Exodus 37
May 26, 2010
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So far, in our journey with the Israelites on their Exodus, we know that they have received instructions from God concerning the construction of the tabernacle in chapters 25 to 31. We see how these instructions were obeyed by faithful men whom God chose to do His work from chapter 35 onwards and finally how God’s glory filled this tabernacle in the last chapter of the book.
As the family of the chosen race, we are all expected to offer the materials for building this tabernacle and like previous writers have mentioned, these offerings should be made with a willing heart.
What are the offerings we should be making then?
Do you remember Paul exhorting us to present ourselves as living sacrifices (Rom 12:1) and Peter reminding us that we are living stones being built up into a spiritual house (1 Pet 2:5)?
Clearly, the offerings that should be made and the materials used in the construction of the tabernacle are the believers, the members of this family, the elect – that is us.
As we read today’s chapter, two, of the multitude of materials used in the construction of the tabernacle are repeatedly mentioned and they leave me pondering and wondering about the teachings we can gain from them as ‘materials’ ourselves.
Let’s read the chapter and afterwards, let me share the results of my reflection.
Bible Passage: Exodus 37
Acacia Wood
Then Bezalel made the ark of acacia wood [...] (Ex 37:1)
He made the table of acacia wood [...] (Ex 37:10)
He made the incense altar of acacia wood. [...] (Ex 37:25)
In the 29 verses of this chapter, acacia wood is mentioned six times. In fact, this type of wood is used extensively in the construction of the tabernacle.
If we were to point out one characteristic of this wood, it would be its durability. In fact, the Septuagint translates the term acacia wood (also known as shittim wood) as ‘incorruptible wood’ because of its hardy nature. This could be due to the fact that it grew in an extremely harsh environment and that it is resistant to insect infection.
As materials of the tabernacle, as members of the body of Christ and the substance of the church, we too have to be resilient and resistant to attacks from insects so that we can keep commandments of God and continuously send up sacrifices of incense just like the Ark of the Covenant and the altar of incense. Like acacia wood, we too have to be able to withstand the test of time as well as the trials of a harsh, hostile environment.
Pure Gold
He overlaid it with pure gold inside and outside [...] (Ex 37:2)
He also made the mercy seat of pure gold [...] (Ex 37:6)
He also made the lampstand of pure gold [...] (Ex 37:17)
Their knobs and their branches were of one piece; all of it was one hammered piece of pure gold. And he made its seven lamps, its wick-trimmers, and its trays of pure gold. Of a talent of pure gold he made it, with all its utensils. (Ex 37:22-24)
The other material is pure gold which is mentioned even more than acacia wood in this chapter, being brought up nine times. It is another material that featured greatly in the construction of the tabernacle.
Gold is similar to acacia wood in that it is a very durable material as well. It does not rust because it does not oxidise in either air or water and is the least chemically reactive of all metals. For these reasons, pure gold maintains its brightness and lustre well and is always regarded as valuable and highly sought after.
The Bible also has many instances where the faith of a believer is compared to gold from the words of Job (Job 23:10) to Paul (1 Cor 3:12). Gold, after being mined, has to pass though fire in order to be purified just like believers have to pass through various trials and tribulations to ‘come forth as gold’.
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As the materials being built into a holy tabernacle for the dwelling of God, do we exhibit the characteristics that He wishes us to have so that we can be a pleasing abode which He delights to stay in? Is what we are building on a personal, a familial and a church level something that is according to His will?
Maybe it’s time for us to consider this question after reading our chapter today.
From the pictures of acacia wood and gold, it seemed a challenge to make the tabernacle and its contents with them.
The branch and stem of the acacia wood look thin. Imagine how many trees were harvested to gather enough wood.
For gold, the melting point is approximately 1064 degrees C. It must have been a challenge to maintain a smelting furnace to prepare all the gold.
How huh?
Shalom reminded us that God commanded Moses to “… see to it that you make them according to the pattern which was shown you on the mountain.” “And you shall raise up the tabernacle according to the pattern which you were shown on the mountain” (Ex 25:40 and Ex 26:30). Moses followed strictly.
Ex 35:31 “and He has filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom and understanding, in knowledge and all manner of workmanship.”
Ok, i m comforted, no more kiddish question.
The holy anointing oil and the pure incense of sweet spices were recorded in 1 verse only in Ex 37:29 compared to 17 verses in Ex 30:22-28.
Why? may be bec prayer is dependent on the hearts (Rom 7:25), mind (Eph 6:18) and actions (Rev 8:3-4) of us, the prayers, and God can only help (Rom 8:27) but cannot dictate on our behalf. We must be vigilant against the roaring lion.