Holy Work and Holy Rest

178

Previously, we examined the instructions for building the tabernacle. As we continue our study of the tabernacle, we are introduced to those who worked in the tabernacle: the priests; and those who worked on the tabernacle and on the priests’ garments: the craftsmen. As this section on the tabernacle closes, the Sabbath gets emphasized again. As a reminder, one should also consider chapters 35-40 for additional information about the tabernacle and the priesthood.

The themes of work and rest teach us about the gospel. Here we learn about our great high priest who works on our behalf, the Holy Spirit who works in us to do God’s work, and a holy rest that we need. Here we find “gospel gold” in what is probably an unfamiliar part of the Bible for many Christians.

For those of you who may not believe this gospel or are not familiar with the Bible, please know that the Old Testament is the backstory of the New Testament. You might compare it to the first act of a drama. We need to know this portion of the Bible because the New Testament extends the drama. If you do not understand some of the backstory, you will be like the person who arrives late to the movie and keeps asking everyone, “Who is this guy? What does that mean? Where did that come from?” Many important parts of the faith begin here in the Old Testament and introduce categories that get filled up later with more179 meaning in the New Testament. In this section, these categories involve the priesthood, the Spirit, and the Sabbath.

We Have a High Priest Who Worked and Works on Behalf of Us

Exodus 28-29

Chapter 28 focuses on the priests who serve in the tabernacle. We see how Aaron and his sons would serve as priests and how God told them to make the priestly garments. In chapter 29 we observe the consecration of Aaron and his sons—like an ordination—and how they were to make daily offerings. God called Aaron to this office. Aaron did not “run for office” or appoint himself (cf. 1 Sam 2:28; 1 Kgs 13:33).

You can see a few obvious lessons in these chapters. First, worship is important! A major theme in Exodus 25-40 is worship. The focus is on the tabernacle. Here we learn about true worship versus unacceptable worship. The tabernacle was also a portable sanctuary. God went with His people. Chapters 28-29 reinforce this principle of worship. The people could only worship God on His terms. Aaron and his sons were to follow God’s directions exactly in their priestly service (the mention of Nadab and Abihu in v. 1 is important, since they failed to do this later). A second observation is that these priests must be set apart for service. The priests were unique. They worshiped God “in the splendor of His holiness.” In 28:2-4 we see the purpose of the priestly garments: “make holy garments ... for glory and beauty ... for consecrating him ... so that they may serve Me as priests.” In addition, the color and material of the priest’s clothing corresponded to the color and material of the tabernacle. You could say the priest embodied the tabernacle. His clothing would have been absolutely stunning. Like the tabernacle, the priest points us to God, who is beautiful (Pss 27:4; 29:2). Like the priests, we, as the priesthood of believers, are to be set apart to walk in the beauty of holiness before God—not with clothing, but in the beauty of a life devoted to God.

The Clothes for the Priests (28:1-43)

Notice the outline provided for this clothing and the description of it. In verse 4 God provided the names of six of the eight priestly items: (1) a breastpiece, (2) an ephod, (3) a robe, (4) a specially woven tunic, (5) a turban, and (6) a sash. Verse 5 gives an outline of the material needed180 to make the items. Later, God explained these garments and added to the list the linen undergarments (vv. 42-43) and the gold medallion on the front of the turban (vv. 36-38).

We read about the details of the clothing worn by Aaron and his sons in verses 6-43. In 39:1-31 we see that the worker fulfilled these instructions as the Lord commanded. The section breaks down as follows: the ephod (vv. 6-14; fulfilled in 39:2-7); the breastpiece (vv. 15-30; fulfilled in 39:8-21); the robe (vv. 31-35; fulfilled in 39:22-26); the turban, tunic, and sash (vv. 36-41 [with differences between the high priest and the regular priests/sons of Aaron in v. 40]; fulfilled in 39:27-31); and the linen undergarments for purity (vv. 42-43; fulfilled in 39:28).

