◄ Exodus 25 ►
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Offerings for the Tabernacle (Exodus 35:4–9) 1Then the LORD said to Moses, 2“Tell the Israelites to bring Me an offering. You are to receive My offering from every man whose heart compels him. 3This is the offering you are to accept from them: gold, silver, and bronze; 4blue, purple, and scarlet yarn; fine linen and goat hair; 5ram skins dyed red and fine leather;a acacia wood; 6olive oil for the light; spices for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense; 7and onyx stones and gemstones to be mounted on the ephod and breastpiece. 8And they are to make a sanctuary for Me, so that I may dwell among them. 9You must make the tabernacle and design all its furnishings according to the pattern I show you. The Ark of the Covenant (Exodus 37:1–5) 10And they are to construct an ark of acacia wood, two and a half cubits long, a cubit and a half wide, and a cubit and a half high.b 11Overlay it with pure gold both inside and out, and make a gold molding around it. 12Cast four gold rings for it and fasten them to its four feet, two rings on one side and two on the other. 13And make poles of acacia wood and overlay them with gold. 14Insert the poles into the rings on the sides of the ark, in order to carry it. 15The poles are to remain in the rings of the ark; they must not be removed. 16And place inside the ark the Testimony,c which I will give you. The Mercy Seat (Exodus 37:6–9) 17And you are to construct a mercy seatd of pure gold, two and a half cubits long and a cubit and a half wide.e 18Make two cherubim of hammered gold at the ends of the mercy seat, 19one cherub on one end and one on the other, all made from one piece of gold. 20And the cherubim are to have wings that spread upward, overshadowing the mercy seat. The cherubim are to face each other, looking toward the mercy seat. 21Set the mercy seat atop the ark and put the Testimony that I will give you into the ark. 22And I will meet with you there above the mercy seat, between the two cherubim that are over the ark of the Testimony;f I will speak with you about all that I command you regarding the Israelites. The Table of Showbread (Exodus 37:10–16; Leviticus 24:5–9) 23You are also to make a table of acacia wood two cubits long, a cubit wide, and a cubit and a half high.g 24Overlay it with pure gold and make a gold molding around it. 25And make a rim around it a handbreadth wideh and put a gold molding on the rim. 26Make four gold rings for the table and fasten them to the four corners at its four legs. 27The rings are to be close to the rim, to serve as holders for the poles used to carry the table. 28Make the poles of acacia wood and overlay them with gold, so that the table may be carried with them. 29You are also to make the plates and dishes, as well as the pitchers and bowls for pouring drink offerings. Make them out of pure gold. 30And place the Bread of the Presence on the table before Me at all times. The Lampstand (Exodus 37:17–24; Numbers 8:1–4) 31Then you are to make a lampstand of pure, hammered gold. It shall be made of one piece, including its base and shaft, its cups, and its buds and petals. 32Six branches are to extend from the sides of the lampstand—three on one side and three on the other. 33There are to be three cups shaped like almond blossoms on the first branch, each with buds and petals, three on the next branch, and the same for all six branches that extend from the lampstand. 34And on the lampstand there shall be four cups shaped like almond blossoms with buds and petals. 35For the six branches that extend from the lampstand, a bud must be under the first pair of branches, a bud under the second pair, and a bud under the third pair. 36The buds and branches are to be all of one piece with the lampstand, hammered out of pure gold. 37Make seven lamps and set them up on the lampstand so that they illuminate the area in front of it. 38The wick trimmers and their trays must be of pure gold. 39The lampstand and all these utensils shall be made from a talent of pure gold.i 40See to it that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.j Footnotes: 5 a Possibly the hides of large aquatic mammals 10 b The ark was approximately 3.75 feet long, 2.25 feet wide, and 2.25 feet high (114.3 centimeters long, 68.6 centimeters wide, and 68.6 centimeters high). 