I. The holy garments of the high priest, made of blue and purple and scarlet linen adorned with gold and precious stones, were worn during the high priest’s service in the holy place (Exodus 39:1-31).

• ephod (2)
• girdle (5)
• breastplate (8)
• robe (22)
• coat (27)
• mitre (28)

II. The tabernacle and its furnishings were the central location for the priest’s ministry (Exodus 39:32-43)

• tent, with its taches, boards, bars, pillars and sockets (33)
• coverings for the top and sides (34)
• ark of the testimony (35)
• table of showbread (36)
• lampstand (37)
• altar of incense (38)
• brazen altar (39)
• courtyard hangings, sockets, and pillars (40)

Meditation Points:

1. All of this was for the education and edification-shall we say, salvation-of the Israel of God. As such, the names of the tribes of Israel were prominently displayed whenever the high priest functioned (6, 14).  So also the redeemed people of God of all ages are known whenever  the true High Priest of God pictured by this earthly tabernacle ministry, Jesus Christ, ministers in heaven.
2. Let us never forget the holy character of God and our responsibility to worship him in holiness (30).
3. There is a blessing for those who do the work of God exactly as He has prescribed it (32, 42-43).

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The furniture of the tabernacle summarized

Exodus 37

I.  Ark of the covenant and the mercy seat (Exodus 37:1-9)

II. Table of showbread (Exodus 37:10-16)

III. Lampstand (Exodus 37:17-24)

IV. Incense altar (Exodus 37:25-29)

Exodus 38

V.  Altar of burnt offering (Exodus 38:1-7)

VI. Laver (Exodus 38:8)

VII. Curtains (hangings) Exodus 38:9-20)

VIII. Financial/material accounting (Exodus 38:21-31)

Meditation Points:

• No chairs, no musical instruments, no pulpit, no overhead projector.
• The tabernacle with its furniture, priesthood and sacrifices was a picture (a type) of a spiritual reality-how to approach God. Jesus says in John 14:6 that He is the way to God. If so, then the tabernacle was a picture of Christ who is the only acceptable sacrifice for sin, the light of the world, the true bread of life and who cleanses us from our sins, intercedes on our behalf and opens the way into the presence of God.
• Did anyone say that this was a waste of gold and silver and other resources?

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How was the tabernacle construction and operation financed?

I. The seventh-day sabbath was to pass without any labor; even the kindling of fires at home was forbidden and considered to be a capital offense (Exodus 35:1-3).

II. A long list of items required for the tabernacle was presented to the people; and men gave as they were willing (Exodus 35:4-29).

III. The two artisans who supervised the construction are introduced again (Exodus 35:30-35; Exodus 36:1-4).

IV. So generous were the people that the collection had to be halted (Exodus 36:5-7)

V. The curtains, coverings, veil and other soft goods are described along with their supporting frames (Exodus 36:8-38)

Meditation Points:

1. Who would think that striking a match would be a violation of the Sabbath? No, we would not know sin if God had not revealed it to us (Romans 7:7).
2. Why are there poor churches? Is it often because of the miserliness of its parishioners?  God loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7).
3. The artisans knew how much material was required to build the tabernacle; and they were not greedy to ask for more than they needed.

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The Giving of the Law-a Second Tme.

I.  Let’s start all over again(Exodus 34:1-4)

II. Let Me tell you who I am (Exodus 34:5-9)

III. Here’s what I’m going to do, and what you are going to do (Exodus 34:10-17)

IV. Special seasons of worship (Exodus 34:18-27)

V. You could tell he’d been with God (Exodus 34:28-35)

Meditation Points:

1. Moses broke all ten commandments (literally), but God was gracious to allow him to start over again.  How many times have you started over again?
2. God says that He is merciful, gracious, longsuffering, full of goodness and truth and forgiving; but that He will hold men accountable for their sins. If God were to call you to give account of your life today, how would you fare?
3. After God’s declaration of human responsibility, Moses bowed and worshiped.  How many people today submit to God’s divine right to judge the affairs of men?
4. No entangling alliances should prevent Israel from following God.  Too often our relationships prevent us from holiness.
5. Weekly sabbaths should remind the people of God’s claim to their lives; but God required additional special seasons of spiritual awareness and dedication.
6. After so much time with God, Moses’ appearance changed.  Yours would, too.

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