Making the Ark
Open Your Bible
Exodus 37:1-29, Jeremiah 1:11-12, Revelation 1:12-20
BY Yana Conner
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.
43 thoughts on "Making the Ark"
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During the Golden Calf incident in Exodus 32, the Bible uses the term ‘all the people’ (Exodus 32:3). So, this would lead me to believe that Oholiab and Bezalel (as well as all the other men who helped to construct the temple) took part in this sin. Having God-given ‘skill, intelligence, knowledge, and craftmanship’ (Exodus 35:31), doesn’t make you exempt from the temptations to sin nor the need to repent of sin. Yet, God still allowed them to take part in constructing the temple, not because they deserved the opportunity, not because they proved to God that they were ‘good enough,’ not because their skill was unmatched, not because God needed them, but because of His grace and mercy ALONE! Just as the Golden Calf incident was a public sin, God then used these same men who all partook in that public sin, to take part in constructing the temple in public, again to showcase His grace & mercy ALONE! Praise God!
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Molly R this is beautiful and so applicable to my current stage of life. Thank you for this!!
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The horns on the altar caught my attention today. I looked up horns and in the Bible they represent kings. The horns of the altar provided sanctuary to those seeking it. I think the horns on the altar represented Jesus, the King of all and the one who was sacrificed for all of our sins. I find it amazing that even in the details that I would gloss over usually, God has great meaning! God is good!
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LEE, praying for your brother, and the wider family as you navigate this next season..
BUT GOD..
He is near, in all circumstances, He is near..Sending love and prayers wrapped in hugs for you all.
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Angie Mills, thank you so very much for the insight. So very good and definitely needed to hear/see as u am one who tends to skim over things I believe do not affect this day and times..
Thank you sister.Thank you God.
BUT GOD..
❤
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Thank you Angie Mills for sharing the revelations. Truly God is deep and even His texts have multi layered symbolic messages. We are His workmanship indeed, day by day being developed to be pure gold. Amazing capture.
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Thanks for sharing those insights!
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Amen Marianne. Praying for requests spoken and on hearts.
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