November 8, 2020
The book of Exodus tells the story of the birth of the nation of Israel fulfilling God’s promise to Abraham. From the seventy descendants of Jacob, Israel was fruitful and multiplied greatly until they filled the whole land of Egypt. After four centuries of slavery, God answers the cries of His people for deliverance. God raises up Moses for this calling, to lead his people out of bondage to a land of promise and deliverance.
Some of the greatest stories of the Bible are featured in Exodus—from the Ten Plagues, and the Passover, to the crossing of the Red Sea, and the establishment of the covenant at Mount Sinai. The Passover lamb, the exodus from the land of Egypt, the seven feasts, the tabernacle, and even the high priest, are all foreshadows of the ministry of Christ.
Chapters 1-18 contains the events leading up to God’s delivering the Hebrews from their captivity in Egypt, and chapters 19-40 shares the events in the wilderness and the account of God’s instructions to Moses on Mount Sinai to direct the life and worship of the nation.
Exodus 39 & 40
Making the Priestly Garments
1 From the blue and purple and scarlet yarns they made finely woven garments, for ministering in the Holy Place. They made the holy garments for Aaron, as the Lord had commanded Moses.
2 He made the ephod of gold, blue and purple and scarlet yarns, and fine twined linen. 3 And they hammered out gold leaf, and he cut it into threads to work into the blue and purple and the scarlet yarns, and into the fine twined linen, in skilled design. 4 They made for the ephod attaching shoulder pieces, joined to it at its two edges. 5 And the skillfully woven band on it was of one piece with it and made like it, of gold, blue and purple and scarlet yarns, and fine twined linen, as the Lord had commanded Moses.
6 They made the onyx stones, enclosed in settings of gold filigree, and engraved like the engravings of a signet, according to the names of the sons of Israel. 7 And he set them on the shoulder pieces of the ephod to be stones of remembrance for the sons of Israel, as the Lord had commanded Moses.
8 He made the breastpiece, in skilled work, in the style of the ephod, of gold, blue and purple and scarlet yarns, and fine twined linen. 9 It was square. They made the breastpiece doubled, a span its length and a span its breadth when doubled. 10 And they set in it four rows of stones. A row of sardius, topaz, and carbuncle was the first row; 11 and the second row, an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond; 12 and the third row, a jacinth, an agate, and an amethyst; 13 and the fourth row, a beryl, an onyx, and a jasper. They were enclosed in settings of gold filigree. 14 There were twelve stones with their names according to the names of the sons of Israel. They were like signets, each engraved with its name, for the twelve tribes. 15 And they made on the breastpiece twisted chains like cords, of pure gold. 16 And they made two settings of gold filigree and two gold rings, and put the two rings on the two edges of the breastpiece. 17 And they put the two cords of gold in the two rings at the edges of the breastpiece. 18 They attached the two ends of the two cords to the two settings of filigree. Thus they attached it in front to the shoulder pieces of the ephod. 19 Then they made two rings of gold, and put them at the two ends of the breastpiece, on its inside edge next to the ephod. 20 And they made two rings of gold, and attached them in front to the lower part of the two shoulder pieces of the ephod, at its seam above the skillfully woven band of the ephod. 21 And they bound the breastpiece by its rings to the rings of the ephod with a lace of blue, so that it should lie on the skillfully woven band of the ephod, and that the breastpiece should not come loose from the ephod, as the Lord had commanded Moses.
22 He also made the robe of the ephod woven all of blue, 23 and the opening of the robe in it was like the opening in a garment, with a binding around the opening, so that it might not tear. 24 On the hem of the robe they made pomegranates of blue and purple and scarlet yarns and fine twined linen. 25 They also made bells of pure gold, and put the bells between the pomegranates all around the hem of the robe, between the pomegranates— 26 a bell and a pomegranate, a bell and a pomegranate around the hem of the robe for ministering, as the Lord had commanded Moses.
27 They also made the coats, woven of fine linen, for Aaron and his sons, 28 and the turban of fine linen, and the caps of fine linen, and the linen undergarments of fine twined linen, 29 and the sash of fine twined linen and of blue and purple and scarlet yarns, embroidered with needlework, as the Lord had commanded Moses.
30 They made the plate of the holy crown of pure gold, and wrote on it an inscription, like the engraving of a signet, “Holy to the Lord.” 31 And they tied to it a cord of blue to fasten it on the turban above, as the Lord had commanded Moses.
