Exodus 35-40

Review…

• Exodus 20-24 – the LAW of God for INDIVIDUALS / SOCIETY / JUDGES…
• Exodus 25-31 – The Tabernacle – where God would dwell with His people making them HOLY…
• Exodus 32-33 – The Golden Calf
  • Moses was DELAYED coming down from the mountain…
    • Israel demanded Aaron make them a god they could SEE…
    • He made them a Golden Calf and told Israel this is the god who brought you out of Egypt!
  • The Lord told Moses – go down – YOUR people have sinned.
    • Moses shattered the tablets of stone – and all who would not repent were executed…
    • The day the Law was given to Israel – 3000 people died!
    • The day of PENTECOST – 3000 people were given new life – II Corinthians 3:6
    • Exodus 34 – Reconfirming the Covenant…
  • New stones – God had Moses carve 2 new stone to put the Law (contact) on…
  • Because the Character of God is – merciful and forgiving / righteous and just!
  • Following the Blueprints… (4 points)
• 1^st – The WORD of the Lord… vs. 1-3– READ
  • 1^st – These are the WORDS… vs. 1
    • These are the WORDS – which the Lord has COMMANDED [piel] …
    • WORDS – [הַדְּבָרִים] – from the verb to speak…
    • In the NT – the WORD [λόγος] – is one of the TITLES for Jesus Christ!
    • I can remember as a child wanting to hear from God – to hear Him speak…
    • I would even try an imagine what would the sound of His voice be like!
    • The VOICE of the Lord is His WORD – that is how He COMMANDS [piel] us…
    • If we want to hear from Him – know His will for our lives…
    • Then we only have to READ His WORD – and He will SPEAK to us!
    • God chose to speak through His WORD…
    • Have you even played the PHONE game – passing a word from person to person…
    • Inevitably by the time you get to the last person – completely different word!
    • If God SPOKE to a man – that man would know His COMMANDS…
    • But then when that man shared it with others – it would NOT be coming from the Lord…
    • Inevitably over time – the COMMANDS of God – passed from one person to the next…
    • Would be corrupted – so men would NOT know the TRUTH!
    • That is why God ONLY speaks through His WORD – because it NEVER changes!
    • Isaiah 40:8 – “The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.”
  • 2^nd – The Sabbath Day… vs. 2-3
    • Six days men shall do their work – but the SEVENTH day shall be a HOLY day…
    • SABBATH of rests [שַׁבַּת שַׁבָּתוֹן] – a day special day to REST…
    • If anyone worked on this DAY – they were to be put to DEATH – Numbers 15:32
    • They could not so much as start a FIRE in their house [cook] – on the SABBATH…
    • Because it was a HOLY [קֹדֶשׁ] day – a day set aside to LISTEN to the WORDS of God!
    • Take the time – MAKE the time – to listen to the WORD…
    • Hearing from God does not happen by accident – we set aside time to LISTEN…
    • Because if we do NOT set aside time [קֹדֶשׁ] – we will begin to spiritually wither!
    • 2^nd – Responding to the Word… vs. 35:4 – 36:7 – READ BY SECTION
  • 1^st – The WORD [הַדָּבָר] the Lord commanded [piel] … vs. 4-5
    • Take an OFFERING – from the verb [רוּם] – meaning to LIFT UP…
    • The picture is of GIVING something – lifting it up – to God!
    • Israel was to bring an OFFERING to God – the materials needed to build the tabernacle!
    • Not because God needed anything from Israel – He is the creator of all heaven and earth!
    • But God does wanted Israel to invest in Him / His work – Luke 12:34
    • We do not choose where are heart is – we do choose where we put our treasures…
    • Wherever we put our money / time / talents – is where our heart will also be!
