God's Presence: The Significance of the Tabernacle
Summary
In our journey through the book of Exodus, we have reached a pivotal moment where we delve into the intricate details of the tabernacle, a sacred space that symbolizes God's dwelling among His people. The narrative of Exodus has taken us from the dramatic escape from Egypt to the giving of the Ten Commandments, and now to the construction of the tabernacle. This structure, described in meticulous detail, represents more than just a physical space; it embodies the profound longing for God's presence that resides in every human heart.
The tabernacle, or "dwelling place of God," is a testament to the Israelites' journey and their relationship with God. It is a portable sanctuary, reflecting the transient nature of their desert wanderings, yet it is filled with items that speak volumes about God's character and His relationship with His people. From the bronze altar, where sacrifices were made, to the bread of presence symbolizing God's provision, each element within the tabernacle tells a story of divine interaction and covenant.
The tabernacle's design echoes the Garden of Eden, the first dwelling place of God with humanity. Just as cherubim guarded the entrance to Eden, they are present in the Holy of Holies, the innermost part of the tabernacle, where the Ark of the Covenant resides. This sacred space, where the high priest would enter once a year to atone for the sins of the people, underscores the necessity of atonement for entering God's presence.
As we reflect on the tabernacle, we are reminded that God's presence is not confined to a single location. The Israelites carried the tabernacle with them, a constant reminder of God's nearness and their identity as His chosen people. This theme of God's dwelling among us finds its ultimate fulfillment in the New Testament, where we learn that "the Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us," pointing to Jesus as the true tabernacle.
Key Takeaways:
- The tabernacle represents God's desire to dwell among His people, highlighting the universal longing for divine presence. It serves as a reminder that God is not distant but intimately involved in our lives, inviting us to seek Him earnestly. [06:22]
- Each item within the tabernacle, from the bronze altar to the bread of presence, reveals aspects of God's character and His covenant with humanity. These elements teach us about God's provision, guidance, and the necessity of atonement for sin. [09:17]
- The tabernacle's design echoes the Garden of Eden, symbolizing a return to the original communion between God and humanity. It reminds us that through atonement, we can enter into God's presence, a theme that resonates throughout Scripture. [11:56]
- The portability of the tabernacle reflects the transient nature of the Israelites' journey and God's constant presence with them. It encourages us to recognize God's presence in our own lives, regardless of our circumstances or location. [11:56]
- The ultimate fulfillment of the tabernacle's symbolism is found in Jesus, who "became flesh and made His dwelling among us." This profound truth invites us to experience God's presence through a personal relationship with Christ. [11:56]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:00] - Introduction to Exodus Study
[02:30] - Overview of Exodus Narrative
[04:00] - Transition to Tabernacle Instructions
[06:22] - Significance of the Tabernacle
[08:00] - Detailed Description of the Tabernacle
[09:17] - Symbolism of Tabernacle Items
[11:00] - The Holy of Holies and the Ark
[11:56] - Cherubim and God's Presence
[13:30] - The Tabernacle's Portability
[15:00] - Connection to the Garden of Eden
[16:30] - The Tabernacle's Fulfillment in Christ
[18:00] - Conclusion and Next Steps
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Exodus 25:8-9 - "Then have them make a sanctuary for me, and I will dwell among them. Make this tabernacle and all its furnishings exactly like the pattern I will show you."
