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The Tabernacle: Exodus 35-40
As part of the covenant that God made with the children of Israel, God instructed Moses to build a tabernacle. The tabernacle (literally “dwelling place”) was to be God’s “dwelling place” among the people as they wandered in the wilderness (Exodus 35-40). It was essentially a portable “tent,” made out of materials gathered from the people.
The significance of the tabernacle was that it indicated God’s presence on earth among the children of Israel. It was to be erected in the middle of the camp, so all the people be aware of it. “Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.” When the cloud was taken up from over it, the people were to pick up camp and move on. The cloud was seen during the day, and fire was seen in it at night.
The tabernacle was to be built according to an exact pattern that God had revealed. They were not to deviate in any way. “See that you make them after the pattern for them, which was shown to you on the mountain” (Exod. 25:40). This is quoted in Hebrews, and shows the importance of doing God’s work in God’s own way. It also serves as a shadow, along with the priesthood, to the heavenly things revealed in the New Testament (Heb. 8:5)
Further, the tabernacle was built entirely out of materials that the people willingly contributed. The workers who made it did so because of their own skill and understanding. It is a testimony to the kind of work that can be accomplished when people work together, do it willingly, and do it to the best of their abilities. Surely this is a lesson for us to learn today.
Discussion
1. How did the tabernacle show God’s presence among the people? Discuss the importance of this.
2. Why was it important that it be built according to an exact pattern? What relevance might this have today for disciples?
3. Why is it significant that it was built entirely out of contributed materials from willing people? Discuss lessons that might be learned from that.
4. How is the tabernacle a shadow of heavenly things? Read Hebrews 8:1-6 and discuss.