He Tabernacled Among Us

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Whenever I go out of town, my kids are downhearted. They like having me present with them. Whenever I tell them that I have to go out of town, their reaction is not positive. I felt the same way when I was a child. I loved the presence of my father. My dad’s presence was calming, but his presence also brought a sense of fear.

As God begins to introduce the instructions for the tabernacle, we observe the awesome presence of God described. God graciously chose to dwell with His people. He was not an absent father. He was deeply involved and invested in the lives of His people. His presence brought both reassurance and holy fear. His presence set apart Israel from all other nations. The almighty God dwelt among them.

In chapters 25-31 God provided the instructions for building the tabernacle. In chapters 35-40 we see the execution of the project. One165 could read these two sections alongside of each other since so much overlap exists. Later I will simply touch on the execution of the tabernacle construction because we will highlight the details in this exposition (25-27) and the next (28-31).

To see the comparison between chapters 25-31 and 35-40 (with a few references to Leviticus and Deuteronomy), consider Stuart’s helpful chart:

Verse(s)	Command	Fulfillment
25:1-7	call for offerings of various materials	35:4-9; 35:21-29
25:10-22	the ark	37:1-9
25:23-30	the table	37:10-16
25:31-39	the lamp stand	37:17-24
26:1-37	the tabernacle proper	36:8-38
27:1-8	bronze altar for burnt offerings	38:1-7
27:20-21	oil for the lamp stand	command renewed in Lev 24:1-3
28:1-5	priests’ dress summary	command renewed in 35:19; fulfilled in 39:1, 41; cf. 40:13-14; Lev 8:7-8
28:6-14	ephod	39:2-7
28:15-30	breastpiece	39:8-21; Lev 8:8
28:31-43	remaining priests’ garments	39:22-31
29:1-37	consecrating priests	Lev 8:1-36
29:38-43	daily offerings	command renewed in Num 28:1-8
29:44	consecration of tabernacle and altar	command renewed in 40:9 command renewed in 40:10; fulfilled in Lev 8:11
29:44	consecration of priests	command renewed in 40:13
30:1-5	incense altar	37:25-28
16630:6	incense altar placement	command renewed in 40:6; fulfilled in 40:26
30:7-9	rules for incense burning	40:27
30:10	atonement for incense altar	command renewed in Lev 4:7
30:17-21	bronze washing basin	38:8; 40:30
30:22-33	anointing oil for objects and priests	35:28; 37:29; 40:9; Lev 8:10-12, 30
30:34-38	incense	35:28; 37:29; 39:38; 40:27
31:1-11	Bezalel and Oholiab: work overview	35:30-35; 36:1-7
31:12-17	Sabbath	command renewed in 35:1-3; Lev 23:3; cf. Num 15:32-36; Deut 5:12-15

One can see the large amount of repetition (or complement) in these chapters. Though arranged in a different order, and sometimes stated more concisely in one place or the other, the same basic material gets covered. The reason for the different order seems to be based on the fact that chapters 35-40 explain the order in which the tabernacle was constructed. The order was dictated by “common sense and necessity” (Stuart, Exodus, 745). In chapters 25-31, the objects seem to be arranged by order of importance and holiness, moving from the most sacred (the ark) to the least sacred (the courtyard perimeter; ibid.).

Let us take a look at the tabernacle and consider the awesome presence of God. Then let us mediate on how the tabernacle points us to Jesus.

Contributions for the Sanctuary

Exodus 25:1-9

The instructions for the tabernacle began with a heart-check. God is first and foremost concerned with the heart. He began by requesting a contribution from the people. He asked the people to contribute their resources to make what would be His dwelling place among them. He did not demand compulsory giving. He wanted those who were “willing to give” to contribute (v. 2). God does not force your worship and167 giving, but He does call for it. Such an offering called for sacrifice. The people denied themselves and followed the path God set for them.

