February 9
Exodus 25:1-28:43
This is where it seems like our read through the Bible comes to a grinding halt for many. The intricate specificities surrounding the building of the tabernacle seems tedious and might seem boring. I would advise everyone to take a moment to look at a search engine to get images of the tabernacle, inside and out, so that you can get an appreciation of what these items actually looked like. Also, as you are reading please see Jesus in the tabernacle for so many of the items can be seen in His Earthly ministry. Notice, the items to be offered were not compulsory, but was to be freely given out of desire, realizing that they were building this structure so that God would dwell with them. We read this in Exodus 25:2,8: “ Tell the people of Israel to bring me their sacred offerings. Accept the contributions from all whose hearts are moved to offer them...”Have the people of Israel build me a holy sanctuary so I can live among them.” When we pause to consider how much we give to our children and loved ones, how much is our heart moved to give to our God who literally holds our breath in His hands?
When we look at the specific items, I just want to elaborate on a few of them. We notice the request for scarlet thread in Exodus 25:4. Dyed threads were very precious and not easy to come by. The worm required to make scarlet thread in Hebrew is called “Tola” and it’s specific name is: Coccus ilicis, an insect that was used in ancient times to make scarlet dye. When a female “scarlet worm” is ready to have young, it permanently attaches itself to the trunk of a tree and lays its eggs. The insect then dies and in death turns crimson, staining the surrounding wood scarlet as well. The dead bodies of these insects were then collected and the scarlet fluid extracted; the resulting brilliant dye was prized for coloring fabric and thread. The scarlet thread used in the tabernacle was symbolic of the blood of the sacrifice. This word, “Tola” is in the Messianic psalm, Psalm 22, which Jesus recited while on the cross. We read in 22:6, “ But I am a worm and not a man. I am scorned and despised by all!” Like the Tola worm, our Savior was deemed lowly and insignificant to the world, but in His death, just as the worm dies to give life to it’s children, our Savior died giving us new life.
Also the metals: Gold, silver and bronze mentioned in Exodus 25:3, were not haphazardly used in the construction of the temple. Gold is symbolic for holiness and is used for the atonement cover or mercy seat, and the furnishings inside the tabernacle. Bronze is symbolic of judgement and is used for the altar of sacrifice. When we see Jesus in Revelation 1, His garment was girded with a gold Band signifying His holiness, but His feet were like bronze, because He comes back to judge the earth.
One last point, on the hem of the priestly robe in Exodus 28:33-34 were bells and pomegranates. Realize each real pomegranate has 613 seeds, just like the exact number of laws given by God through Moses. Also, the bells were attached, and when the high priest (he alone was allowed behind the veil in the Most Holy Place) went before the Mercy seat, they would attach a rope to his foot. If the people outside heard the bells stopped this would indicate that the high priest was struck dead and they could pull him out of the Most Holy Place using the rope (not sure if the rope ever had to be used).
Just a few of the many aspects of the tabernacle which might make this less laborious and actually intriguing. If you take some time to research the many facets of this structure you will be amazed.
Messages from Pastor Lloyd Pulley: