Materials For The Tabernacle

Exodus 38:1–20
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The first part of this chapter continues with the construction of the tabernacle furnishings (vv. 1-8).  Following this is a description of the items placed in the tabernacle courtyard (vv. 9-20). 

1. The Altar for Offering Sacrifices (vv. 1-7)

The Altar of Burnt offering represents the cross, where the Lord Jesus offered Himself to the Father as a complete sacrifice. There can be no access to God apart from sacrificial death.

2. The Large Bronze Bowl (v. 8)

The Laver (bowl) was made from the bronze mirrors of the serving women. The glorification of self gave way to service for God. It speaks of the present ministry of Christ, cleansing His people by the washing of water with the Word (Eph. 5:26). The priests were required to wash their hands and feet before performing any service.

3. The Courtyard around the Sacred Tent (vv. 9-20)

The outer court around the tabernacle consisted of white hanging linen, pillars with bronze sockets and silver hooks, and an embroidered screen at the gate. The spotless linen is a picture of His spotless purity. This gate suggests Christ at the door (John 10:9), the only approach to God.

Application

We all have different talents and abilities. God didn’t ask Moses to build the tabernacle himself but to motivate the experts to do it. I just need to seek opportunities in the areas God has gifted me.