God requested specific contributions. The materials for the tabernacle were unique and valuable. They included gold, silver, bronze, colored yarn, and more. God told them exactly what to collect. They knew what was expected and required. The level of detail demonstrates that God is not approached spontaneously or casually. He is holy. He is not your “homeboy,” “the big man upstairs,” or a “genie” that you approach on your own terms to get wishes. He is the Almighty, the Creator and Redeemer.

The resources given to make the tabernacle were not their own resources. They were formerly the Egyptians’ materials. Remember, before the Israelites left Egypt, God promised they would not leave emptyhanded (3:21-22). God kept His promise and sent the Israelites out of Egypt with great wealth (12:36). God provided these goods. Now the people were to return to Him a portion of what had been given to them.

The same holds true of us today. We give of our resources, but they are resources that God has entrusted to us. Sometimes our stinginess with our money, time, and talent demonstrates that we do not believe this. We should see ourselves as entrusted with blessings from our great God. Then we would freely give as joyful worshipers of our Redeemer.

In verses 8-9 we find the purpose of the tabernacle. This would be a sanctuary, meaning “holy place,” for God to dwell in their midst. Here is the purpose of this structure: that God would dwell among them. What made the place holy? Was it how it was made? No. The place became holy once God’s presence engulfed it. God made the place holy, not men. And once He made it holy, it was only to be used as God intended for it to be used.

Young children love games. They especially love to make rules for their own games. If you want to play their game, you must keep their rules (even if they change them in the middle of the game!). God made His standards and expectations clear. They do not change. The making of this tent had to be specific. It was going to house the King of glory. Therefore, it had to be built on His terms, not the people’s terms. This was vital because it would show their obedience to their king. It would also help them understand how a holy God might dwell in midst of a sinful people. In this passage, we observe the main point of the exodus being strengthened: Yahweh was showing that He is the Lord and that He would be their God.

168A clear application emerges for us. We can approach God because He has initiated a relationship with us by His grace. We come because He is merciful. We are only able to approach Him by grace through faith in Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit. He has also revealed Himself to us in the Scriptures. We do not worship the god of our imagination but the God of biblical revelation. We must see Him for who He is in the Word and pattern our personal worship of Him, as well as our corporate worship of Him, based on Scripture. Biblical worship done in spirit and truth will have a sense of gravity (because God is holy) as well as a sense of gladness (because God welcomes us through Christ).

The Tabernacle

Exodus 25:10-27:21

God was dwelling in the midst of His people in vivid, powerful ways. While the tabernacle was not as large or grand as some of the other nations’ buildings and landmarks, God designed the tabernacle perfectly. It was flawless (Ryken, Exodus, 813-14). In it, God manifested His presence, and this was seen in the ark of the covenant, the table for the bread of the Presence, the golden lamp stand, the structure of the tabernacle, the bronze altar, the court of the tabernacle, and the oil for the lamp. Let us consider God’s presence in the tabernacle.

The Ark of the Covenant: God’s Presence Is Majestic and Merciful (25:10-22)

The first item mentioned is the most important: the ark of the covenant or testimony. Here God would meet with and speak to Moses. It was the only furniture in the most holy place, which was the innermost part of the tabernacle. The presence of God would dwell particularly powerfully in this one spot when God descended. This majestic holiness required two transport poles, to prevent any man from directly touching the ark, for if they were to touch it, they would die (Num 4:15; 2 Sam 6:6-7).

The mercy seat or atonement cover served as a lid on the ark. Here the Lord met with His people. Ultimately, His mercy would be revealed here on the Day of Atonement when the high priest made reparation for the people by sprinkling blood on the mercy seat. There was a way for God to be specifically present with His people, even to commune with them like He did in the garden. This could only take place now 169one day a year, and through blood. Through the atonement cover, God revealed that sinners cannot come to God without a mediator. At the mercy seat, God and sinners met. Scripture later revealed that Christ’s work and provision of salvation was described like what happened at the mercy seat (Ryken, Exodus, 821; see Heb 2:17; Rom 3:25; 1 John 4:10).

