3/9/25 Weekly Bible Lesson: Pitching a Tent

Background —  

People treasure mountaintop experiences. How can we keep the power of such experiences fresh? In our text, God gives instructions for building a holy tent, a mobile Mount Sinai, that conveys His intention to dwell with His covenant people. 

Sacred space—space set aside for a deity—was important in all ancient Near Eastern societies. It was the place where heaven met earth and had to be treated accordingly. The Tabernacle would house the holiness of the Mount Sinai experience, and the very presence of God as the Israelites traveled to the Promised Land. 

God was always putting new things before the Israelites so they would grow in faith and obedience. In their exodus from slavery, they had new life and new perspectives. The offerings which God required and the Tabernacle which God designed were meant to hold them responsible. Out of their wealth, the Israelites were to give back to God. After all, He blessed them with those riches. In a real sense of poetic justice, most of the raw materials, which the Israelites donated to the Lord, presumably came from the Egyptians (see Exodus 12:35-36). 

Verses 25:1-2 — God instructed Moses to collect an offering from the Israelites, and the implication is that it will bring a blessing to those who give it. This offering was to be given willingly from those with a thankful heart. Moses was told to receive the offerings and present them to God. This same idea is found in the New Testament as Paul reminds us, “So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). 

Verses 25:3-7 — The Israelites were in slavery for many years. As slaves, where would they have gotten all the things God told them to give? Evidently, these were the treasures from the Egyptians. Now, God required an offering from them. When God blesses us, we are to give back to Him in praise. 

What was yet to be fully revealed was that all these precious metals, colored materials, animal products, spices, wood, and stones would be used in the construction of the Tabernacle. The Tabernacle symbolized the presence and dwelling place of God, and all the furnishings and design were to have spiritual value. As we examine this closer, we find it symbolic for the coming of Jesus and the establishment of the church. 

Giving from the heart implies a sacrifice. From our riches, we are to give of our first things. Proverbs 3:9-10 says, “Honor the LORD with your possessions, and with the firstfruits of all your increase; so your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine.” The Israelites came out of Egypt quite wealthy. 

How thankful are we for the blessings God provides, and does our giving reflect our thankfulness? 

Verses 25:8-9 — A sanctuary is a holy place, where God dwells. At the time, the Israelites needed a visual of God’s House, with all the furnishings that drew them close to their Savior. 

The Israelites would take every piece of the Tabernacle with them as they journeyed toward their final home. They knew God’s presence, even when they turned from Him. God never fails. The offerings and sacrifices showed He kept His promises. 

Today, people often call the room where they gather for worship a sanctuary. It is, for them, a place of safety and comfort. However, the real sanctuary is in the human heart, even in the Old Testament. God lives in us through His Holy Spirit,, and we dwell with Him. It’s all about the holiness of God. Each part of the Tabernacle drew His people to that truth. 

Moses was instructed to make sure he constructed the Tabernacle according to the pattern shown to him. Many commentors have noted that God’s creation of the heavens and earth takes only two chapters in our Bible (Genesis 1-2) while the instructions for the Tabernacle comprise many chapters. Apparently, God is concerned with the details of how we build and worship Him. In Hebrews 8:5, this exhortation to make things according to the pattern is repeated and applied to the new covenant. It is imperative we build our lives and the church according to the instructions God has provided in His word. 

Verses 26:31-37 — A rebellious person rejects instruction for several reasons: (1) He doesn’t understand why the instructions have anything to do with him; (2) He doesn’t want to understand why because he has other ideas; (3) He thinks his own ways are better. 

A devoted and trusting person follows the rules. God gave the instructions on how to construct the Tabernacle. The valuable material drew attention to the Most Holy Place, where God dwelt. It is interesting to note that the materials used within the Tabernacle become progressively more valuable as one approaches the Holy of Holies. This symbolizes the importance of the physical space set apart for God. 

We must be careful not to limit God’s existence. Because the Tabernacle was to be moved, it was evident God was not limited to be in one place. 

Walk in your church building on Sunday. Do you feel the presence of God? Will you care for what God has entrusted to you for worship and fellowship? What if your church building were destroyed? Would God’s presence cease to exist?