation from God’s presence due to sin, emphasizing that fallen humanity cannot approach a holy God without divine intervention.
Next were the instructions for making a table. This table was to be made with acacia wood and overlaid with pure gold. Wooden poles, also overlaid with gold, would be inserted through the rings of the table to aid in transporting it when it was to be moved (v. 23-28). The table, called the “Table of the Bread of the Presence” (ESV) or “Table of Showbread” (KJV), was to stand on the north side of the Tabernacle outside the Veil (Ex. 40:22). On the table there was to be plates and dishes of pure gold, as well as pitchers and bowls for the pouring out of offerings (v. 29).
There was to be a specific plate on which the bread of the Presence was placed. The bread of the Presence would consist of 12 flat loaves of bread, symbolizing the 12 tribes of Israel. The 12 loaves were to be placed in two piles of 6 each and were replaced on each Sabbath (Lev. 24:5-9). The bread was to be called the bread of the Presence (KJV, “showbread”) because it would be placed in God’s presence and was to remain before God at all times (v. 30). This bread could only be eaten by the priests (Lev. 24:8, 9), and would serve as a reminder to Israel of its constant dependence on God’s life-giving presence and provision. God sustains His people physically and spiritually. Jesus later declared, “I am the Bread of Life” (John 6:35), showing that our true sustenance comes from Him. As the Israelites depended on the daily presence of God, we, too, must depend on Christ daily for spiritual nourishment.
The Golden Lampstand (Menorah) would serve as the only source of light in the Holy Place. The Lampstand was to be made of pure gold, hammered out of one solid piece. Resting on a base, the central stem would have six branches, three on either side, together carrying seven lamps. The Lampstand, with its branches, modeled a flowering almond tree (v. 31-40). It was to burn continually and was to be serviced by the priests in the morning and at sunset (27:20-21; Lev. 24:3-4).
As with the other elements in the Tabernacle, the golden Lampstand has much theological significance. The light symbolizes God’s presence and truth, and the seven branches symbolize completeness and divine perfection. As the Lampstand provided light for the priestly functions before God, so Christ today is the Light of the world (John 8:12). Furthermore, we are called to reflect Christ’s light in a dark world (Matthew 5:14-16).
Exodus 26 continues God’s instructions for constructing the Tabernacle, focusing on the structure itself—its curtains, coverings, frames, and Veil. The Holy Place would house the Lampstand, the bread of the Presence (Showbread), and the Altar of Incense, while the Most Holy Place would contain the Ark of the Covenant. A veil was to separate these two areas (v. 31-35), restricting access to God’s presence except for the High Priest.
The inner curtains would form the walls and ceiling of the Tabernacle. They were to include ten curtains of fine woven linen and blue, purple, and scarlet thread. They were to also include artistic designs of cherubim, indicating God’s holiness and recalling the angels guarding Eden (v. 1). These ten curtains should each measure 28 cubits long (42 feet) and four cubits wide (6 feet), are joined together in two sets of five (v. 2-3). Fifty gold clasps were to connect them, creating a unified dwelling (v. 4-6). In addition, there were also to be curtains of goats’ hair (v. 7), a covering of tanned rams’ skins, and a covering of goatskins (v. 14) to cover the Tabernacle. The walls of the Tabernacle would not be solid but rather consisted of wooden upright frames forming a trellised construction over which the curtains were draped (v. 15-29).
The Veil would separate the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place (Holy of Holies). Like the inner curtains, it was decorated with cherubim, emphasizing God’s holiness. The Veil is to be suspended by gold hooks on four pillars overlaid with gold and set in silver bases (v. 32-33). Inside the Most Holy Place, the Ark of the Covenant was to be placed (v. 34). Outside the Veil, in the Holy Place, the table of the bread of Presence and Lampstand were arranged (v. 35). The Veil would symbolize the separation between God and sinful humanity. Only the High Priest could enter the Most Holy Place once a year. When Jesus died, the Veil was torn in two (Matthew 27:51), showing that we now have direct access to God through Him.
Exodus 27 continues God’s instructions for the Tabernacle, focusing on three key elements: the Bronze Altar (v. 1-8), the Courtyard (v. 9-19), and the Oil for the Lampstand (v. 20-21).
The Bronze Altar, also called the Altar of Burnt Offering, is the largest piece of Tabernacle furniture. It would stand in the courtyard and was to be used for burnt offerings, symbolizing atonement and repentance. The constant sacrifices pointed to the need for a perfect sacrifice—fulfilled in Jesus. Sin requires atonement. Jesus is our perfect and final sacrifice, rendering continual animal sacrifices no longer necessary.
The Tabernacle Courtyard (v. 9-17) will surround the Holy Place and Holy of Holies, separating sacred space from common ground. It would be enclosed by linen curtains, thus preventing outsiders from casually entering. Bronze pillars and bases (v. 10-11) were to support the linen fence, symbolizing God’s strength and holiness. There was to be a single entrance on the east side with a curtain of blue, purple, and scarlet, similar to the Tabernacle entrance (v. 16). Finally, God commands that pure olive oil be brought to keep the Lampstand (Menorah) burning continually (v. 20). The priests (Aaron and his sons) will be responsible for maintaining it from evening to morning (v. 21), as God’s presence is meant to be experienced continually.
In conclusion, Exodus 25-27 is far more than an ancient blueprint—it reveals God’s heart to dwell with His people. Every part of the Tabernacle foreshadows Jesus Christ, who fulfilled its purpose by becoming the ultimate dwelling of God among us. Because of Jesus, we no longer need a physical tabernacle. Instead, we are the temple of the Holy Spirit. Just as God designed the Tabernacle with precision and care, He is also shaping us into holy vessels for His presence. Similarly, just as the Israelites were called to maintain the holiness of the Tabernacle, we, too, must be intentional about making space for God in our lives. God has provided a way for us to dwell in His presence—through prayer, worship, and obedience. The question is: Are we making room for Him?
Reflection:
How can you intentionally create space for God’s presence in your daily life?
Are there areas in your life that need to be surrendered so you can be a holy dwelling place for Him?
Just as God gave detailed instructions for the Tabernacle, are you willing to trust His design for your life?
As we reflect on these chapters, let us draw near to God with gratitude, knowing that His presence is with us always, and may we live as true tabernacles, carrying His presence wherever we go.
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