On top of the mercy seat, cherubim of gold faced each other with their faces bowed toward it. These tremendous angels bowing down remind us of the great reverence we must have for our majestic God. Do not have a misconception about angels. They are the warriors who are mentioned in Genesis 3 to protect Eden with flaming swords. They are mighty, but in God’s presence they must bow. Angels also serve as a sign of the presence and work of God. If they are near, God is working. There were also a few items that would be placed inside the ark. The author of Hebrews tells us that it contained the Ten Commandments, a pot with manna, and Aaron’s rod that budded (Heb 9:4). These served as reminders of where the Lord had brought them. He was faithful and worthy of worship.

One can read an amazing story of the ark in 1 Samuel 4-7. The Israelites went to war with the Philistines, but because of their idolatry, they were defeated. The loss was symbolic of the curse for covenant disobedience. The Israelites proposed to use the ark as a magic trick, taking it to the front lines to win, but instead it fell into the hands of the Philistines. When the high priest heard of this he fell over dead. The Philistines then placed the ark in the temple of Dagon, as if Yahweh were bowing before the Philistine god. The next day, as the people of Ashdod entered, they found that Dagon had fallen over as if to bow before Yahweh. They stood him up, but when they entered the temple the following morning, Dagon had fallen again, and his head and hands were crushed as well.

Israel deserved the punishment for their disobedience. They deserved exile among the enemies, and instead the ark took the punishment. We will see later the very presence of God taking on the punishment for the people and gaining victory by substituting Himself for the people and bearing their curse.

The Table for the Bread: God’s Presence through Provision (25:23-30)

God began to describe what would be placed outside the most holy place. A table was to be made of acacia wood, covered in gold like the170 ark. This table was set up in the holy place. The table, however, was not the most important; what the table held was much more significant. It was to hold 12 loaves of bread, symbolizing God’s people Israel. There was one loaf for each of the 12 tribes. The bread served as a reminder that every tribe played a role in God’s family. Each tribe had a seat at the table (Ryken, Exodus, 831).

The table also reminded them of God’s provision. This was the Lord’s table and His bread. He provided it for them. The priests were later told to eat it, reminding them that God provided their daily bread. God was their sustainer. God’s fellowship was displayed through provision.

It is by God’s grace that we too are fed. He sustains us. In John 6, Jesus told us that God is the One who gives bread from heaven, and the true bread is Himself. Jesus is the bread of life. Those who come to Him will never hunger or thirst again. Do you recognize that today? Will you eat of this bread and drink of this cup? God has provided for all of our daily needs and has provided us ultimately with the bread of life, Jesus Christ.

The Golden Lamp Stand: God’s Presence through Light (25:31-40)

The golden lamp stand was positioned in the holy place directly across from the table. It was handcrafted and made from around 75 pounds—one talent—of pure gold (v. 39). This was no lamp from your local department store! This was an incredibly valuable lamb. From the base of the lamp came many branches with the design of almond blossoms at the top. Today, this would be most similar to a menorah. God also instructed Moses to make certain instruments that were used to care for the lamps, like snuffers and firepans (v. 38).

The lamp was to shine on what was in front of it (v. 37). Lamps were often placed on a stand to provide more light in the darkness. This was later seen in Numbers 8:1-4: Aaron was to set up the lamps to provide light to what was before them.

Was there something symbolic about this? Yes! As we see throughout Scripture, God is light. His light symbolizes His presence and His holiness. We see in Revelation that the removal of a lamp stand means God’s presence has departed (Rev 2:5). In addition to the sacrifices, God’s people were also to bring olive oil for the lamp in the tabernacle (see 27:20-21). The priests were to keep this lamp burning continually, signifying the continual presence of God. God is, always has been, and forever will be the light of the world.

171This light later came to live among us as the light of men in Jesus (John 1:4). But we also know that the light of men was also life. Light is often related to life. David tells us in Psalm 36:9, “For with You is life’s fountain. In Your light we will see light.” God is both light and life. He created life and light, He sustains life and light, and He offers hope of life and light in Him.

