So. About today’s reading. Pretty uneventful. Just Bezalel and the guys building the ark, table, lampstand, and altar according to the exact measurements and instructions God gave Moses in Exodus 25–27. Today’s chapter is literally giving me “nothing to see here” vibes. But, if we lean in real close, I think we find a hidden gem in this seemingly mundane chapter.
Between God giving Moses the construction plans for His home, the tabernacle, in Exodus 25–31, and the execution of those plans in Exodus 37–40 was the golden calf of Exodus 32. Israel was on the verge of losing it all. God was so angry He contemplated killing them all and starting over with Moses, which would’ve been entirely just and righteous for Him to do. Thankfully, for their sake, Moses swayed God to spare them. However, there is still uncertainty in the air. God had chosen to forgive and even fulfill His promise by agreeing to still leading them to the land of milk and honey, but He was on the fence as to whether or not He would reconcile with them.
Though forgiveness and reconciliation are often treated as synonyms, they’re two different steps. It’s beautiful when these two work together, but imagine with me for a moment what would’ve happened if God had chosen only to forgive Israel and not go with them.
The tabernacle and its furnishings were not just representative of God’s presence with Israel; it was of the place where God dwelled. With Bezalel and the guys measuring out acacia wood and setting gold on the mercy seat, it testified to the people of Israel that God was going with them. Their work, which took place in full view of all the people, revealed that God was indeed Yahweh—full of compassion, mercy, forgiveness, and reconciling love.
Though this chapter is often skipped over to get to the so-called good stuff, it is an important link in the story of God. It also previews the work Christ would do with another kind of wood before the eyes of many so that we might be forgiven and reconciled to God. Let us rejoice and celebrate our God, who offers us forgiveness and extends the gift of reconciliation to us.
Such good insight. God is there even in the mundane moments of our lives.
This is where the narrative changes from “make to made” and this is where the Israelites posture changes FROM slavery in Egypt building Pharaoh’s temple TO worship in Sinai building Gods temple.
Wonder how long it took for them to build the tabernacle in the desert? Anyone knows?
Praying !!!!
Couldn’t agree more! Maybe we’re just Bible nerds because I didn’t find it to be mundane :(
The image of God going with His people is emphasized in the creation of the lampstand. The use of the almond flower is not only beautiful but meaningful–the Hebrew word for ‘almond flower’ sounds similar to the word for ‘watch over’ (per Biblia notes).
None of God’s Words should be regarded as trivial or not needed or looked past. Yes it describes something that doesn’t apply to us any more but it is very significant and it is part of our history. A history we should be very proud of.
Good news sisters, my sister Carol has found an apartment near mine. She can start to move in on Thursday. She is still in rehab but she is doing better. The doctors started her on prednisone for the swelling and it has helped greatly. My brothers are lending such great help in talking to her regularly and offering to help financially.
Be blessed and know God answers all prayers in HIS TIME NOT ours.
I love this promise from the Lord: “I watch over my word to accomplish it.”Jeremiah 1:12
His word is never void!
I don’t know if I posted this before, but there is a video through the Smithsonia Channel on youtube showing modern craftsmen building the ark with the tools they had back then. It really puts in perspective how much work went into building the ark and the amount of talent the Israelites had to have to complete this task. This is the name of the video if you want to take a look: A Master Craftsman Tests the Baffling Ark of the Covenant
Lee- praying for your nephew and family!