Scripture Texts: Exodus 35:4-5, 10-21; 39:42-43; 40:16-17, 34-36

We continue to study Israel's journey from Egypt to Canaan, from slavery to freedom under God. We have come with them as far as Mount Sinai, where God gave them His Law by which they were to be governed.

While Moses was communing with God on Mount Sinai, God gave him instructions and the plans for the building of a tabernacle for the worship of God (Exodus 25-31). Now Moses is down from the mountain, ready to build the tabernacle.

We study history, not only to learn the facts, but more importantly, to find examples by which we may avoid Israel's sins and follow their obedience. Also, it is written to give us types of spiritual truths in the church. Then the type was a material thing—something done or seen or that could be touched. Now the fulfillment, called the antitype, is a spiritual truth. It is not a material object, but it takes place in hearts. Read 1 Corinthians 10:1-11. Apply it throughout the quarter.

God Commanded an Offering

Exodus 35:4-5 God commanded the people to bring materials for the making of the tabernacle and its furnishings. Notice four points: 1. The gifts were to come from among you—from their own personal possessions, not bought from strangers. Here we can learn something of God's method for support of His work; direct giving out of a heartfelt desire to give. Incorporated into the tabernacle, the gifts were to contribute as much to the closeness of the tie between God and the people as possible for inanimate objects to do. Compared to this, how should we value the raising of money by solicitation from outsiders or from baked goods sales and other merchandising?

2. The offering was to be unto the Lord—not to be given to Moses or the nation, but to the Lord for His use and control. It was to be an offering, not an extraction. The motivation was to arise in the giver rather than in another. God has no use for gifts not given from the love and joy of the giver. He values gifts according to the purpose of the heart. God loveth a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7). He cares not for materials unless He first is given the heart.

3. It was to be given by whosoever is of a willing heart. There was to be no taxation, begging, or pledging. It was not to be given for the sake of competition, to gain recognition, to fill a quota, or to please other persons. It was given only to please and serve God. God desires no gift that comes only from the hand. The quality of the heart behind it affects the good the gift can do. Only saved hearts feel the willingness God asks.

4. An offering of the Lord—OF Him, as well as TO Him. He is the Originator of the thought, the Former of the desire, the Receiver of the gift, the Promoter of the work, the User of the gift, and the Giver of the blessing. The generosity of the people abounded until they had to be restrained from bringing (Exodus 36:6-7).

The Making of the Tabernacle

Exodus 35:10-21 As the materials were to come from the people and not to be bought, so the workmen were to be of the people, not hired from the outside. The wise hearted—able, talented, skilled—were to do it. God chose overseers. God put in them the talents to do the work and to teach others how (Exodus 31:1-11; 35:30-35).

There was to be the portable tabernacle, or tent, made of pillars, boards, and curtains, easily set up and taken down. The ark, a gold-covered box containing the tables of the Law, was the most sacred part. It occupied the holiest place. Its lid was the mercy seat with a golden cherub on either end. From here God spoke to the high priest. A vail was hung between the holiest place and the holy place. In the holy place were the table of shewbread on the north side, the candlestick on the south side, and the golden incense altar before the veil that closed the holiest place. The holy place was also closed on the east by a hanging or curtain.