Israel was called to reflect His light to the nations. We likewise are to show the glory of God in word and deed. We must fight to keep the light shining brightly. God has blessed us in allowing us to reflect the light of His glory. Jesus tells us,

God’s light is intended to shine through us. When we allow it, people will give glory to God. The light from the lamp stand was to point us to God’s glory; now the light of His people should point others to God’s glory.

The Tabernacle Structure: God’s Presence among His People (26:1-37)

In this section, God described how to build the curtains for the tabernacle. Cherubim were woven into the curtain to protect the entrance to God’s presence, just like Eden. This reminds us of paradise lost. Though God would dwell among them, access to Him was limited. God’s presence was guarded.

The curtains were constructed, not to keep people out of the presence of God, but to protect the people from God’s presence. There were three divisions: the courtyard, the holy place, and the most holy place. The final separation was a veil into the most holy place where God would meet with them once a year. He was teaching the people that forever they can only approach Him through blood sacrifice at that for now His holiness must be veiled.

Here we must see the parallel between the tabernacle and Eden. The whole point of God dwelling with them was the idea that they could return to Eden where they could commune with God as it was intended in the beginning. We may note six parallels between Eden and172 the tabernacle (see Hamilton, God’s Indwelling Presence). The tabernacle creation parallels God’s creation where God would commune and fellowship with mankind.

First, there were seven speaking acts of creation in both. In the creating acts of the tabernacle, they were signaled with the phrase, “The Lord spoke/said to Moses,” which parallels the seven speaking acts in Genesis, “Then God said ...”

Second, both were the place where God would dwell in the midst of His people and Moses. God is present everywhere but chooses to manifest His presence strongly in certain places. Some even draw a parallel of the dark, cool room of the high priest with the garden account of meeting with God in the cool of the day.

Third, both indicated the quality of the creation after a time of observing what was made. Moses would say the tabernacle was a blessed place, and God said of creation it was “very good.” This is another reason the tabernacle had to have such specific commands on how to create it.

Fourth, both narratives end with a focus on the Sabbath. On the seventh day, God instituted the Sabbath. At the end of this narrative in chapter 31, God once again drew Moses’ attention to the Sabbath rest.

Fifth, a “fall” follows both narratives, where people try to substitute creation for God. Man, with his idolatrous heart, is prone to substitute something or someone else for God.

Sixth, both narratives have cherubim guarding the presence to God at the east entrance. But now in Exodus, the cherubim are welcoming people back into Eden through blood at the atonement seat. Some even suggest that the lamp stand was a type of tree of life.

These parallels show that the tabernacle was a step toward paradise regained. The breach that had caused separation was being overturned slowly. This was a step toward realizing the final dwelling place of God and man. Hebrews sees the tabernacle as not only looking forward but also as looking up. It was a copy of the throne room of God. We are now seeing how God will make a way for us into that throne room.

All of this is showing us the gospel. God wants a relationship with His people, but we are all sinners. None of us can come into the presence of God on our own. We cannot make it back to Eden on our own. But God provided a way to have access back to Him by blood, through a sacrifice offered by a high priest.

The Bronze Altar: Entrance into God’s Presence through a Sacrifice (27:1-8)

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The next instructions include the bronze altar construction. It stood in the outer courtyard so that people approached it as soon as they entered. It stood 7 ½ feet long, 7 ½ feet wide, and 4 ½ feet high. Clearly, this was a very large altar. God told His people to make it out of acacia wood and to cover it with bronze. God also said to make the utensils of bronze. Only gold was used inside the tabernacle.

However, the altar was not permanently fixed, for it had poles like the ark and the table so that it could be moved. God had promised to live among His people. When they traveled, God went with them. God’s people were desperate for His presence to go with them (33:14-15). God traveling with His people—what a blessing! Even greater is this truth today in the New Covenant: “I will never leave you or forsake you” (Heb 13:5)! God’s people constructed the altar to make sacrifices. Again, people come before God and His presence only by way of sacrifice. Communion with God requires sacrifice. The altar was the first thing a worshiper would see when entering. The massive size of the altar confronted them with the massive gap between them and God. There had to be a sacrifice. Remember: without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sins (Heb 9:22). The people were reminded of that as they entered the courtyard. And we know that Christ is the ultimate sacrifice. He is the only One to bridge the gap between man and God. The gospel reminds us of these truths, and the Lord’s Supper gives us a holy ordinance to remember them. We approach God only because of blood. Christ’s blood is that of the new covenant. His body was torn for us; His blood was poured out for us. It is only through Him that we have access to God.