  • 2^nd – Information – not solicitation… vs. 5-19
    • Israel was to give various kinds of precious metals…
    • The different metals in the Tabernacle all have significant meaning…
    • Gold – a picture of the Glory and Holiness of God – ONLY used inside the Tabernacle…
    • Silver – a picture of salvation – the grace of God – used inside and outside…
    • Bronze – a picture of judgment – ONLY used on the outside of the Tabernacle…
    • Israel was to give various colors of thread and fine linen…
    • Blue – a picture of HEAVEN – used in the decorations…
    • Purple – a picture of ROYALTY – wealth and power – used in the decorations…
    • Red – a picture of SACRIFICE / REDEMPTION – used in the decorations…
    • Israel was also to bring animal skins / wood / oil / spices / and stones…
    • Animal skins – were used as curtains / and a waterproof covering for the Tabernacle…
    • Wood – was used to build the furniture / curtain poles / and supports for the Tabernacle…
    • Oil – was used to light the Menorah – and as anointing oil…
    • Spices – were used to make anointing oil / and as incense for the altar…
    • Stones – were used on the Ephod for the clothing of the priests!
    • Moses told the people about what the Tabernacle NEEDED…
    • But nothing was REQUIRED – the people were to give from a WILLING heart!
    • There are a LOT of diverse opinions today in the church about how to collect money…
    • Some churches have very PUBLIC programs to help raise funds…
    • While others only put a box in the back of the sanctuary for those who want to give!
    • There is not a RIGHT or WRONG way – but I would mention two principals…
    • First – do NOT let your left hand know what you right hand is doing – Matthew 6:1-4
    • We do not want to give to be recognized by men – no donation name plates!
    • Second – while it is OK to give information [opportunity] – do not SOLICIT money…
    • It misrepresents the Lord – as if God somehow needs something from us!
  • 3^rd – A WILLING heart… vs. 5 / 20-29
    • Whoever is of a WILLING heart…
    • WILLING [נָדַב] – used 6x in this passage [3 forms] – to stir up / impel / motivate…
    • Because people were listening to the WORD of the Lord – they were STIRRED by the Lord…
    • STIRRED [נָשָׂא] – used 3x in this passage – to take away / can be translated as FORGIVEN…
    • Do NOT miss this – why were the people so WILLING to give so much to the Lord…
    • Because they listened to the WORD Lord – which brought FORGIVENESS from the Lord!
    • I have to wonder – if the command to give had taken place BEFORE the Golden calf…
    • Perhaps the people would have been LESS generous – giving out of obligation…
    • But POST golden calf – seeing how SINFUL they were – but FORGIVEN…
    • They were very STIRRED and WILLING to show their gratefulness to the Lord!
    • We do NOT have to give anything to God…
    • The question is NOT – what are we required to GIVE to the Lord – the answer is NOTHING…
    • The question is – do we understand what the Lord has GIVEN to us…
    • If we think we HAVE to GIVE – out of some sense of obligation – we will hesitate…
    • But if we get into the WORD of the Lord – and see we are sinners – Romans 3:23
    • And the wages of sin is death – hell – eternal separation – Romans 6:23
    • And we TRULY believe God paid the price for our sin – GIVEN us forgiveness – John 3:16
    • Our giving will NOT out of obligation – but a STIRRED heart / spirit…
    • Like Zacchaeus who gave half of all he had when Jesus came into his house – Luke 19:8
    • We WILLINGLY give – desiring to show our gratitude for what God has done!
    • II Corinthians 9:7 – “Let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.”
  • 4^th – GIFTED by God… vs. 25/30-3
    • People gave more than just their possessions…
    • Some of the women who were good at sewing – spun blue / purple / and red yarn …
    • God filled Bezalel – Aholiab – and others with wisdom and understanding to do the work…
    • God even put it in the heart of Bezalel to teach others what God had given to him!
    • Perhaps we do have a desire to GIVE to the Lord – be involved in His work…
    • The problem is we do not t think we have anything to GIVE to the Lord – no money!
    • Money is only ONE way that we give to the Lord – it is NOT the ONLY way…
    • God has GIFTED each one of us – we can GIVE God our time and efforts to Him!
    • The POOR church of Philippi – was ONLY church to support Paul – he called them his crown!
