The dedication of both the people and the artisans is expressed in this chapter as we read of the construction of the altar, the laver, and the court. Most impressive in this chapter is the description of the amounts of bronze and silver. The people had indeed given much; so much that their wealth was translated into the obedience as the tabernacle and its artifacts were constructed of large volumes of precious materials.
Bezalel and Aholiab continue to fashion the tabernacle and its materials exactly according to the specifications of God’s instruction.
The descriptions of the volume of silver and brass denote both the immense value of the tabernacle and the seriousness with which it was to be regarded. In concept, it is not unlike descriptions heaven from the book of Revelation where there are streets paved with gold and the foundations are adorned with precious jewels.
We will get further into Revelation 21 as a companion study to Exodus 39, but for now let us take a look at verses 3-8 of that chapter. In this passage, we have a simple and clear description of how there will no longer be the need for a tabernacle because God Himself will be among the people in the form of His Son Jesus Christ. Make no mistake, the adornment, beauty and majesty of the tabernacle described in Exodus are great, and the fact that God made arrangements to be in the presence of the people through the tabernacle is also wonderful, but this earthly construction does not compare with the saving power of the blood of Jesus Christ, the final revelation of God’s plan to redeem the righteous:
“And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.” And He said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts. He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son. But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.””
It would have been wonderful to be one of the Israelites, witnessing Moses come down from the mountain, the peoples’ repentance, and the construction of the tabernacle. But we have the greater blessing today as recipients of the full knowledge of God’s perfect plan to save us through the sacrifice of His Son. The sober warning of Hell compels us to act hastily in obedience to God, to pursue righteousness and purity of heart and thought, for we do not know what the future holds!
Monday Night Bible Study 