16 c The Testimony refers to the stone tablets in the ark of the covenant inscribed with the Ten Commandments; also in verses 21 and 22. 17 d Or an atonement cover; here and throughout Exodus 17 e The mercy seat was approximately 3.75 feet long and 2.25 feet wide (114.3 centimeters long and 68.6 centimeters wide). 22 f That is, the ark of the covenant 23 g The table was approximately 3 feet long, 1.5 feet wide, and 2.25 feet high (91.4 centimeters long, 45.7 centimeters wide, and 68.6 centimeters high). 25 h A handbreadth is approximately 2.9 inches or 7.4 centimeters. 39 i A talent is approximately 75.4 pounds or 34.2 kilograms of gold. 40 j Cited in Hebrews 8:5 Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub Exodus 25 Summary Offerings for the Tabernacle Verses 1–9 – Freewill Offerings for the Tabernacle God directs Moses to invite every Israelite with a willing heart to give specific materials—gold, silver, bronze, blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, fine linen, goats’ hair, rams’ skins dyed red, fine leather, acacia wood, oil, spices, and precious stones. These gifts will furnish a sanctuary where the Lord will “dwell among them.” Every detail is to follow the exact pattern God shows Moses on the mountain. Verses 10–16 – The Ark of the Testimony Crafted of acacia wood and overlaid with pure gold inside and out, the ark measures 2½ cubits long, 1½ cubits wide, and 1½ cubits high (about 45 × 27 × 27 inches). Gold rings on each corner hold poles so the ark is never touched directly. The tablets of the covenant are to rest inside. Verses 17–22 – The Mercy Seat and the Cherubim A solid-gold cover—“the mercy seat”—matches the ark’s length and width. Two cherubim of one piece with the cover face each other, wings outstretched and overshadowing the ark. There, above the mercy seat, God will meet and speak with Moses. Verses 23–30 – The Table for the Bread of the Presence A smaller acacia-wood table overlaid with gold (2 × 1 × 1½ cubits) carries the “Bread of the Presence” at all times. Rings and poles make it portable. Dishes, pans, pitchers, and bowls are to be pure gold. Verses 31–40 – The Golden Lampstand Hammered from one talent of pure gold (about 75 pounds), the lampstand has a central shaft with six branches, almond-shaped cups, buds, and blossoms—seven lamps in all. Tongs and trays are likewise pure gold. The design must match the heavenly pattern Moses sees. This chapter records the meticulous instructions given by the LORD to Moses for the creation of a sanctuary. The intent is to have a dwelling place among the Israelites, signifying His holy presence. The instructions cover a variety of sacred items, each carefully crafted and purposed to glorify God and facilitate the worship of the Israelites. Historical Setting Israel is camped at Mount Sinai only months after the Exodus. Slavery’s chains are gone, but hearts must learn worship. God’s first step is not military strategy or agricultural policy; it is a dwelling place so He can live among His people (Exodus 29:45–46). Materials and Their Symbolism • Gold – purity and divine glory (Revelation 21:18). • Silver – redemption; later, census silver will fund the tabernacle’s bases (Exodus 30:11-16). • Bronze – judgment and strength (Numbers 21:8-9). • Blue, purple, scarlet – heaven, royalty, and sacrifice, woven together in Christ (John 19:2; Hebrews 9:12). • Acacia wood – hard, insect-resistant, symbolizing incorruptible humanity. God blends earthly items with heavenly meaning. The Ark of the Testimony • Central because it houses the covenant tablets, a jar of manna, and Aaron’s budding staff (Hebrews 9:4). • Always carried by poles, emphasizing God’s holiness and Israel’s mobility. • In later history, the ark leads Israel through the Jordan (Joshua 3:14-17) and topples Jericho’s walls (Joshua 6). • When Solomon builds the temple, the ark rests in the Holy of Holies under two massive cherubim (1 Kings 8:6-7). The Mercy Seat: Throne of Grace • Solid gold, equal in size to the ark, forming a single unit: covenant and mercy inseparable. • God’s voice emerges “from between the two cherubim” (v. 22; cf. Psalm 99:1). • Once a year the high priest sprinkles blood on it (Leviticus 16:14-15), prefiguring Christ’s once-for-all sacrifice (Hebrews 9:11-12). • Romans 3:25 calls Jesus the “propitiation,” the same Greek word for mercy seat, showing the fulfillment. Table