No footwear gets mentioned. In Moses’ encounter with God at the burning bush, God told him to remove his shoes because the ground was “holy.” Likewise, we understand that the ground of the tabernacle was holy; thus, no shoes were to be worn.

Figure 1 (from the HCSB Study Bible) gives us an idea of what the clothing looked like. What a detailed garment!

181In verses 6-14 we learn that the ephod was like an apron—a long, sleeveless vest. It had two shoulder straps, each holding an onyx stone. The names of the 12 sons of Israel were engraved on these stones. The purpose of the engraving was to show the role of the high priest. He bore their names as a memorial before the Lord.

In verses 15-30 God described a “breastpiece for making decisions.” It consisted of a small pouch worn on the breast. It was adorned with gemstones. It had four rows of three stones. Each stone had the name of one of the 12 tribes of Israel engraved on it. Like the ephod, the act of representation gets noted again.

Strikingly, the stones mentioned in verses 17-19 appeared in the garden of Eden (Ezek 28:13) and in Revelation (Rev 21:19-20). This should not surprise us given what we have learned about the tabernacle. It pointed backward and forward. From glory to glory, we see the story of God dwelling with His people. The language used through this section reminds us of the garden where Adam the priest worshiped God, working in Eden, the garden sanctuary.

We also find that it contained the Urim and Thummim, perhaps meaning “lights” and “darks” (Stuart, Exodus, 613), which were items used for discerning the will of God (v. 30). The people knew that God controlled “chance” (Prov 16:33). We do not know exactly what these items were or how they were used. They might have been thrown like dice. Or, after asking God a question, the priest may have pulled one out of his pocket to see the answer. We do not know (see Num 27:21; 1 Sam 14:41-42; 23:9-12; 28:6; 30:7-8; Ezra 2:63). It seems that they were only used for decisions related to the whole nation and that they could only answer a yes or no question. They could not ask, “Whom should I marry?” or “Where should I eat?” So the high priest was an intercessor, taking the concerns of the people to God. What is clear is that the people knew what these items were. It is probably a good thing that we do not know what they are! Otherwise, we would have people offering them to you on an 800 number or having tables set up in the cities along with fortune-tellers!

Even with the allowance of the practice, we should note that this method was not the first resort. God’s people were to obey the written covenant and listen to the prophets. Today we have something better then these mysterious stones: the Spirit and the Word. Plus, we have a great high priest who hears our concerns and takes them before the Father. As a practical note, it is good to get counsel from people on182 major decisions in your life, especially your leaders who are performing the duties of prayer and ministry of the Word.

In verses 31-43 we find a number of items. The blue robe was worn under the ephod. On the hem of the robe were imitation pomegranates alternating with golden bells. These bells jingled when he was in the holy place so that he might not die (v. 35). It may have been a reminder for the priest to make sure the garments were being worn appropriately, as a “greeting” to God, or as a reminder to the people that he was in the holy place. We are unsure about this, as well.

The turban was made of fine linen. It had a golden plate with “Holy to the Lord” engraved on it (v. 36). The tunic was the basic garment for the priest (v. 39a). The embroidered sash probably secured the tunic (v. 39b).

The undergarments were made of linen (vv. 42-43). They kept the priest from being exposed. This reminds us of the garden, in which garments had to be made to cover the shame and nakedness of Adam and Eve.

These garments pointed to the idea that the priest must be righteous. The psalmist wrote, “May Your priests be clothed with righteousness” (Ps 132:9). Ultimately, only one high priest would be “Holy to the Lord” and would be clothed with righteousness: Jesus. By faith in Him, we receive His righteousness (see 2 Cor 5:21). That is the only way we can stand before God.

The Consecration of the Priests (29:1-46)

As the priests prepared to be consecrated, they were first washed from head to toe, symbolizing spiritual cleansing (v. 4). Next they were clothed with the garments (vv. 5-6) mentioned in chapter 28. Then they were ready to be ordained. There was anointing oil to pour on their heads, showing that they were set apart for their ministry (v. 7).