The Court of the Tabernacle: God’s Presence Guarded (27:9-19)

Though God would dwell in the middle of the Israelite encampment, it was clear that He was still separate from them. Walls and curtains would guard and separate His presence from them. He is holy, but He is also merciful and gracious in making a way back to Him.

Around this tent was a fence. Inside the fence was the bronze altar. The fence guarded about ten thousand square feet (Ryken, Exodus, 858). There was one entrance into this courtyard. People entered only from the east, as in the garden of Eden (Gen 3:24).

174The materials for the court were like those used on the tent. For the person entering the courtyard this served as a reminder of what was before them. It prepared them for the glory ahead.

Ryken notes that the setup is similar to the Israelites’ situation at the mountain. On the mountain, Moses went up and experienced God’s presence; at the tabernacle, only the high priest might enter the most holy place. On the mountain, the elders were able to come up half way; at the tabernacle, the priests were able to go into the holy place. On the mountain, the people waited at the bottom of the mountain; at the tabernacle, the people were only able to enter as far as the courtyard. Inside the tent, Israel was separated from the world (Ryken, Exodus, 860).

From all this, we see that there are limitations on interacting with God. For the people, they needed the high priest. For us, we have the great high priest who works on our behalf and enables us to approach the throne of grace with confidence (Heb 4:16).

The Oil for the Lamp: God’s Presence with Us (27:20-21)

The priests were responsible for collecting oil from the people for the lamps. There was a high standard for the oil. It was to be “pure oil from crushed olives.” The oil was for the lamp stand, which provided light in the holy place of the tabernacle. It continuously burned. Even in the night, the light reminded the people that God’s presence was among them. Even when darkness covered the land, God’s light still shone brightly. The priests tended to the lamps in shifts to ensure God’s light continued to burn. This light also reminded people to worship day or night (cf. Ps 134:1-2). God’s light was shining on them. They were His people. His presence was with them. This reminds us of the Holy Spirit, who is God’s light in us. What joy to know that God’s presence lives in us as believers always! May His light shine from us!

He Dwelt Among Us

Ultimately, the tabernacle points us to someone, to the true presence of God dwelling with us: Christ. How can a holy God dwell among sinful people? How can sinful man enter the holy place? The tabernacle has shown us the furniture and the process for bringing sinners and the Holy One together. All of this points us to Christ, the greater and truer tabernacle. John said that Jesus “took up residence” or “tabernacled” among us (John 1:14).

175Regarding the better tabernacle, John Owen said, “Everything Moses did in erecting the tabernacle and instituting all its services was intended to testify to the person and glory of Christ which would later be revealed (Heb 3:5)” (Glory, 69). Indeed, the tabernacle provides an amazing representation of Jesus Christ that we need to behold. We could spend days meditating on the connections. I will simply mention a few of them and close with some more application.

Jesus is “the true light” (John 1:9) and the true lamp stand—“the light of the world” (John 8:12). We “were once darkness, but now [we] are light in the Lord,” therefore, through Christ, we must “walk as children of light” (Eph 5:8).

God’s presence is also portable in the new covenant. God’s Spirit comes and lives within His people (Rom 8:9).

Christ is the mediator who shed His own blood to redeem sinful man (Eph 2:13). While He was forsaken, we, by grace through faith, can enter God’s presence.

Jesus was the better ark of God. He, like the ark in the story in 1 Samuel 4-7, was taken captive by a foreign army and took the punishment the people deserved. Then what seemed like defeat ended with His triumphant victory, as He crushed the serpent’s head by the third day.

Jesus also represents the ultimate provision of God. He called Himself the “bread of life,” and whoever comes to Him will never perish (John 6:35, 51, 58). He is the bread we desperately need.

