Bible in 365 Days

Exodus 36-38

Exodus 36

The account of the actual presentation of the offerings to the company of workers inspired of God to use them is full of beauty. All the people offered, but a select number were commissioned for the actual work. These were such as were wise and understanding of heart a fitness which came as a direct gift of God.

The earnestness of the people at this point is made supremely apparent in that they offered more than was needed; indeed, "much more" is the actual word of Scripture.

The work now proceeded, and as in the earlier movements of the Book we have seen something of the symbolism of this center of worship, we now notice only the order in which that work was carried out.

In giving instructions, everything proceeded from the center to the circumference. Here the order is much the same but with slight variations. The place of divine dwelling and revelation was first prepared, and the beginning of this is described. First, the Tabernacle itself; then the Tent which covered it; next the boards and the bars on which the Tabernacle and Tent were raised; and, after that, the veil and the pillars on which it was hung. The supreme thing in the whole structure was this central dwelling place of God and that was made first.

Exodus 37

In furnishing the Tabernacle and Tent, the work commenced with the furniture of the Holy of Holies. The Ark was first constructed because it was to be the very center, and in itself the foundations of the government of God in righteousness. Then followed the mercy seat, attesting the provision made in the economy of God for approach to Him by sinful man. Long after, a Hebrew singer expressed the significance of this as he sang:

"Surely His salvation is nigh them that fear Him, That glory may dwell in our land. Mercy and truth are met together; Righteousness and peace have kissed each other" (Psalms 85:9-10).

After the furniture of the Holy of Holies that of the Holy Place was made. First the table of communion, consequent on the propitiation manifested between the cherubim; then the lampstand, indicating the testimony the communing people were to bear to the outside world. Following this, the altar of incense, at which the people brought into communion and bearing testimony were to offer their sacrifices of praise. Finally, the anointing oil, the perpetual symbol of the truth that fitness for all approach and service comes by the way of divine provision.

Exodus 38

In the history of construction we now pass to the court itself. Here again the furniture was first prepared. The brazen altar led the way as the symbol of absolute devotion to God. This was followed by the laver, a gracious provision for the constant cleansing of those who were to find their way into the Holy Place for communion and testimony. Then followed the making of the courts, its curtains, its pillars, and its sockets of redemption silver. Finally the screen of embroidered work for the gate was prepared.

The study of this pattern and the work done to carry it out must inevitably lead the thought to the fulfillment of everything symbolized in and through Christ. Whereas there may be fanciful and almost fantastic interpretations, there can be no doubt that everything was intended to teach great lessons and to lead the thought of these people to the spiritual nature of their life under the government of God. If we may use the term with all reverence, lifting it on to the highest level of application, the whole Hebrew economy was that of an elementary education, the employment of the kindergarten method of pictures, leading to underlying and eternal truth.