God told Moses to use some special spices for this occasion (30:22-33). Everything was anointed, including the priests. You can imagine the change in smell from the wilderness, which was filled with animals, to this tabernacle! The oil ran down the head onto the garments of the priests, as Psalm 133:2 mentions. What did this picture? The oil was a picture of God pouring out His Spirit on the man. Like the elements in the tabernacle, the priest was also “set apart” and was to be used for special purposes.

The sacrifices in 29:10-28 for Aaron and the priests get mentioned next. A bull and two rams were required. They were slaughtered “before the 183Lord at the entrance to the tent of meeting” (v. 11). The bull was a “sin offering” (vv. 14, 36; Lev 8:14). As for the rams, the first was a “burnt offering” (v. 18), and the second was an offering “for ordination” (v. 22). Notice the symbolism of transference in verses 10-14. They placed their hands on the head on the bull and then killed it, symbolizing that their sin was transferred to the bull; this applied to the rams as well. Concerning the bull, its flesh, skin, and dung were burned “outside the camp” (v. 14), an idea picked up in Hebrews about how Jesus was crucified outside the gate of Jerusalem “that He might sanctify the people by His own blood” (Heb 13:12).

After the bull was killed, the blood was applied on the altar and on the priests’ right ears, right thumbs, and great toes of their right feet, representing the exposed parts of the priests. The “right” parts of the body probably signified honor, the way the “right hand” was considered a place of honor (Gen 48:17-19). Then the priests and their garments were sprinkled with blood. This reminds us, once again, that no one can enter God’s presence apart from blood.

As they obeyed the Lord’s instruction, the sacrifice produced a “pleasing aroma” (vv. 18, 25). God was pleased with their sacrifice. Similarly, we read in Ephesians 5:1-2, “Therefore, be imitators of God, as dearly loved children. And walk in love, as the Messiah also loved us and gave Himself for us, a sacrificial and fragrant offering to God.” Jesus’ sacrifice was a fragrant offering; it filled heaven with holy perfume. God’s people must imitate Him through the sacrifice of love to others.

The second ram was to be prepared as a sacred meal for Aaron and the priests (vv. 31-34). Remember how in chapter 24 Israel’s elders ate a meal on the mountain in God’s presence? Now we see that Israel’s priests ate with God at the tabernacle during the seven days of their ordination. This meal displayed the fact that they were in a covenant relationship with God and that they enjoyed fellowship with Him.

The entire ceremony of offering the bull and the rams was repeated for seven days (vv. 35-37). Each day a fresh bull was sacrificed on the altar. This purified the altar. The altar was set apart; it was where God accepted sacrifices for people’s sin. These sacrifices were also for the priests since they were sinners also.

Once ordained, the priests offered these sacrifices every day (vv. 38-42). Two lambs were offered, one in the morning and one at twilight. These daily sacrifices were combined with grain, oil, and wine and were a sign of devotion. They gave a pleasing aroma to God. Israel184 began and ended each day with God in devotion. We should consider this pattern for our lives, as well. Also, notice the “pleasing aroma” mentioned again. Every day, our lives are to be a worship offering (Rom 12:1-2; 2 Cor 2:14-15).

The big idea with the tabernacle and the whole process was about God dwelling with a sinful people. “And they will know that I am Yahweh their God, who brought them out of the land of Egypt, so that I might dwell among them” (v. 46). And so it is with us: God has brought us out of slavery to sin and we worship Him in the glory of His presence. In the new covenant, through the Spirit, He now dwells in us (Rom 8:9; 1 Cor 3:16; 6:19, John 14:17). In the book of Revelation, God promised to dwell with His people. In the same way, He dwells within us now and will dwell among us in the days to come.

Our Great High Priest

These two chapters call our attention to the very important person and work of the high priest. We understand Jesus as “prophet, priest, and king.” We have already noted how He is a prophet better than Moses. Now we see He is a priest better than Aaron.

