From Chapter 25, the author of Exodus begins to touch on the matter of the tabernacle, which will span 13 chapters – chapters 25 to 31 record the instructions for building the tabernacle, while chapters 35 to 40 record its actual building. God gave Moses specific instructions on the materials to be gathered and how the tabernacle should be built. The reason for such precision seems to be implied in verse 8 (“And let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell in their midst”). This is an early indication that the tabernacle is an earthly symbol of a greater, heavenly reality.

In the building of the tabernacle, the first thing to be mentioned is the building of the ark, the only furnishing located in the Most Holy Place, and suggests the importance of the ark. The ark is the focus of God’s presence with His people, the central point of contact between heaven and the tabernacle, the earthly symbol of heaven.

As we continue to read about the other components of the tabernacle (in the case of Exodus 25, the table for bread and the golden lampstand was also described), it is important that we return to the question of, “What did the tabernacle ‘do’ for Israel”? Eventually, this portable tabernacle was replaced by the temple, a structure intended to be permanent, but its intention remains – an earthly representation of heavenly reality. The temple was the centre of Israel’s religious activity, without which, they would cease to be an active, worshipping people of God.

How about us, who are in the new covenant? John 1:14 says “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us”. The Greek verb for “dwelt” means to “pitch a tent, dwell in a tent”, and its root word is used throughout the Septuagint (Greek translation of the Hebrew Old Testament) to represent the tabernacle. Therefore, if we could use it in John 1:14, we might say “And the Word became flesh and tabernacled among us”.

God’s intention of dwelling in our midst has never changed, and its importance has never lessened. The presence of God continues to be with us today and God continues to live among His people, through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, we too, are the Holy Temple. How then should we live our day to day as people who are in close intimacy with God? Are we willing to reject the sins in our lives and live holy, and set apart lives? Are we willing to be active, worshipping people of God.

Dear brothers and sisters, God is never far from us and is always with us. May we continue to worship Him and live lives worthy of His presence.

Dear God, thank you for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, that we may enjoy such sweet intimacy with you. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.