2. John 1:14 - "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth."
#### Observation Questions
1. What are some of the specific items mentioned in the tabernacle, and what do they symbolize about God's character? [09:17]
2. How does the design of the tabernacle echo the Garden of Eden, and what significance does this hold? [11:56]
3. What was the purpose of the cherubim in the Holy of Holies, and how does this relate to the story of Adam and Eve? [11:56]
4. How did the portability of the tabernacle reflect the Israelites' journey and God's presence with them? [06:22]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. In what ways does the tabernacle represent the universal longing for God's presence, and how is this longing fulfilled in the New Testament? [06:22]
2. How do the items within the tabernacle, such as the bronze altar and the bread of presence, teach us about God's provision and the necessity of atonement for sin? [09:17]
3. What does the presence of cherubim in both the Garden of Eden and the Holy of Holies signify about humanity's relationship with God? [11:56]
4. How does the concept of the tabernacle as a "dwelling place of God" evolve from the Old Testament to the New Testament with the coming of Jesus? [11:56]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt a deep longing for God's presence. How did you seek to fulfill that longing, and what was the outcome? [06:22]
2. Consider the symbolism of the bronze altar and the bread of presence. How do these elements challenge you to think about God's provision and your need for atonement in your daily life? [09:17]
3. The tabernacle was portable, reminding the Israelites of God's constant presence. How can you recognize and acknowledge God's presence in your life, regardless of your circumstances or location? [06:22]
4. The design of the tabernacle echoes the Garden of Eden. How can you strive to restore a sense of communion with God in your personal life? [11:56]
5. Jesus is described as the ultimate fulfillment of the tabernacle's symbolism. How can you deepen your personal relationship with Christ to experience God's presence more fully? [11:56]
6. The tabernacle's construction required meticulous attention to detail. How can you apply this principle of intentionality and care in your spiritual practices or community involvement?
7. How can the story of the tabernacle inspire you to create spaces in your life that invite and honor God's presence?
Devotional
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Quotes
And so 20 chapters took us through the birth and call of Moses, the 10 plagues, the escape from Egypt, and the three months that it took them to get to Mount Sinai to receive the 10 commandments. And so 20 chapters of that is history, which is in a very narrative style, very compelling and exciting. [00:00:48]
And so now on part 25 of the Exodus series, we're going to start considering all the stuff about the tabernacle, which is found in great detail in chapters 25 through 31 and 35 through 40 of Exodus. So 20 chapters of history, exciting narrative style, four chapters of case laws, and then we come to this. [00:01:48]
And so to understand the tabernacle we've got to zoom out a bit and look at the whole biblical story and how it fits into it all so let's begin with that we're going to zoom out a little bit and look at Genesis the first book of the Bible the story of God's presence on earth starts there in the Garden of Eden right Adam and Eve walked with God. [00:02:51]
And so God then goes on to tell Moses exactly how to build each of these furnishings and the dimensions for the entire tabernacle. And if you're just reading it, it's a bit hard to visualize. And so here is a picture for you of what the tabernacle would have looked like. [00:06:22]
I have some friends that are church planters, and often when the church is starting out, they might meet someplace like a school or a cafeteria or a movie theater, someplace like that. And every week they have to set up all their stuff and then tear it down. And the tabernacle was kind of set up and tear down. [00:07:01]
All the elements, they were made with rings and poles so they could be portable and be moved when the Israelites had to pack up and go to a new place as they would wander the desert then for about 40 more years. And so the entire area of the tabernacle was about 150 feet long and 70 feet wide. [00:07:28]
And so the bread symbolized that God is the one who always gives sustenance and provides for his people. Because remember, these items in his house, they're going to tell us something about God. So the bread of presence. Next, in Exodus 25, we find there's a lamp, stand placed in the holy place. [00:09:00]
The lamp stand signified that God would always light the way for us by his presence. Exodus tells us that it was supposed to be carved with branches ending in buds and blossoms. And many feel, and I do too, that this was a symbol of God's presence. And so the bread of presence is a symbol of the tree of life from the Garden of Eden. [00:09:45]
And in the holy of holies was an object called the ark of the covenant uh and it wasn't actually that big only about three foot nine by two uh four or two two feet four inches uh it's made out of wood it was overlaid with gold here's kind of a picture of it uh the art was was by far uh the most important item in there. [00:10:04]
And so we're told on the top of the Ark of the Covenant, there are two gold cherubim in that place between the angels above the atonement cover. And that was the place where you found the very presence of God. As God said, let me read that to you as well. [00:11:38]
And again, remember, these items in God's house tell us a lot about God. I mean, this is one of the major themes of the Bible from cover to cover. We cannot come into God's presence without the atoning of sin, which was the sacrifice of blood. And so Exodus 25, 31 gives us these instructions. [00:12:16]
And God's dwelling place is also a tent. And that's significant. You know, I told you they were going to build a more permanent structure in Jerusalem later, but God's presence there, God's dwelling place. And of course, as I said earlier, God is everywhere. And the Israelites knew that, and they believed that. [00:13:38]
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