The book of Hebrews has so much to say about the superiority of Jesus’ priesthood that I can only summarize a few points (see Heb 8:1-2). Hebrews calls Jesus

• “a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God” (2:17),
• “high priest of our confession” (3:1),
• “a great high priest” (4:14),
• “a high priest forever” (6:20),
• “high priest of the good things that have come” (9:11), and
• “a great high priest over the house of God” (10:21).

Jesus, as the great high priest, stands superior in numerous ways. First, Jesus is superior in holiness. The problem facing the priests in Exodus was that they were sinners. They had to make sacrifices and had to wear external garments, but that was not enough. Throughout the Old Testament, the priests were imperfect. Jesus, however, never failed. He was not clothed with beautiful garments but with perfect holiness. He was clothed with glory (Heb 1:3). He did not need to offer sacrifice for Himself. He was and is sinless (Heb 7:26-28).

Second, as our great high priest, Jesus had a superior anointing. He too was anointed for His priestly ministry. His baptism was part of this 185ordination. Instead of oil symbolizing the Spirit, the Spirit Himself descended on Jesus (Luke 3:21-22). Luke said, “God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power” (Acts 10:38).

Third, as our great high priest, Jesus is superior in representation. The high priest was Israel federally. Every Israelite understood that he represented him or her. He carried their names with him. Yet we have a better representation! Jesus, the Son of God, represents us. Instead of stones on His shoulders, He carried a cross on His shoulders. He carried us on His shoulders—bearing our judgment in our place (2 Cor 5:21). Further, He carried our names not on a breastpiece, but in His heart—for we are in Christ. We died with Him; we were raised with Him. We are united with Christ. Isaiah said He engraved us on His hands (Isa 49:16)! Further, our representative provided a better sacrifice. He did not offer sacrifices of animals, but Himself (see Heb 9:11-14; 9:24-26). Here is the good news for believers: The Father now sees us through our representative. The Father accepted the great high priest’s work, and if you are in Christ, you are accepted just as much as Christ is!

Fourth, as our great high priest, Jesus is superior in intercession. The breastpiece was a reminder that the priest interceded for the people. As he took the items for making decisions, it was a reminder of this act. He carried their concerns. In a greater way, Jesus continues to carry our concerns on His heart. One of the things He is doing now is praying to the Father on our behalf. In contrast to the former priesthood, Jesus’ priesthood is permanent and there is no one else like Him.

In light of Jesus’ superior priestly work, Hebrews says we should draw near, hold fast to our confession, and find ways to encourage one another (Heb 10:19-25). We have a great high priest who worked on behalf of us and cried, “It is finished,” and a great high priest who continues to work on behalf of us through His ongoing intercession.

Before the throne of God above

I have a strong and perfect plea:

A great High Priest, whose name is Love,

Who ever lives and pleads for me.

My name is graven on His hands,

My name is written on His heart;

I know that while in heaven He stands

No tongue can bid me thence depart

No tongue can bid me thence depart.

When Satan tempts me to despair,

And tells me of the guilt within,

Upward I look, and see Him there

Who made an end to all my sin.

Because the sinless Savior died,

My sinful soul is counted free;

For God the just is satisfied

To look on Him and pardon me

To look on Him and pardon me. (Charitie Lees Bancroft, “The Advocate,” 1863)

Before we move on to the second point, I want to summarize Exodus 30 because its contents have previously been covered. In 30:1-10 we see an altar of incense. This altar had raised corners or “horns” like the sacrificial altar and was overlaid with gold. It was put just in front of the most holy place. It continually burned incense before the presence of the Lord. The high priest lit it every morning and evening. In 30:11-16 we read about the atonement money. All the Israelites shared the expense of the tabernacle. In 30:17-21 the basin for washing is mentioned. A bronze basin was constructed for the priests. Before they worked at the altar they washed their hands and feet. In 30:22-33 we see the anointing oil. This was a special type of oil that was used for anointing the tabernacle and the priests. They could not use the oil for any other purpose.187 Finally, in 30:34-38 we see the incense that, like the oil, was a special type that could not be used for any other purposes.

