The Study of Exodus with Tina Rains - Chapters 25-27

Hi ladies! Welcome back to our study in exodus. Today we will be looking at Exodus 25, 26, and 27. These three chapters as well as 28-31 are all about building the tabernacle. The Tabernacle function primarily as a residence or palace for God. In chapters 25 through 27 Start with the center and then move out to the courtyard. As you read through this, did you notice that he said some things over and over? One, they were to use acacia wood. He also instructed them over and over to use solid gold.  He instructed them to use the colors blue, purple, and scarlet. God always has a plan, whether it be building a Tabernacle, a temple, a church, a ministry, or our personal path and Christian life (Ephesians 2:10). These chapters reveal how specific He is. The detail that he went into in explaining exactly what he wanted the Tabernacle to be built reveals to us that he is paying attention to every single detail of our lives as well.

There were specific materials needed:

1. Gold -some estimate over a ton of gold was used
2. silver
3. Bronze
4. fabrics
5. wood
6. skins 
7. olive oil
8. spices
9. precious stones

Where did they get all of these materials? Remember back in the prior chapters the Egyptians gave them much wealth. They had “spoiled them”. Again, he had a plan the whole time. God saw to it that they had everything they needed to build it Just the way he wanted it. The Lord always equips those he calls.

He was specific in the materials, dimensions, and colors he wanted to use. The materials he required were of great value. God must be put first. The Lord also required food offerings. (the bread) What was most valuable to the Israelites? What is most valuable to you? Are you giving him your finest? Is God calling you to give him more of your time, treasure, and talents? This candlestick that was made must have been absolutely beautiful. They used 75 pounds of gold. It had six branches decorated with almond flowers, buds, and blossoms. It was kept burning constantly. As I'm writing this and doing this study it reminded me of you. God has created you so beautifully. You have so many gifts and talents. He is so specific in these chapters and in every detail. He was just as specific when he created you. He created us in his image. He thought of every detail of our personality, our physical attributes, and the plans he has. He knew that we would suffer. He knew all of our victories and our failures. He knew it all. 

The candlestick also reminds us of the Israelites' “a light to the Gentiles" (Isaiah 49:6) the light was placed not in public sight but in a private place. When the Israelites began to worship idols is when they lost their witness to the gentiles. The public could not see what the priests were doing. That was their private responsibility and sacrifice to the Lord. It wasn't about the people seeing the lamp. This is very similar to our relationship with God. What is most important to him is our heart and intimate relationship with him.

I love the symbolism in these chapters and how we can relate it back to our relationship with Christ. Even the altar that was made of wood and covered with gold is symbolic of our savior. I am so thankful for his sacrifice and for the blessings that we have. May the Lord lead you and guide you today. May He shine His light upon you. May your light shine brightly in this dark world. May you remind yourself that God created every detail of you and you are beautifully and wonderfully made. Bask in his love today.