of the Bread of the Presence • Twelve loaves represent the tribes, set “before Me continually” (v. 30). • The bread is renewed each Sabbath; the priests eat the replaced loaves (Leviticus 24:5-9). • Jesus, born in Bethlehem (“house of bread”), declares, “I am the bread of life” (John 6:35), echoing this perpetual fellowship. The Golden Lampstand • Seven lamps give continual light inside a windowless tent. Oil is pure, beaten olive oil (Exodus 27:20). • Almond blossoms hint at resurrection and watchfulness (Jeremiah 1:11-12). • Zechariah 4 pictures a lampstand fed endlessly by two olive trees—God’s Spirit empowering His people. • Revelation 1:12-13 shows Jesus walking among seven golden lampstands representing churches. Patterns and Shadows in the New Testament Exodus 25 lays groundwork for Hebrews 8-10, where the earthly sanctuary is a copy of the heavenly one. The ark parallels God’s throne, the mercy seat foreshadows Christ’s atoning work, the bread and light anticipate Jesus as sustenance and illumination (John 8:12). The Principle of Freewill Giving Verse 2 highlights voluntary, heartfelt offering. Centuries later, David echoes the standard for temple gifts: “Who then is willing to consecrate himself today to the LORD?” (1 Chronicles 29:5). Paul applies the same spirit to Christian giving (2 Corinthians 9:7). Archaeological Insights • Acacia (Vachellia tortilis) still grows in Sinai and the Negev—dense, workable, ideal for transport. • Egyptian furniture from the New Kingdom often blends wood with gold overlay, matching Exodus’s craftsmanship. • A 13-inch Canaanite bronze cherub from Hazor (15th century BC) shows winged guardians much like the cherubim described here. God Dwelling Among His People The chapter closes with a tension: an unapproachable God making Himself approachable. John 1:14 resolves it: “The Word became flesh and tabernacled among us.” What began with acacia frames and gold plates finds its completion in a Person who carried God’s presence in human form. Connections to Additional Scriptures 2 Corinthians 9:7 Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver. 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 from the Father, full of grace and truth. Hebrews 9:11-12 But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that have come, He went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made by hands, that is, not of this creation. Teaching Points God's Command for Offerings Tell the Israelites to bring Me an offering. You are to receive My offering from every man whose heart compels him (Exodus 25:2). God desires willing and generous hearts in worship. Materials for the Tabernacle The specified materials (gold, silver, bronze, etc.) reflect the value and beauty of God's dwelling place, emphasizing His holiness and majesty (Exodus 25:3-7). The Ark of the Covenant And they are to make an ark of acacia wood... (Exodus 25:10). The Ark symbolizes God's covenant and His presence among His people. The Mercy Seat You are to make a mercy seat of pure gold... (Exodus 25:17). This represents God's throne of grace and the place of atonement. The Table for the Bread of the Presence You are also to make a table of acacia wood... (Exodus 25:23). This signifies God's provision and fellowship with His people. The Golden Lampstand Then you are to make a lampstand of pure gold... (Exodus 25:31). The lampstand symbolizes the light of God's presence and guidance. Practical Applications Willingness in Worship Cultivate a heart that is eager to give and serve God, recognizing that true worship stems from a willing spirit. Reverence for God's Holiness Approach God with awe and respect, acknowledging His holiness and the privilege of being in His presence. Value of God's Presence Prioritize time in God's presence, understanding that He desires to dwell with us and guide us in our daily lives. Symbolism of Christ Reflect on how the Tabernacle foreshadows Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate fulfillment of God's presence with humanity. People 1. The LORD (Yahweh) The chapter begins with "The LORD said to Moses" (Exodus 25:1). In the Hebrew text, "LORD" is represented by the Tetragrammaton YHWH, which is the sacred name of God. Yahweh is the one giving the instructions for the Tabernacle. 