Jesus is the better altar (Heb 13:10). His ultimate sacrifice is the source of our salvation and the source of grace by which our hearts are strengthened (cf. Heb 13:9).

We now enter through the torn veil. The torn body of our Christ provides direct access to God (Eph 2:13-17). He can provide access past the cherubim. Instead of defending against access, they are now welcoming back in because blood has been applied.

Jesus is bringing us back to Eden as the high priest who enters the holy place for us and tears the veil for our entrance. And what amazing grace that we can now come boldly (Heb 4:14-16)! The Israelites came trembling. Yet in John 20:17 we read these amazing words: “To My Father and your Father!” He is our Father!

For us, God is building a new dwelling place. God’s Spirit dwells in us individually as believers and corporately as the church, a building made of living stones where Christ is the cornerstone (Eph 2:19-22; 1 Pet 2:4-8).

176May the glory of Christ represented in the tabernacle lead you to worship. As you behold Christ’s glory, you will find your greatest joy and will overflow with praise. John Owen said,

By beholding the glory of Christ we shall experience what it means to be everlastingly blessed. “We shall always be with the Lord” (1 Thess 4:17). We shall “be with Christ,” which is best of all (Phil 1:23). For there we shall “behold his glory” (John 17:24). And by seeing him as he is, “we shall be made like him” (1 John 3:2). This is our everlasting blessedness. (Glory, 9)

Everlasting blessedness is found in Christ.

What is more, as you behold His glory, God, by the Spirit, transforms us into Christ’s image (2 Cor 3:18). This is a fundamental principle for Christian growth. As you behold Christ, you become like Christ. Therefore, gaze on His glory by faith.

In addition, let the glory of Christ represented in the tabernacle drive you into unhurried and unhindered communion with the Father. What an amazing privilege to know that God welcomes us into His presence because of the priestly work of Christ. The author of Hebrews exhorted his hearers,

What a privilege we have as believers! How can other things fill our days and capture our attention when this privilege is ours? Let us draw near to God and pour out our hearts to Him in worship and supplication.

Finally, let the glory of Christ represented in the tabernacle fix your eyes on the glorious future hope that is ours as believers. Revelation 21 points forward to a glorious day, when the dwelling place of God is with man. In this place, God’s dwelling place will not just be overlaid with gold but will be made of pure solid gold. We will not need a lamp stand or the sun, for God will be the city’s light.

Do you want to be a part of His people? Do you want to dwell in God’s presence? Do you want to return to Eden? There is one way: Christ! We approach God only on His terms, and His terms are: “Christ.” 177For the rest of our eternal lives, we can and will only enter into His presence through blood—blood poured out by the Savior. Just as the tabernacle was a dwelling place where God abides, Jesus told us that to be in the presence of God we must abide in Him (John 15:1-11).

Reflect and Discuss

1. What aspects of love should be present in the ideal relationship of a child with his or her father? What kind of fear or respect? How do the love and fear of human child-parent relationships compare with that of human-God relationships?
2. How is knowing what to give (head doctrine) different from willingness to give (heart commitment)? In what way does a person’s willingness to give reflect a genuine relationship with God?
3. How have some people tried to change the rules concerning how God is to be worshiped? What unbiblical rules have some people added?
4. How have angels been portrayed in art and popular culture? How does that compare with the biblical description of angels and their duties?
5. How does the ark represent God’s glory? How does it represent His mercy?
6. How does the presence of God in His tabernacle imply His mercy? How does this translate to the church?
7. In what way is a Christian like a lamp that produces light? In what way do Christians merely reflect God’s light?
8. What are some of the ways the tabernacle and its various furnishings were fulfilled in Christ and His church? How might the consciousness of this fulfillment enhance your worship experience?
9. What is the significance of the curtains separating the courtyard from the holy place and most holy place? What did it mean when the curtain was torn in two (Matt 27:51)?
10. How would you explain the broad theme of Eden, the tabernacle, Christ, and paradise to an adult Sunday School class?