Exodus 37: The skilled craftsmanship of the Tabernacle, the Ark of the Covenant, and God's abiding presence with Israel.
Exodus 37 provides a detailed account of the construction of sacred furnishings for the Tabernacle, highlighting the meticulous craftsmanship of Bezalel and his fellow artisans. Under divine inspiration, these craftsmen followed God's instructions precisely, ensuring that every element of the Tabernacle reflected His holiness. The chapter describes the making of the Ark of the Covenant, the Mercy Seat, the Table of Shewbread, the Golden Candlestick, and the Altar of Incense. These sacred objects were not just ornamental but carried deep spiritual significance, symbolizing God's presence and the worship He required from Israel.
The construction of the Tabernacle in Exodus 37 emphasizes the importance of obedience, excellence, and devotion to God’s work. Each element was crafted according to God's design, demonstrating the necessity of following His commands with precision. The use of pure gold, acacia wood, and intricate designs signified the reverence and sanctity of the Tabernacle as the dwelling place of God among His people. This chapter reminds believers that God desires wholehearted service, where both skill and spiritual dedication are required in fulfilling His purposes.
By studying Exodus 37, Christians can gain a deeper understanding of how the Tabernacle foreshadowed Jesus Christ and His role as the mediator between God and humanity. The Ark of the Covenant represented God’s presence, the Mercy Seat symbolized His grace, and the Golden Candlestick illustrated the light of Christ in a dark world. This chapter is not just a historical account but a profound theological lesson on God's presence, worship, and redemption.
The Ark of the Covenant - The Throne of God's Presence
The Ark’s Construction
Exodus 37:1-5 describes the making of the Ark of the Covenant:
"And Bezaleel made the ark of shittim wood: two cubits and a half was the length of it, and a cubit and a half the breadth of it, and a cubit and a half the height of it: And he overlaid it with pure gold within and without, and made a crown of gold to it round about."
The Ark was made of acacia wood, known for its durability, and overlaid with pure gold, signifying both Christ’s humanity (wood) and His divinity (gold). Measuring approximately 45 inches long, 27 inches wide, and 27 inches high, the Ark was the most sacred object in the Tabernacle. It was carried using golden rings and staves, ensuring that it was never directly touched by human hands, reinforcing God’s holiness.
The Mercy Seat - A Place of Atonement
Exodus 37:6 states:
"And he made the mercy seat of pure gold: two cubits and a half was the length thereof, and one cubit and a half the breadth thereof."
The Mercy Seat, placed on top of the Ark, was where the high priest sprinkled blood on the Day of Atonement, signifying the covering of sins. This foreshadowed Christ’s ultimate sacrifice, as seen in Romans 3:25, where Paul refers to Jesus as our "propitiation" (atoning sacrifice). The Mercy Seat was flanked by two cherubim, representing God's presence and majesty, just as angelic beings surround His throne in heaven.
The Table of Shewbread - Provision and Fellowship
Exodus 37:10-12 describes the construction of the Table of Shewbread:
"And he made the table of shittim wood: two cubits was the length thereof, and a cubit the breadth thereof, and a cubit and a half the height thereof: And he overlaid it with pure gold, and made thereunto a crown of gold round about."
This table held the twelve loaves of bread, representing the twelve tribes of Israel. The bread was replaced weekly, symbolizing God’s continual provision. Jesus referenced this when He declared, "I am the bread of life" (John 6:35). Just as the Shewbread sustained the priests, Christ nourishes believers spiritually, offering eternal sustenance.
The gold overlay of the table signifies the value and purity of God’s provision. The bread on the table was always before the Lord, just as Christ remains forever present as our source of spiritual nourishment.
The Golden Candlestick - The Light of God
Exodus 37:17-18 describes the crafting of the Golden Candlestick:
"And he made the candlestick of pure gold: of beaten work made he the candlestick; his shaft, and his branch, his bowls, his knops, and his flowers, were of the same: And six branches going out of the sides thereof; three branches of the candlestick out of the one side thereof, and three branches of the candlestick out of the other side thereof."