2. Moses Moses is the recipient of God's instructions. He is the leader of the Israelites and the mediator between God and the people. In the Hebrew text, his name is מֹשֶׁה (Mosheh). Places 1. The Ark of the Covenant The Ark is described as a sacred chest that would reside in the innermost part of the Tabernacle, known as the Holy of Holies. It is the place where God's presence would dwell among the Israelites. The Hebrew term for the Ark is "אֲרוֹן" (aron), which signifies a chest or box. 2. The Mercy Seat Positioned atop the Ark of the Covenant, the Mercy Seat is where God would meet with Moses and communicate His commands. The Hebrew word for Mercy Seat is "כַּפֹּרֶת" (kapporet), which is related to the concept of atonement. 3. The Table for the Bread of the Presence This table is placed in the Holy Place, outside the veil that separates the Holy of Holies. It holds the Bread of the Presence, symbolizing God's provision and covenant with Israel. The Hebrew term for table is "שֻׁלְחָן" (shulchan). 4. The Golden Lampstand (Menorah) Also located in the Holy Place, the Lampstand provides light and symbolizes the illumination of God's presence and guidance. The Hebrew word for lampstand is "מְנוֹרָה" (menorah). Events 1. God Commands an Offering (Exodus 25:1-2) The LORD instructs Moses to collect an offering from the Israelites. The Hebrew word for "offering" is "תְּרוּמָה" (terumah), which signifies a contribution or gift set apart for a sacred purpose. 2. List of Materials for the Tabernacle (Exodus 25:3-7) God specifies the materials to be collected, including gold, silver, bronze, blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, fine linen, goat hair, ram skins dyed red, and other items. These materials are to be used for constructing the Tabernacle and its furnishings. 3. Instructions for the Ark of the Covenant (Exodus 25:10-16) God provides detailed instructions for building the Ark of the Covenant, including its dimensions and materials. The Ark is to be made of acacia wood and overlaid with pure gold. The Hebrew word for "ark" is "אֲרוֹן" (aron), meaning a chest or box. 4. The Mercy Seat (Exodus 25:17-22) Instructions are given for the Mercy Seat, which is to be placed on top of the Ark. It is to be made of pure gold with two cherubim facing each other. The Mercy Seat is where God will meet with Moses and communicate His commands. 5. The Table for the Bread of the Presence (Exodus 25:23-30) God instructs Moses on how to construct the table for the Bread of the Presence, using acacia wood overlaid with gold. The table is to hold the showbread, which is a continual offering before the LORD. 6. The Golden Lampstand (Exodus 25:31-40) Detailed instructions are given for crafting the golden lampstand (menorah), which is to be made of pure gold with six branches extending from a central shaft. The lampstand is to provide light in the Tabernacle. Lessons from Exodus 25 1. The Importance of Divine Instructions In Exodus 25, God provides Moses with detailed instructions for building the Tabernacle. This reminds us that God cares about the details of our lives and has a plan for each of us. As it says in Exodus 25:9, "You must make it according to all that I show you—the design of the tabernacle and the design of all its furnishings." Just as God guided Moses, He guides us through His Word, offering wisdom for every decision. 2. The Call to Generosity God asked the Israelites to bring offerings for the construction of the Tabernacle. This teaches us the value of giving willingly and joyfully. Exodus 25:2 states, "Tell the Israelites to bring Me an offering. You are to receive My offering from every man whose heart compels him." Our generosity reflects our gratitude and trust in God's provision. 3. The Significance of Sacred Spaces The Tabernacle was a physical space where God would dwell among His people. This highlights the importance of creating sacred spaces in our lives for worship and communion with God. Whether it's a quiet corner in your home or a moment of prayer during your day, these spaces help us focus on His presence. 4. The Symbolism of the Ark of the Covenant The Ark of the Covenant, described in Exodus 25:10-22, symbolizes God's covenant with His people. It reminds us of His faithfulness and the promises He keeps. The Ark was a tangible representation of God's presence, just as Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises to us. 5. The Mercy Seat: A Place of Atonement The mercy seat atop the Ark was where God would meet with Moses. This foreshadows the ultimate atonement through Jesus Christ. As Exodus 25:22 says, "And I will meet with you there above the mercy seat, between the two cherubim that are over the Ark of the Testimony." It is a powerful reminder of God's mercy and grace. 