Exodus: The Tabernacle The Story of God Exodus: The Tabernacle

The Tabernacle Is prominent in Exodus and the remainder of the Bible story Is the earthly dwelling place of God. Exodus 25.8 Thus is the mechanism for the ongoing relationship of Exodus 24.9-11 This is where God will meet with men Exodus 25.22 Exodus 29.42-43 Exodus 30.6; 30.36 For “meet,” see Exodus 21.9, where it is translated “betroth.” The word conveys more than a casual meeting

Looks backward to Eden: Cherubims guard the sacred place. Genesis 3.24; Exodus 25.18-22 The entrance faced east. Genesis 3.24; Numbers 3.38 The same work was performed in it. Genesis 2.15; Numbers 3.7-8 Is blessed at it’s completion. Genesis 2.1-3; Exodus 39.43

Looks forward to Heaven Rev 21:22 And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. Rev 22:3 And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: Rev 22:4 And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads. Rev 22:5 And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.

Is told in two accounts Exodus 25.1-31.18 The first account ends with instruction about the Sabbath rest Exodus 35.1-40.38 The second account begins with instruction about the Sabbath rest The instruction about the Sabbath witnesses to God’s authority The instruction about Sabbath rest witnesses to a rest found only in God

In between the two accounts Is potential catastrophe: the covenant is broken by Israel, almost immediately upon it’s ratification Moses’ breaking of the tablets of stone is a symbolic act, not an angry one We are being taught that the Tabernacle itself has no redemptive value It is, like the Law of Moses, “weak through the flesh.” (Romans 8.3)

We are being taught about God’s justice and mercy: this is taught all throughout the Tabernacle account, as the people gain access to the presence of God (grace) through sacrifice (judgment) God spared the people judgment (33.1-6), but for a time He insisted on dwelling apart from them We are being taught about God’s covenant faithfulness. Exodus 32.9-14

At the conclusion of Exodus The promise of a large nation is being fulfilled God was expanding His glorious rule on earth His judgment and mercy exist side by side