32 Thus all the work of the tabernacle of the tent of meeting was finished, and the people of Israel did according to all that the Lord had commanded Moses; so they did. 33 Then they brought the tabernacle to Moses, the tent and all its utensils, its hooks, its frames, its bars, its pillars, and its bases; 34 the covering of tanned rams’ skins and goatskins, and the veil of the screen; 35 the ark of the testimony with its poles and the mercy seat; 36 the table with all its utensils, and the bread of the Presence; 37 the lampstand of pure gold and its lamps with the lamps set and all its utensils, and the oil for the light; 38 the golden altar, the anointing oil and the fragrant incense, and the screen for the entrance of the tent; 39 the bronze altar, and its grating of bronze, its poles, and all its utensils; the basin and its stand; 40 the hangings of the court, its pillars, and its bases, and the screen for the gate of the court, its cords, and its pegs; and all the utensils for the service of the tabernacle, for the tent of meeting; 41 the finely worked garments for ministering in the Holy Place, the holy garments for Aaron the priest, and the garments of his sons for their service as priests. 42 According to all that the Lord had commanded Moses, so the people of Israel had done all the work. 43 And Moses saw all the work, and behold, they had done it; as the Lord had commanded, so had they done it. Then Moses blessed them.
Exodus 40
The Tabernacle Erected
1 The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 2 “On the first day of the first month you shall erect the tabernacle of the tent of meeting. 3 And you shall put in it the ark of the testimony, and you shall screen the ark with the veil. 4 And you shall bring in the table and arrange it, and you shall bring in the lampstand and set up its lamps. 5 And you shall put the golden altar for incense before the ark of the testimony, and set up the screen for the door of the tabernacle. 6 You shall set the altar of burnt offering before the door of the tabernacle of the tent of meeting, 7 and place the basin between the tent of meeting and the altar, and put water in it. 8 And you shall set up the court all around, and hang up the screen for the gate of the court.
9 “Then you shall take the anointing oil and anoint the tabernacle and all that is in it, and consecrate it and all its furniture, so that it may become holy. 10 You shall also anoint the altar of burnt offering and all its utensils, and consecrate the altar, so that the altar may become most holy. 11 You shall also anoint the basin and its stand, and consecrate it. 12 Then you shall bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance of the tent of meeting and shall wash them with water 13 and put on Aaron the holy garments. And you shall anoint him and consecrate him, that he may serve me as priest. 14 You shall bring his sons also and put coats on them, 15 and anoint them, as you anointed their father, that they may serve me as priests. And their anointing shall admit them to a perpetual priesthood throughout their generations.”
16 This Moses did; according to all that the Lord commanded him, so he did. 17 In the first month in the second year, on the first day of the month, the tabernacle was erected. 18 Moses erected the tabernacle. He laid its bases, and set up its frames, and put in its poles, and raised up its pillars. 19 And he spread the tent over the tabernacle and put the covering of the tent over it, as the Lord had commanded Moses. 20 He took the testimony and put it into the ark, and put the poles on the ark and set the mercy seat above on the ark. 21 And he brought the ark into the tabernacle and set up the veil of the screen, and screened the ark of the testimony, as the Lord had commanded Moses. 22 He put the table in the tent of meeting, on the north side of the tabernacle, outside the veil, 23 and arranged the bread on it before the Lord, as the Lord had commanded Moses. 24 He put the lampstand in the tent of meeting, opposite the table on the south side of the tabernacle, 25 and set up the lamps before the Lord, as the Lord had commanded Moses. 26 He put the golden altar in the tent of meeting before the veil, 27 and burned fragrant incense on it, as the Lord had commanded Moses. 28 He put in place the screen for the door of the tabernacle. 29 And he set the altar of burnt offering at the entrance of the tabernacle of the tent of meeting, and offered on it the burnt offering and the grain offering, as the Lord had commanded Moses. 30 He set the basin between the tent of meeting and the altar, and put water in it for washing, 31 with which Moses and Aaron and his sons washed their hands and their feet. 32 When they went into the tent of meeting, and when they approached the altar, they washed, as the Lord commanded Moses. 33 And he erected the court around the tabernacle and the altar, and set up the screen of the gate of the court. So Moses finished the work.
The Glory of the Lord
34 Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. 35 And Moses was not able to enter the tent of meeting because the cloud settled on it, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. 36 Throughout all their journeys, whenever the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the people of Israel would set out. 37 But if the cloud was not taken up, then they did not set out till the day that it was taken up. 38 For the cloud of the Lord was on the tabernacle by day, and fire was in it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel throughout all their journeys.
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Reflection:
- As we close out these devotionals in the book of Exodus, we end with the description of the clothing to be worn by Aaron, the High Priest, and the tabernacle being completed and erected.
- Generally, the color blue would represent the sky or heavenly dwelling of God Most High. Purple signifies royalty and scarlet representing the sins covered by blood. Gold and white represents purity and holiness respectively. These colors, precious metals, and thread made of gold are components of both the tabernacle and the priestly attire. The tabernacle and the garments must have been a sight to behold with beautiful elements, craftsmanship, creativity, and artistry. It represented God as our wonderful Creator, and the result of his people working together.
- The breastplate that the High Priest wore was about ten inches square and consisted of twelve stones attached to it representing the twelve tribes of Israel. The breastplate covered the heart of the High Priest as he represented the people before God.