    • While one of the richest churches – Laodicea – was spiritually bankrupt – Revelation 3:17
    • Being used by the Lord has nothing to do with how much money we have…
    • It is all about a heart that is humble – and being willing to GIVE ourselves to the Lord!
    • It is not about MONEY – it is about the HEART…
    • Mark 12:42-44 – Jesus sat opposite the treasury – watching as people put their money in…
    • There were many there who were rich – who put in a lot of money…
    • But there was a poor widow who only put in 2 mites – about 50 centavos…
    • Jesus called the disciples and told them – she gave more than all the rich put together!
    • The rich gave out of their abundance – she out of her poverty – she gave all she had!
    • Giving to God is not about money or talent – God does not need anything…
    • And it is not about the quantity – giving a lot means nothing if it costs us nothing…
    • It is about sacrifice – giving from the heart – showing our Love for God!
    • Giving to the Lord is not just giving to the church – Deuteronomy 14:28-29
    • We are often taught the only way to give to the Lord – is to give to the church…
    • But we can give an offering to the Lord by helping out those around us…
    • God considers that to be just as much a gift as anything we give to the Lord!
  • 5^th – Too much… vs. 4-7
    • The craftsman spoke to Moses – the people bring much more than enough…
    • The Children of Israel gave SO MUCH – Moses had to tell them to stop giving!
    • When God is the one who is behind a work – He will provide for all the needs!
    • We do NOT have to tell people to give / we do NOT have to make them help…
    • When God is the one doing the work – He will stir the hearts of His people…
    • He will provide for all the needs to complete His work!
    • He will provide so much – we end up having to tell the people to STOP giving!
    • So many churches today STIVE for money – and miss the work God is doing…
    • Too often in the church – money is the focus – tithes / offerings – the reason…
    • The church is trying to do something that is THEIR idea – new building – sound…
    • If it is our idea – we have to pay for it – if it is from the Lord – HE will pay for it…
    • Much better to seek the Lord on what He wants to do – then He will provide the needs!
• 3^rd – Following the Word… vs. 36:8 – 39:43 – DO NOT READ
  • 1^st – All the gifted artisans… vs. 8
    • In a repeat of Exodus 25-30 – God gave Moses the BLUEPRINTS for the Tabernacle…
    • The GIFTED artisans now build everything according to the design God gave to Moses…
    • But notice the CHANGE in pronoun – from THEM to HE [vs. 10 and onwards] …
    • This is no doubt a reference to Bezalel who oversaw the work – Exodus 37:1
    • But I cannot help but think there is a subtle application for us!
    • A MULTITUDE of people took part in the work – but only ONE got the credit…
    • Because while God may use an army – ultimately – He is the one who oversees it all…
    • I Corinthians 3:6 – “[One] planted, [another] watered, but God gave the increase.”
    • One person might plant a seed – another does all the work of nurturing it to fruition…
    • But really – do we do anything – it is God who makes the plant grow!
    • Perhaps we share the Gospel with someone – but they do not get saved…
    • We planted the seed – but it was not the right time for the fruit to grow…
    • Someone else comes and encourages that person in Jesus – fertilizes / weeds…
    • A completely different person tells them about Jesus – harvest – salvation!
    • We never know how God will use us – plant / water / or harvest…
    • And it really does NOT matter – it is God who get the credit!
  • 2^nd – The Pattern…
    • The Tabernacle – Exodus 36:8-34
    • A tent – 15 feet wide x 15 feet high x 45 feet long – covered in FOUR layers…
    • It was portable – along with everything that was in it – meant to be easily moved….
    • Embroidered doorway with cherubim – SECOND of THREE doors into the presence of God…
    • Common people were not allowed inside – only the priests could enter…
    • The inside framework of the tabernacle – made of wood overlaid in gold!
    • The Veil – Exodus 36:35-38
    • The Tabernacle was divided inside into TWO parts…
    • THE HOLY [הַקֹּדֶשׁ] – the FIRST room inside the Temple – only the priest were allowed…
    • The HOLY of HOLIES [קֹדֶשׁ הַקֳּדָשִֽׁים] – the inner room – the Ark of the Covenant…
    • The VEIL separated THE HOLY – from the HOLY of HOLIES…
    • It was to be decorated with CHERUBIM – embordered in blue / purple / and red thread…
    • The VEIL was no small piece of cloth – 15×15 feet x 4 inches thick!
    • The Ark of the Covenant / the Mercy seat – Exodus 37:1-9
    • A wooden box roughly 4x2x2 – covered inside and out in pure gold…
    • It had FOUR gold rings on its sides – used to insert TWO gold poles – used to carry the ark…
    • The poles were never to be taken out of the rings – because you could NOT touch the Ark!
    • The Ark was meant to hold the TESTIMONY – the TEN commandments written on stone!
    • The cover for the Ark – was called the MERCY SEAT…
    • It was also to be made out of pure gold – with two CHERUBIM on top of the cover…
    • The TWO angels would face each other – with wing spread out over the MERCY SEAT…
    • Symbolic of the THRONE ROOM of God – surrounded by the CHERUBIM – Revelation 4
    • Table of Showbread – Exodus 37:10-16
    • A wooden table – THREE feet long x 1.5 FEET wide x TWO feet high – overlaid with gold…
    • It also had FOUR gold rings on its sides – used to insert TWO gold poles to carry it…
    • SHOWBREAD – [לֶחֶם הַפָּנִֽים] – literally the bread before the FACE of God – Exodus 35:13
    • On top of the table there would be TWELVE loaves of bread – ONE for each of the tribes…
    • God kept a reminder of all His people before Him there in the Tabernacle!
    • The Menorah – Exodus 37:17-24
    • A candle stick – with SIX branches coming out of the main stem – made of solid gold!
    • The priests were to keep the lights burning day and night – Exodus 27:20-21
    • In was a SEVEN stemmed / SEVEN foot candle stick made of 75 pounds of solid gold!
    • SEVEN in the Bible is the number of perfection – the Menorah was the PERFECT light!
    • Altar of incense – Exodus 37:25-29
    • Inside the Tabernacle – next to the VEIL just outside the Holiest of Holies…
    • The Alter of incense – 18 inches square x 3 inches high – overlaid with Gold…
    • Like the Ark / Menorah / and table of showbread – it had two poles attached for carrying!
    • The Alter of incense was used to burn INCENSE before the Lord in the Tabernacle…
    • The Altar was a picture – it represented the PRAYERS of the saints coming up to God!
    • The Altar of burnt offering – Exodus 38:1-7
    • A wooden box 7.5’ wide x 7.5’ long x 4.5’ high – overlaid with BRONZE…
    • At each of the FOUR corners there were BRONZE horns sticking out…
    • It also had FOUR bronze rings on its sides – used to insert TWO bronze poles to carry it!
    • Those who came to meet with God could only come as far as the ALTAR …
    • They came to bring sacrifices – the penalty for their sins – but they could NOT meet God…
    • It served as a reminder that sin had to be judged – and sin kept us from God!
    • The Bronze pool – Exodus 38:8
    • Outside the Tabernacle – next to the bronze ALTAR – was the large Bronze POOL…
    • The pool was used by the Priests to wash their HANDS and FEET…
    • The priests had to wash before the went into the TABERNACLE or to the ALTAR!
    • Made from the mirrors of the women who served in the Tabernacle…
    • Choosing to be clean / beautiful on the inside – rather than focusing on the outside!
    • How much time do we spend making ourselves look good – looking in the mirror…
    • If we spent half as much time looking into the WORD – cleaning the inside – Ephesians 5:26
    • We would find God makes us beautiful from the inside out!
    • The outer courtyard – Exodus 38:9-20
    • A wall of curtains 150 feet long x 75 feet wide x 7.5 feet high around the Tabernacle…
    • The curtains were held up by 56 bronze posts – set in 56 bronze bases…
    • The tops of the bronze posts were all connected by silver rails to hang the curtains…
    • On the EAST side there was a 30-foot entryway – the FIRST of the THREE doors!
    • Inventory of the Tabernacle – Exodus 38:21-31
    • 1000kg of gold – only used within the Tabernacle – over 3 BILLION pesos…
    • 3422kg of silver – used inside and outside – over 135 MILLION pesos
    • 3400kg used for the silver bases of the Tabernacle [100 bases – 34kg each] …
    • Collected from the census tax – ½ shekel from every man over TWENTY – 603,550 in all…
    • 2408kg of bronze – used on the outside of the Tabernacle – 700k Pesos…
    • 3 billion pesos worth of Gold / 135 million worth of silver / 700k worth of bronze…
    • An ENORMOUS fortune – not given out of necessity – but out of love for God!
    • Not from a wealthy and powerful people – but from a group of slaves!
    • When God does a work – nothing is impossible – and He uses the least likely people…
    • God who takes a group of slaves – and makes them His nation…
    • God who takes a group of fishermen – and makes them His disciples…
    • God who takes you and I (a bunch of sinners) – and makes us His children….
    • God who can do anything – if we will just listen to Him and follow His Word!
    • The Ephod and the Onyx stones – Exodus 29:1-7
    • The Ephod was like an apron worn over the robe of the High priest…
    • Attaching the front of the Ephod to the back were two onyx stones on the shoulders
    • On each of the stones were SIX of the names of the Tribes of Israel…
    • Made from blue / purple / and scarlet thread – with Gold thread woven in…
    • The Gold was hammered into thin sheets – then cut into thin strips to be woven in!
    • The Chest piece – with the TWELVE stones – Exodus 29:8-21
    • Over the top of the Ephod there was a cloth pouch – covered in TWELVE precious stones…
    • Each one of the stones had one of the names of the 12 tribes engraved on it!
    • The Blue robe – with pomegranates and bells – Exodus 29:22-27
    • The bells had a practical role – letting you know the priest was alive…
    • The pomegranate fruit is a picture of being righteous before God…
    • Jewish tradition teaches the pomegranate has 613 seeds inside – one for each Law…
    • The idea being a fruitful man who keeps all the commands of God!
    • The Sash / Underclothes / and the Turban with the Medallion – Exodus 29:28-31
    • The medallion was over the head of the high priest – his mind set apart for the Lord…
    • Inscribed on the medallion were the words – HOLY to the Lord!
    • As the Lord COMMANDED – Exodus 29:32-43
    • COMMANDED [צָוָה] – 26x in the last five chapters – to give orders / instructions…
    • Everything Israel made was according to the instructions of the Lord…
    • FIRST – it was a PATTERN of heaven – Exodus 25:9 / Hebrews 8:5
    • SECOND – if we want to MEET with God – we need to follow the instructions of God!
    • A lot of people think that coming to God can be on their own terms…
    • But there is only ONE way to come to the Lord – and that is by obeying His Word!
    • John 14:23 – “Jesus replied – Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.”
• 4^th – The presence of the Lord… Exodus 40:1-38
  • 1^st – The FIRST month… vs. 1-33 – READ VERSE 1-2
    • On the FIRST day of the FIRST month [Nissan] – Moses set up the TENT of meeting…
    • This marked the ONE year anniversary of the Exodus…
    • It means Israel would have been ready to keep the PASSOVER – Numbers 9:1-2
    • Moses set up everything according to the pattern God had shown him
    • Exodus 40:16 – “Moses did; according to all that the LORD had commanded him, so he did.”
  • 2^nd – Following God… vs. 34-38 – READ
    • When all of the work was completed – THEN the presence of God filled the Tabernacle!
    • It looked like a cloud by day – and fire by night – always visible to the people…
    • Whenever the cloud moved – so did the children of Israel…
    • If the CLOUD did not move – neither did the children of Israel!
    • As we invest in the work of the Lord – become a part of what He is doing…
    • As we get into the Word of the Lord – listening to His guidance and direction…
    • The Lord – who knows where we should go and what we should do – will also direct us!