6. The Table of Showbread: Sustenance and Fellowship The table of showbread, detailed in Exodus 25:23-30, represents God's provision and the fellowship we have with Him. Just as the bread was a continual offering before the Lord, Jesus is the bread of life, sustaining us spiritually and inviting us into a relationship with Him. 7. The Golden Lampstand: Light in the Darkness The golden lampstand, or menorah, provided light in the Tabernacle. This symbolizes Jesus as the light of the world, guiding us through the darkness. Exodus 25:31-40 describes its intricate design, reminding us that God's light is both beautiful and essential in our lives. 8. The Role of Skilled Artisans God appointed skilled artisans to craft the Tabernacle's furnishings, emphasizing the value of using our talents for His glory. Exodus 25:40 says, "See that you make them according to the pattern shown you on the mountain." Whatever your skills, they can be used to honor God and serve others. 9. The Holiness of God's Dwelling The detailed instructions for the Tabernacle underscore the holiness of God's dwelling place. This calls us to approach God with reverence and awe, recognizing His majesty and our need for His grace. It is a reminder to keep our hearts pure and our lives aligned with His will. 10. The Unity of God's People The construction of the Tabernacle required the collective effort of the Israelites, illustrating the power of unity in fulfilling God's purposes. As we work together in our communities and churches, we reflect the body of Christ, each playing a vital role in His mission on earth. Topics 1. Offerings for the Tabernacle (Exodus 25:1-9) God commands the Israelites to bring offerings for the construction of the Tabernacle. The offerings include gold, silver, bronze, and various materials. The Hebrew word for "offering" is "תְּרוּמָה" (terumah), which signifies a contribution or gift set apart for a sacred purpose. 2. The Ark of the Covenant (Exodus 25:10-22) Instructions are given for building the Ark of the Covenant, which will house the Testimony (the tablets of the Law). The Ark is to be made of acacia wood and overlaid with pure gold. The Hebrew term for "ark" is "אֲרוֹן" (aron), meaning a chest or box, symbolizing God's covenant and presence among His people. 3. The Table for the Showbread (Exodus 25:23-30) God provides specifications for the table that will hold the showbread, also made of acacia wood and overlaid with gold. The table represents God's provision and fellowship with His people. The Hebrew word for "table" is "שֻׁלְחָן" (shulchan). 4. The Golden Lampstand (Exodus 25:31-40) Detailed instructions are given for crafting the golden lampstand (menorah), which is to be made of pure gold and fashioned with branches and almond blossoms. The lampstand symbolizes the light of God's presence and guidance. The Hebrew word for "lampstand" is "מְנוֹרָה" (menorah). Themes 1. Divine Command for Offerings God instructs the Israelites to bring offerings for the construction of the Tabernacle. This theme emphasizes the importance of giving willingly and generously to God's work. The Hebrew word for offering, "תְּרוּמָה" (terumah), signifies a contribution or gift set apart for a sacred purpose. ^"Tell the Israelites to bring Me an offering. You are to receive My offering from every man whose heart compels him."^ (Exodus 25:2) 2. The Ark of the Covenant Detailed instructions are given for the construction of the Ark, which symbolizes God's presence and covenant with His people. The Ark is to be made of acacia wood and overlaid with pure gold, signifying purity and divinity. ^"They are to make an ark of acacia wood—two and a half cubits long, a cubit and a half wide, and a cubit and a half high."^ (Exodus 25:10) 3. The Mercy Seat The mercy seat, or "כַּפֹּרֶת" (kapporet) in Hebrew, is the cover of the Ark where God would meet with Moses. It represents God's mercy and the place of atonement. ^"And you are to make a mercy seat of pure gold, two and a half cubits long and a cubit and a half wide."