- How does Jesus represent those who belong to him before God? Consider this wonderful truth as you meditate on Hebrews 7:23-25, “The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office,but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermostthose who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.”
- The tabernacle provided for the presence of God among his people, the place of sacrifice for the sins of the people, a physical focal point for the people in their worship of God, and a practical expression of generosity and service of the people to their God. As believers in Jesus Christ, we see many symbolic foreshadows of our Savior and High Priest in the tabernacle, and it reminds us of the new covenant and means of God’s presence in our lives. And most significantly, the temporary has been replaced with the permanent.
- John 1:14, “And the Word (Jesus) became flesh and dwelt (lit. tabernacled) among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Sonfrom the Father, full of grace and truth.”
- Consider Jesus words concerning the passing away of the temple as recorded in Matthew 24:1-2, “Jesus left the temple and was going away, when his disciples came to point out to him the buildings of the temple. But he answered them, “You see all these, do you not? Truly, I say to you, there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.” The temple would indeed be destroyed a few years later in 70 A.D.
- Jesus told the woman at the well that a time would come when the specific place of worship would no longer be the main concern. It would be a matter of the heart of worship. Consider John 4:20-21, “Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, but you say that in Jerusalem is the place where people ought to worship.” Jesus said to her, “Woman, believe me, the hour is coming when neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father.”
- It was God’s plan all along to not dwell in a tent or a building made by human hands, and that his presence would become even more personal and intimate. Reflect on Solomon’s words as recorded in 2 Chronicles 2:5-6, “The house that I am to build will be great, for our God is greater than all gods. But who is able to build him a house, since heaven, even highest heaven, cannot contain him? Who am I to build a house for him, except as a place to make offerings before him?”
- When Stephen was about to be stoned to death, as recorded in Acts 7:47-50, he proclaimed, “But it was Solomon who built a house for him. Yet the Most High does not dwell in houses made by hands, as the prophet says,“‘Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. What kind of house will you build for me, says the Lord, or what is the place of my rest? Did not my hand make all these things?’”
- Paul also emphasized this fact in his address to the Areopagus in Acts 17:24-25, “The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything.”
- Every believer in Jesus Christ is now a temple for God’s dwelling. Reflect on 1 Corinthians 6:19, “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own.”
- Collectively, as God’s people, we are God’s temple, 1 Corinthians 3:16, “Do you not know that you (plural) are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you (plural)?”
- Finally, praise God that, in Christ, you are a part of a royal priesthood! 1 Peter 2:4-5;9, “As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ…But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I praise you for you are holy, the King of kings, Most Holy God! Heaven is your throne and earth your footstool. And yet, you came to me, a sinner, and saved me by the blood of Jesus. You made your dwelling place in me and you have made me a citizen of a holy nation, of your own possession, a part of your royal priesthood. I worship you and lift my heart to you. Live your life through me today, and bring glory to yourself, and make your magnificent name renown! In Jesus’ name, amen.
Dear Heavenly Father,
So great is thy holiness and greatly to be praised. You are all things and the giver of all things. We are nothing but filthy rags compared to you, yet you have chosen us to be in your kingdom and live in us forever. I am so thankful to be part of your priesthood and honored to make my body a temple in which you dwell. Please renew in me a clean heart and cleanse my soul of all unrighteousness. Help me honor you in all that I do and keep your name always on my lips and your commandments in my heart and mind. In the precious name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
Praise the LORD for he is a Holy and righteous God who has taken our sins and nailed them to the cross. Thank you LORD for loving us so much in the mist of this crazy world.
Father,
Thank you for another day. Heavenly Father, I am unworthy of your love and care. But you care for me and love me tenderly.
My righteousness is but filthy rags in your sight. I stand speechless before your throne. Praise God, my advocate stands and declares, “He is not guilty.” He places a rob of righteousness on me. And you, Father, fill me with our Holy Spirit.
The devil and his minions are working overtime, seeking whom they can devour. May I stand in the gap. May I shout out as a watchman on the tower. Open the ears of those deaf to your word; open the eyes of those blinded; soften their hard-hearts to receive your word today.
May your church arise from its complacency. Fill your people with an urgency to share the good news while there is still time. May your church stand for righteousness and against the evil in our land.
Father, it is your will that none should perish, yet you have given man freewill. Call the lost, Father. Send your Holy Spirit to draw more to your throne.
May I be filled with your Holy Spirit today. I surrender to your will.
Now, let’s be going to find one more lost soul to rescue in the name of Jesus Christ and for His kingdom,
Amen
Father God, you are so magnificent! Thank you that we can look back at all of history, your word, the life of Jesus, to see your masterplan for your creation. Thank you for the privilege to continue your ministry of reconciliation that starts in my heart, being reconciled to you, all the people around me, so that I can lead others to do the same. In Jesus’ name I pray.
…just as the Lord had commanded.