The candlestick, also known as the menorah, had seven branches and was made entirely of pure gold. It provided light in the Holy Place, as there were no windows. This symbolizes Jesus Christ, who declared, "I am the light of the world" (John 8:12).
The design of the candlestick resembled an almond tree, a symbol of life and divine calling. This reminds believers that God’s presence brings spiritual illumination and guidance. The light from the menorah was to be kept burning continually, reflecting how Christ’s light never fades.
The Altar of Incense - Prayers Rising to God
Exodus 37:25-26 describes the making of the Altar of Incense:
"And he made the incense altar of shittim wood: the length of it was a cubit, and the breadth of it a cubit; it was foursquare; and two cubits was the height of it; the horns thereof were of the same. And he overlaid it with pure gold, both the top of it, and the sides thereof round about, and the horns of it: also he made unto it a crown of gold round about."
This altar stood before the veil leading to the Holy of Holies. The incense burned on it represented the prayers of the saints ascending to God (Revelation 5:8). The sweet-smelling incense was a symbol of worship, illustrating how believers' prayers are pleasing to the Lord when offered in faith.
Conclusion
Exodus 37 highlights the intricate craftsmanship of the Tabernacle’s sacred furnishings, demonstrating the importance of obedience, dedication, and reverence in God's work. Each item crafted by Bezalel and his team was not only a physical object but a deep spiritual symbol pointing to Christ. The Ark of the Covenant represented God’s presence, the Mercy Seat illustrated His grace, the Table of Shewbread signified divine provision, the Candlestick symbolized Christ as the light of the world, and the Altar of Incense reflected the power of prayer.
The careful adherence to God’s instructions emphasizes that worship must align with His commands. Just as the Tabernacle was constructed with precision, believers today are called to follow God’s Word with diligence. Worship should be heartfelt, offerings should be given freely, and every aspect of service should reflect devotion to the Lord.
Ultimately, Exodus 37 serves as a powerful reminder that God's presence is central to the life of His people. Through Jesus Christ, believers have direct access to God, just as the Israelites encountered His glory through the Tabernacle. This chapter encourages every Christian to honor God with excellence, faithfulness, and unwavering devotion.
Five Long FAQs on Exodus 37: The Craftsmanship of the Tabernacle and the Presence of God
1. What is the significance of the Ark of the Covenant in Exodus 37?
The Ark of the Covenant, described in Exodus 37:1-5, was the most sacred object in the Tabernacle, symbolizing God’s presence among His people. Crafted from acacia wood and overlaid with pure gold, the Ark was designed according to divine instructions given to Moses. It housed the two tablets of the Ten Commandments, which represented God's covenant with Israel, as well as Aaron’s rod that budded and a golden pot of manna (Hebrews 9:4).
Atop the Ark was the Mercy Seat, made of pure gold and flanked by two cherubim. This was where the high priest sprinkled sacrificial blood once a year on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:14-15), signifying the covering of Israel's sins. The Ark also prefigured Jesus Christ, who is our ultimate atonement and mediator before God (Romans 3:25, Hebrews 9:11-15). It was carried by Levites using golden staves inserted into rings, ensuring that no human hands directly touched it, signifying God’s holiness.
The Ark represented God's guidance, provision, and judgment. When Israel obeyed, it led them to victory, such as at the Battle of Jericho (Joshua 6:6-20), but when mishandled, as in Uzzah's case (2 Samuel 6:6-7), it brought judgment. The Ark ultimately pointed to Christ as the one through whom humanity could approach God.
2. Why was the Table of Shewbread important in the Tabernacle?
The Table of Shewbread, described in Exodus 37:10-16, was an essential piece of Tabernacle furniture symbolizing God's provision. Constructed from acacia wood and overlaid with gold, it held twelve loaves of unleavened bread, representing the twelve tribes of Israel. These loaves, also called the "Bread of Presence," were replaced every Sabbath, with the priests eating the old bread in the Holy Place (Leviticus 24:5-9).