^ (Exodus 25:17) 4. The Cherubim The cherubim are crafted figures placed on the mercy seat, symbolizing the guardians of God's holiness. Their presence underscores the sacredness of the Ark and the divine presence. ^"Make two cherubim of hammered gold at the ends of the mercy seat."^ (Exodus 25:18) 5. The Table for the Showbread Instructions for the table of showbread highlight the theme of God's provision and fellowship with His people. The table is also made of acacia wood and overlaid with gold. ^"You are also to make a table of acacia wood two cubits long, a cubit wide, and a cubit and a half high."^ (Exodus 25:23) 6. The Golden Lampstand The lampstand, or "מְנוֹרָה" (menorah), is a symbol of light and guidance, representing God's presence and illumination in the lives of His people. It is crafted from a single piece of pure gold. ^"Then you are to make a lampstand of pure gold. It shall be made of hammered work—its base and shaft, its cups, its buds, and its petals shall be of one piece."^ (Exodus 25:31) Prayer Points Thanksgiving for God's Presence Thank God for His desire to dwell among us and for the gift of His presence through the Holy Spirit. Heart of Worship Pray for a heart that is willing and eager to worship God in spirit and truth. Reverence and Awe Ask God to instill a deeper sense of reverence and awe for His holiness in our hearts. Christ as Our Tabernacle Praise Jesus for being the ultimate fulfillment of God's presence and for His atoning work on the cross. Answering Tough Questions 1. Exodus 25:2 – How could a nomadic people realistically possess or acquire so much gold and other precious materials in the wilderness? 2. Exodus 25:9 – Is there any archaeological evidence supporting the exact specs or layout described for the tabernacle and its furniture? 3. Exodus 25:10 – Does using acacia wood and gold overlay for the Ark raise practical or scientific concerns about weight and portability for a traveling community? 4. Exodus 25:18 – How did artisans of that time feasibly design and craft two intricate cherubim from a single piece of hammered gold? 5. Exodus 25:23 – Why do later biblical accounts give no clear record of the table for the Bread of the Presence, suggesting a potential inconsistency or loss in Israel’s history? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. What does the request for voluntary offerings reveal about the nature of giving in the eyes of God? 2. How does the detailed construction of the Sanctuary reflect the character and holiness of God? 3. What is the significance of using pure gold in many parts of the sanctuary? 4. What does the presence of the Ark, Mercy Seat, Table, and Lampstand symbolize in the context of worship? 5. Why do you think God emphasized making everything according to the pattern He showed Moses? 6. How can we apply the principle of giving willingly from the heart in today's context? 7. What can we learn from the construction of the Ark about God's desire to be close to His people? 8. How does the design of the Mercy Seat demonstrate the meeting place between God and His people? 9. Why is the Table of the Presence significant, and what can it teach us about God's provision? 10. What lessons can we derive from the construction of the Lampstand in relation to our role as light in this world? 11. How does the painstaking attention to detail in the construction of the Sanctuary inspire our own worship practices? 12. In what ways can the principle of meticulous obedience to God's commands be relevant in our personal or professional lives? 13. How does the Ark's design reflect the sacredness of God's commandments? 14. What significance does the Mercy Seat have in the broader narrative of God's redemption plan? 15. In modern terms, how can we create a 'sanctuary' for God in our own lives? 16. How can this passage inspire a more heart-driven and generous approach to giving in your life? 17. What does the craftsmanship involved in building the Sanctuary teach us about the use of our talents for God's glory? 18. What parallels can we draw between the construction of the physical Sanctuary and the building of our spiritual lives? 19. How does this passage deepen our understanding of the nature of God's presence among His people? 20. How can we apply the principle of precision and adherence to God's word in the chapter to our study of the Bible? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions