Offerings For The Santuary
November 2, 2022
Commentary
Chapters 25–27 give detailed instructions for building the tabernacle—the sacred tent where God would dwell among His people. In Exodus 25, the Lord began by calling His people to participate in this holy project through their freewill offerings. The tabernacle was central to Israel’s national and spiritual life. It symbolized God’s presence in their midst and served as the meeting place between God and His leaders and people (Ex. 29:42–43). It was also where God’s visible glory appeared (Ex. 40:35).
First, the Israelites were to bring a voluntary offering from every person whose heart was moved to give (vv. 1–2). This was not a tax or required gift but an act of personal devotion. Each person could offer what they willingly chose to separate for God’s holy purpose. Giving was to come from a joyful heart, not from pressure or duty.
Second, God listed 14 materials to be gathered for the building of the tabernacle, including gold, silver, bronze, fine linen, yarn, skins, oil, and spic-es (vv. 3–7). Every item had a special purpose and symbolized something about God’s beauty, strength, and holiness.
Third, God instructed them to build Him a sanctuary—a holy dwelling place where He could live among His people (v. 8). The tabernacle was not just a tent; it was a visible reminder that the Lord desired to be present with His people in the middle of their camp.
Finally, the Lord told Moses to make everything according to the pattern He would show him (v. 9). Nothing was to be left to human design or imagination. This pattern pointed ahead to the greater reality of God dwelling with His people through Jesus Christ (Rev. 21:2–3).
Application
What do my giving habits say about my heart toward God? When I give, do I do it freely and joyfully, or only when I feel pressured? God asked His people to give from willing hearts so He could dwell among them. How can I use my time, money, or talents this week to help make God’s presence known where I live and serve?
Exodus 25:1–9 (NET)
1 The Lord spoke to Moses, 2 “Tell the Israelites to take an offering for me; from every person motivated by a willing heart you are to receive my offering. 3 This is the offering you are to accept from them: gold, silver, bronze, 4 blue, purple, scarlet, fine linen, goats’ hair, 5 ram skins dyed red, fine leather, acacia wood, 6 oil for the light, spices for the anointing oil and for fragrant incense, 7 onyx stones, and other gems to be set in the ephod and in the breastpiece. 8 Let them make for me a sanctuary, so that I may live among them. 9 According to all that I am showing you —the pattern of the tabernacle and the pattern of all its furnishings—you must make it exactly so.
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