Tabernacle Instructions
Exodus 25:1–9; 31:1–6
God desires to be worshipped at a place of worship. In the Old Testament, the place of worship was the tabernacle. Later it became the temple in Jerusalem. In the New Testament, the place of worship is the church.
Regardless of the physical location, God desires worship because He desires a relationship with His people.
The Task (25:1–7)
Any building project requires preparation. One of the key aspects of preparation is gathering the materials and having a building plan or blueprint.
The tabernacle represented the presence of God with His people; therefore, the tabernacle was constructed from durable yet beautiful building supplies. These verses describe the materials, which included precious metals, fine textiles and gems.
One of the key construction components was acacia, a hardwood tree with smooth grain. Acacia wood is sturdy. Water does not easily penetrate it, and insects do not like its taste.
The tabernacle then was decorated with the finest, most beautiful materials available: gold, silver, bronze, precious stones and beautiful yarn, as well as oil for light and spices for anointing. God wanted His tabernacle to be a place of beauty.
God’s Presence (8–9)
The tabernacle symbolized the presence of God with His people. Thus, the tabernacle sanctuary was a place for God to dwell with His people.
Important to note is the repetition of the phrase “The Lord said to Moses.” God served as the architect and interior decorator of the tabernacle.
One lesson contemporary believers should understand is that a place of worship should be constructed from the finest building materials suitable to the financial ability of the local congregation.
God designed the blueprints and communicated the plans to Moses while he was on the mountain for 40 days receiving instructions.
Jesus also emphasized the importance of the place of worship. He cleansed the temple in Jerusalem because of the false worship practices.
The disciples witnessed Jesus’ cleansing of the temple (John 2:13–16) and remembered an important Old Testament passage: “Zeal for your house will consume me” (Ps. 69:9).
Contemporary believers might contemplate how and where God dwells among His people today.
Equipped (31:1–6)
The construction of a facility requires three details: a blueprint, building materials and gifted workers.
Surprisingly, the craftsmen appointed to build the tabernacle were not priests or Levites. God equipped Bezalel from the tribe of Judah as the construction engineer and gifted several Hebrew men to construct the tabernacle using the best of materials.
More important than the building materials or any natural talents the builders possessed was the Spirit filling the craftsman for the work.
God gave the builders wisdom, understanding and ability to perform their tasks, which included designing artistic works, cutting gemstones and carving wood.
What skills and abilities has God given you? How can you use them for His glory?
By Mark Rathel
Pastor of Friendship Baptist Church in DeFuniak Springs, Florida