Exodus 25-30

God’s Actions

Instructions on the tabernacle, show his holiness

Precious medals, colored yarns, fine linen (worn by Egyptian officials, part of the booty from escaping)

Tabernacle wasn’t necessarily a place of worship, but a place for God to dwell. Had to be maintained in holiness and purity. Priesthood existed to maintain that purity. Sacrifices existed to maintain that purity

Only high priests and priests were allowed to tend the tabernacle, bread, lampstand, etc., to who the holiness of God.

Courtyard was shorter than the tabernacle itself, so that the symbol of God’s presence was clearly seen

Progression of precious to common place, from Holy of Holies to courtyard

Special incense and perfume. Could not be copied at all!

Tithing mandatory. Honoring God’s covenant and presence.

Instructions on worship

anointing oil for the tabernacle: remove all secular smells, so that mind could be on the worship of God

Decorations and Ephod to represent the presence of God to the eyes

Ark is a very Egyptian thing. Footstool for God’s throne, providing a link between heaven and earth (God’s throne is in Heaven). Egyptian documents were deposited at the foot of the deity in a box the exact dimensions of this ark. Boxes like this, dedicated to deities, were carried in processions.

Name was “tent of meeting”: here God promised to meet with Moses and give direction. Guidance was promised through all times.

Lamps symbolized the presence of God: keep them burning continually to symbolize God’s unrelenting presence.

God’s People

Called to give up their most precious possessions for God

Precious medals

Colored yarns, descending order of expense: blue, purple, scarlet

Called to worship God with their whole body

Incense, beautiful medals and objects with significance, bells on High priest

High Priest

Represents everyone in Israel.

Ephod aid in the discernment of God’s will, for entire nation

Holy to the Lord on turban. Responsibility for the sin of all the offerings brought before the Lord and to remind the Lord to accept them.

Undergarments were to be worn, unlike other nations. Nudity was common in other religious worship sessions.

blood on earlobe, thumb and big toe. hear the word of god, perform sacrifices with hands, and lead people to worship with feet

Application

Worship God with whole body and experience

Honor God’s holiness

Everything in worship should have a purpose.