Today's Reading:

Exodus 25
Exodus 26
Exodus 27
Exodus 28

 
The Tabernacle had an ornate veil, a special barrier that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, where God’s presence dwelt on the Mercy Seat. This thick curtain symbolized the difference between God and sinful humans that needed continuous sacrificing, including the High Priest. There were limitations with sacrificing in the old covenant, which was why it was continuous, unlike the new covenant through Jesus. At Jesus’ death on the cross (Matthew 27:51), the temple curtain tore from top to bottom- a divine act that signified our ability to go to God without a mediator, as Jesus was our High Priest now. We are given direct, unmediated access to God’s throne of mercy, His Mercy Seat (Hebrews 10:19-20) for all who trust in Him. The torn veil marked the transition from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant as Jesus was the new way of living. The veil was a reminder that sin and humanity were not to be in the presence of God, through Jesus, that had changed, and we can now enter God’s presence daily without fear and through faith in Him. What personal “veils” of doubt, guilt or tradition might hinder your relationship and communication with God today? 

Today’s readings gave a very detailed blueprint or set of instructions on how to build the Tabernacle (portable tent), along with the sanctuary items that were to be built and placed inside. They were much more detailed than the pictorial IKEA versions of furniture we get today! The Israelites were told by God to bring Him offerings from their plunder of the Egyptians, whatever amount was in their hearts to give. This sanctuary (holy place) was to be built so that God could dwell with them throughout their journey in the wilderness. The voluntary offerings included gold, silver, bronze, yarn, linen, goat hair, ram skins (extremely soft leather), and durable leather, acacia wood, olive oil, spices and precious gems. God had given Moses the exact measurements on Mt. Sinai in order to build the tabernacle and the Ark of the Covenant, and furniture.

The first three main items to be built were the Ark of the Covenant (think large hope chest, not boat), The Table for the Bread, and the Lampstand (shaped like a Menorah). The Ark of the Covenant was approximately 3.75’ x 2.25’ x 2.5’ tall and had extremely important carrying poles that were not to be removed, which were made for carrying the ark (this comes into play later). Inside the Ark the Israelites were to keep the sacred items and for now that was only the stone tablets of the 10 Commandments. The Ark also had a lid to the box which was called the Mercy Seat. This was made of the same pure gold and included 2 gold cherubim facing each other (angelic figures with wings, see Genesis 3:24). This mercy seat was for God and was to be kept in the Most Holy Place where He would meet with Moses behind the curtain/veil.

The second item described was the Table for Bread of the Presence, which was a smaller table of acacia wood about 3’x 1.5’x 2.25’ tall. The table had gold covering the wood and included rings to help carry it through the wilderness. There were items for the table, including gold plates, dishes, pitchers, and bowls for offerings. 12 loaves of bread were to be continually placed before God, one for each of the 12 tribes of Israel, and represented their constant presence and how they were to depend on God for sustenance.

The third item was the Lampstand, which was shaped similarly to a Menorah. It had a center section and three branches on each side. Each branch had a flower-shaped cup with buds and blossoms that were very ornate. This was the light of the word. In the New Testament, Jesus said He was the vine, and we were the branches- 1 vine + 6 branches= 7 completeness.

Chapter 26 described the Tabernacle, how it was to be built and covered. It was a rectangular-shaped tent about 45’ x 15’ x 15” tall and included only one entrance. The entire Tabernacle was designed to be set up and taken down for traveling. The inner curtains were made of linen and embroidered with cherubim. The outer tent covering was made of goat hair, which helped to keep it water-resistant. The frames and bases were made of acacia wood and gold. The special curtain (veil) was made of colorful yarn and linen with cherubim and separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place. Only the priests were allowed inside the Tabernacle's Holy Place. The Most Holy Place was for the Ark to reside to keep God holy, and only the High Priest was only allowed to go into that area 1 time per year (Day of Atonement, that deep cleansing day). When Jesus died, it was noted that the curtain was torn from top to bottom to allow the believer to have direct access to God without a mediator.

Chapter 27 described more furniture, The Altar of Burnt Offering, in each corner had areas for the utensils like pots, shovels, and forks, used to handle the meat and deal with the ashes from the fire. The fire was to be kept burning continuously and used for the daily burnt offerings, the sin offerings, and grain offerings. The 4 horns were used during the rituals to apply blood, representing power and strength of atonement. (Like a giant grill with attached barbecue holders for grilling, not really, but that was as close of a representation as I can think). The Courtyard for the Tabernacle was an open space that surrounded the Tabernacle, and where the ceremonially clean could bring their sacrifices and worship with the priests. Non-Jews or anyone unclean were not permitted. The last description was the special Oil for the Lampstand, which was to be made from pressed olives,  to make a clear oil for burning that did not smoke. The Lamps were to burn from night through the morning and were watched by Aaron and his sons.

Chapter 28 continued with the very detailed clothing of the priest’s garments. Aaron was recognized by God as the High Priest, and his sons had the honor of serving with him in priestly duties. The Ephod was like an apron vest and there were 2 onyx stones on the shoulders with the 12 tribe’s names engraved on them. The Breast piece/ Breastplate was a square hanging from gold chains with 12 stones laid in 4 rows and each stone had one tribe’s name engraved on it. Each gemstone was a different color (not related to the gemstones of zodiac birth stones which is not at all biblical but just a modern custom). The 12 stones symbolized Aaron bearing the names of the tribes over his heart before God, ensuring they were always remembered. The Urim (light/yes/good) and Thummim (dark/no/bad) were to go inside of the breast piece. They were mysterious objects that would help the High Priest discern God’s will, such as whether to go to war; he could pull one out of the pouch to receive a divine answer, like casting lots.

Other priestly garments included the robe, which had a collar of pomegranate (pompoms) and bells to announce the priests coming and going in the Tabernacle, the turban, and the linen undergarments (like men’s boxer shorts). The bells would jingle like a dog collar, so God did not kill them accidentally. The undergarment mandate was a divine dress code- cover up or else! Next time as you walk into a room clicking your high heels on the hard floor, or checking your appearance in the bathroom mirror before an important meeting, just remember that even the High Priest needed bells to announce his presence and a strict undergarment policy to stay on God’s good side- maybe paying attention to the little details isn’t so outdated after all!

Today's Discussion question: 

The veil was a reminder that sin and humanity were not to be in the presence of God, through Jesus, that had changed and we can now enter God’s presence daily without fear and through faith in Him. What personal “veils” of doubt, guilt or tradition might hinder your relationship and communication with God today?

 
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