Once again we see the themes of being holy and devoting ourselves to the worship of God. What service to God are you performing? Are you using your talents and resources for the kingdom? Let your life be a daily offering of worship to God.

We Have the Spirit of God Working through Us

Exodus 31:1-11

What we learn from the high priest is that we need someone to represent us and to work on behalf of us. What we learn from the craftsmen is that the Spirit of God enables us to serve God’s people for God’s glory. The work of God was accomplished by the Spirit of God.

Another parallel to the creation narrative exists here (Gen 1:2-2:3). Just as God did His work in creation by the Spirit, so He did His work in the tabernacle, this little Eden, by the Spirit. God chose Bezalel from Judah and Oholiab from Dan as His craftsmen. Their skill did not originate in themselves but from God.

Let us use our gifts for God’s glory as well. In the next chapter, we will see how men used their gifts to make a golden calf for idol worship. Will you use your gifts for God’s glory or for your own gratification?

Look at how the Spirit’s work is described. Of Bezalel, it says, “I have filled him with God’s Spirit” (v. 3), and later, “I have placed wisdom within every skilled craftsman in order to make all that I have commanded you” (v. 6). God enabled this man to build the tabernacle by His Spirit. When we read of “wisdom, understanding, and ability” (v. 3) these are not additional qualities that went along with the Spirit. Instead, God gave him one thing: the Spirit (Stuart, Exodus, 650). The Spirit sanctified his ability, intelligence, and knowledge. Sometimes God may do something supernatural and totally beyond a person’s normal ability, but more often I think He perfects an existing God-given gift, as we see here.

Consider also that God empowered the craftsmen to perform tasks for the well-being of the people. Later, in 35:31, the work of the Spirit of God is mentioned again. The repetition reveals its importance. Then observe how Bezalel executed the plan with skill and precise obedience (e.g., 36:1; 37:1, 10, 17).

The Spirit enables obedience. Joseph and Joshua were two other key characters in the Pentateuch who were filled with the Spirit of God188 (Gen 41:38; Deut 34:9). Like Bezalel and Oholiab, they were obedient to God as a result. Likewise, Micah was “filled with ... the Spirit” (Mic 3:8) to declare God’s word forcefully and effectively to the people. This section of Exodus may be the background for the phrase “filled with the Spirit” used later in the New Testament (Luke 1:15; Acts 13:9; Eph 5:18).

From the craftsmen we can learn at least two truths. First, we need the Spirit of God to accomplish the work of God. God gifted these men with the Spirit. We too need God’s Spirit to carry out God’s work.

When I was in Ukraine recently, I had an interesting discussion with a missionary friend about the Holy Spirit. Apparently, around 1960 the Pentecostal Church did not want to register with the government, so they merged with the Baptist Union. Then, to avoid controversy, an administrative policy was put in place. The policy stated that no one could teach, preach, or discuss the Holy Spirit. This lasted until about 1990 (though not every leader followed the policy!). My friend told me that this created sort of a deistic, rationalistic religion. People talked about God and His power in general, but few ever talked about the personal influence of the Holy Spirit or about gifts. They were attempting to “do church” apart from the Spirit!

Never stop thanking God for the Spirit’s work. Never stop relying on the Spirit’s work. Do not become a “mechanical Christian,” that is, just going through the motions, serving in the energy of the flesh. We need the Spirit of God to do the work of God.

