Exodus 25:8

And they are to make a sanctuary for Me, so that I may dwell among them.

Study Bible

And they are to make
This phrase initiates a divine command, emphasizing the active participation of the Israelites in the construction of the sanctuary. The Hebrew root for "make" is "עָשָׂה" (asah), which implies not just creation but also preparation and accomplishment. This reflects the cooperative relationship between God and His people, where human effort is directed by divine instruction.

a sanctuary
The term "מִקְדָּשׁ" (miqdash) in Hebrew signifies a holy place set apart for God. Historically, sanctuaries were central to ancient Near Eastern cultures as places of worship and divine encounter. In the biblical context, this sanctuary is not just a physical structure but a symbol of God's presence among His people, a precursor to the Temple in Jerusalem.

for Me
This phrase underscores the personal nature of God's relationship with Israel. The sanctuary is not for the people or for any other deity, but specifically for Yahweh. It highlights the covenant relationship where God desires to dwell among His chosen people, reflecting His love and commitment to them.

so that I may dwell
The Hebrew word "שָׁכַן" (shakan) means to settle or abide. This is a profound theological statement about God's immanence. Unlike the distant gods of other ancient cultures, Yahweh desires to be intimately present with His people. This dwelling is a foretaste of the Incarnation, where God would ultimately dwell among humanity in the person of Jesus Christ.

among them
The phrase "בְּתוֹכָם" (betokham) indicates not just proximity but community. God's presence is not confined to a single location but permeates the entire community of Israel. This reflects the biblical theme of God’s desire to be in the midst of His people, guiding, protecting, and blessing them. It also foreshadows the New Testament teaching of the Church as the body of Christ, where God dwells among believers through the Holy Spirit.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to lead His people out of Egypt and receive the Law, including the instructions for the sanctuary.

2. Israelites
The chosen people of God, who are instructed to build the sanctuary as a place for God's presence among them.

3. Sanctuary
A sacred place to be constructed by the Israelites as a dwelling place for God among His people. It symbolizes God's desire to be present with His people.

4. Mount Sinai
The location where God gives Moses the instructions for the sanctuary, along with the rest of the Law.

5. Tabernacle
The portable earthly dwelling place of God among the Israelites, which the sanctuary instructions pertain to.

Teaching Points

God's Desire for Relationship
God’s instruction to build a sanctuary highlights His desire to be in close relationship with His people. This reflects His love and commitment to dwell among us.

Holiness and Reverence
The sanctuary was a holy place, set apart for God. This teaches us the importance of approaching God with reverence and maintaining holiness in our lives.

Community and Contribution
The Israelites were to contribute materials for the sanctuary, showing that God’s dwelling place is a community effort. We are called to contribute our gifts and resources to the body of Christ.

God's Presence in Our Lives
Just as God dwelled among the Israelites, He desires to dwell in our hearts today. We should cultivate an awareness of His presence in our daily lives.

Fulfillment in Christ
The sanctuary points forward to Jesus, who is the ultimate manifestation of God dwelling among us. Our relationship with God is now mediated through Christ.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the construction of the sanctuary reveal about God's character and His relationship with His people?

2. How can we apply the principles of holiness and reverence from the sanctuary to our personal lives today?

3. In what ways can we contribute to building up the body of Christ, similar to how the Israelites contributed to the sanctuary?

4. How does understanding God’s desire to dwell among His people in the Old Testament enhance our appreciation of Jesus’ incarnation?

5. Reflect on 1 Corinthians 3:16. How does recognizing ourselves as God’s temple influence our daily actions and decisions?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 29:45-46
This passage reiterates God's desire to dwell among the Israelites and be their God, emphasizing the relationship established through the sanctuary.

John 1:14
The concept of God dwelling among His people is fulfilled in the New Testament with the Word becoming flesh and dwelling among us, pointing to Jesus as the ultimate fulfillment of God's presence.

1 Corinthians 3:16
Paul speaks of believers as the temple of God, where the Spirit dwells, connecting the physical sanctuary to the spiritual reality in the New Covenant.

Revelation 21:3
The ultimate fulfillment of God's dwelling with humanity is seen in the new heaven and new earth, where God will dwell with His people eternally.