The Shewbread was a reminder that God is the sustainer of His people. In the wilderness, Israel depended on manna (Exodus 16:35), but the Table signified ongoing spiritual nourishment. This foreshadowed Jesus Christ, who declared, "I am the bread of life" (John 6:35), emphasizing that true sustenance comes from Him.
Additionally, the Table pointed to fellowship with God. Just as priests ate the bread in His presence, believers today partake of the Lord’s Supper, remembering Christ’s sacrifice (1 Corinthians 11:23-26). The Table reminds Christians that God provides not only physical needs but also spiritual fulfillment in Christ.
3. What was the symbolism of the Golden Candlestick in Exodus 37?
The Golden Candlestick (Menorah), described in Exodus 37:17-24, was made entirely of pure gold and had seven branches, each holding an oil lamp. It was the only light source in the Holy Place, as there were no windows in the Tabernacle. The candlestick was crafted with intricate designs of almond blossoms, knops (buds), and flowers, resembling a tree—a symbol of life and divine calling.
The Menorah represented God as the source of light. In Psalm 119:105, Scripture is called a lamp to the feet and a light to the path, showing that God's Word illuminates truth. More importantly, it foreshadowed Jesus Christ, who said, "I am the light of the world" (John 8:12). The candlestick also represented Israel’s mission to be a light to the nations (Isaiah 42:6).
The priests were responsible for keeping the lamps burning continually (Leviticus 24:2-4), signifying constant worship and the need for spiritual vigilance. In the New Testament, believers are called to shine as lights in a dark world (Matthew 5:14-16, Philippians 2:15), mirroring the candlestick’s role in the Tabernacle.
4. What is the spiritual meaning of the Altar of Incense in Exodus 37?
The Altar of Incense, described in Exodus 37:25-29, was made of acacia wood and overlaid with gold. It stood before the veil separating the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies, where the Ark of the Covenant was kept. The priests burned a special mixture of incense on it every morning and evening, creating a sweet-smelling aroma that symbolized prayers rising to God (Psalm 141:2, Revelation 5:8).
The altar had four horns, representing strength and divine authority. Once a year, on the Day of Atonement, the high priest sprinkled blood on the horns to purify the altar (Leviticus 16:18-19), emphasizing the connection between prayer and atonement.
The incense represented intercession. Just as the priest interceded for Israel, Jesus is our high priest, continually interceding for believers before the Father (Hebrews 7:25). The Altar of Incense teaches that prayer should be a daily practice, just as the incense was burned continually. It reminds believers that prayer is both a privilege and a responsibility, and through Christ, prayers are heard and answered.
5. How does Exodus 37 point to Jesus Christ?
Exodus 37, which details the construction of the Ark of the Covenant, the Mercy Seat, the Table of Shewbread, the Golden Candlestick, and the Altar of Incense, is rich in typology that points to Jesus Christ. Each item foreshadowed aspects of Christ’s ministry, sacrifice, and divine nature:
- The Ark of the Covenant – Represented God’s presence, and Jesus is "Emmanuel, God with us" (Matthew 1:23). The Ark contained the law, and Jesus fulfilled the law perfectly (Matthew 5:17).
- The Mercy Seat – Symbolized atonement for sin, and Christ is our atonement through His sacrifice (Romans 3:25, 1 John 2:2).
- The Table of Shewbread – Signified God’s provision, and Jesus is the "bread of life" (John 6:35).
- The Golden Candlestick – Provided light in the Holy Place, and Jesus is the "light of the world" (John 8:12).
- The Altar of Incense – Represented prayer and intercession, and Jesus intercedes for believers before God (Hebrews 7:25, Romans 8:34).
Each of these elements in Exodus 37 pointed forward to Christ’s role as the mediator between God and man (1 Timothy 2:5). The careful construction of these items reminds believers of the meticulous plan of redemption that God orchestrated through Jesus.
Exodus 37 is not just a historical record of the Tabernacle’s furnishings—it is a blueprint of redemption. Every crafted element carried spiritual significance, revealing God's nature and pointing to Jesus Christ. The chapter teaches that worship must be done according to God's design, obedience is vital in serving Him, and true worship requires excellence, devotion, and reverence.
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