Second, we learn that the Spirit fills us to do tasks that are not always considered “sensational” in the eyes of others. I love how the text says that they were empowered to make stuff! I love it because people have the craziest ideas about the Spirit’s work. Many are sensationalists. They have “the Incredible Hulk syndrome,” thinking when the Spirit blesses you, you turn green and into a different creature. Yet in the text we find that God blessed them with intelligence and ability to construct things. In regard to miracles and giftings, we can say a couple of things. Yes, the Spirit does miracles. But in the New Testament you see things that are not what people would call “spectacular.” When the Spirit filled the early church, one of the things that they needed was to be able to “speak God’s message with boldness” (Acts 4:31). They talked about Jesus a lot in the face of opposition. I like Peter’s instruction. He simply said that some serve and some speak; both should use their gifts to serve one another for God’s glory (1 Pet 4:10-11). As for the gifts in the New Testament that are listed, many of them are not glamorous. Paul mentioned gifts189 like service, teaching, giving, mercy (Rom 12:7-8), helping, and managing (1 Cor 12:28). Sure, others are listed like prophecy, tongues, and miracles, but let us remember that the greatest gift is love (1 Cor 13).

Think also about Acts 6. When the church grew, the needs increased. So they decided to appoint some men to meet the needs. What did they look for? They looked for men who were “full of the Spirit and wisdom ... full of faith and the Holy Spirit” (6:3, 5). That is awesome, right? Yes it is! But what were they going to do? Their job involved serving widows. Those who are filled with the Spirit, who are walking with Jesus, will gladly serve widows, visit the sick, care for orphans, make coffee on Sunday, care for children in the nursery, tutor a disadvantaged student, give generous offerings, and help those in need. Is that you? Do you think these things are beneath you? May God help us, in this age of celebrity Christianity, not to lose sight of this biblical vision of the Spirit’s work. The Spirit of God enables us to do the work of God, and the Spirit’s work through us may not be considered “sensational work,” but it is “important work.”

We Have a Sabbath Rest Provided for Us

Exodus 31:12-17

The similarity between God’s work of creation and Israel’s construction of the tabernacle emerges here with the reference to the Sabbath. After six days of creation, God rested. Now Israel is to do the same. Further, the phrase “The Lord spoke/said” appears seven times in Exodus 25-31, echoing the creation account. The first six are related to creating, and the seventh, here, concerns rest.

God’s creation rest occurred once; the weekly Sabbath is a reminder of that divine rest. There remains a permanent rest awaiting us (Heb 4:9). Without getting into details about what is permissible on the Sabbath (see comments on 20:8-11), consider this idea: there is a resting in Christ for God’s people. We find our rest in Jesus, who has done the work for us. There is a resting that takes place now for Christians as well as a permanent ultimate Sabbath in the new creation. Many Christians avoid work on the Lord’s Day but they still are not keeping the Sabbath because they worry themselves into knots over things. They are not trusting in Christ. Do you find yourself in the same situation? Rest in Christ! God had been talking to Moses on the mountain (v. 18). When He finished, He gave Moses two tablets with the Ten Words written on190 them. In the next chapter, Moses would come down and see the opposite of true worship of this glorious God. We go from a return to Eden to a return to the fall.

How should we wrap this up? Let us recap these glorious, gospel truths:

• We have a great high priest who worked/works on behalf of us.
• We have the Spirit of God working through us.
• We have a Sabbath rest provided for us.

Worship the true and living God, who is worthy of our praise!

Reflect and Discuss

1. How has studying the Old Testament helped you to understand the New Testament?
2. Is worshiping God together with other Christians an obligation or a benefit? Explain.
3. In what way are Christian pastors set apart? What part does a pastor’s clothing play in current culture? In what way are all Christians set apart like priests?
4. Rather than the Urim and Thummim or flipping a coin, how have you determined God’s will and guidance in your life?
5. How is ordination accomplished in your church? How does the symbolism compare with what was done in Exodus 29?
6. Why was it important that Jesus surpass the priests in Exodus in holiness?
7. In what way is Jesus—as the ultimate, perfect high priest—the ideal intercessor and advocate who speaks on our behalf before the throne of God?
8. What are some of the most challenging tasks you have faced? How did God prepare you beforehand to accomplish those tasks? How did He empower you while you were working?
9. When you think of Spirit-empowered ministry, what do you think of? What is the value of recognizing that the unspectacular gifts also come from the Spirit?
10. Which is easier for you on your Sabbath, rest from working or rest from worrying? How do both indicate our faith in God?