These are the original teaching notes from this passage.
Review…
- Exodus 20-24 – the LAW of God for INDIVIDUALS / SOCIETY / JUDGES…
- Exodus 25-31 – Moses went alone up the mountain – for 40 days and 40 nights…
- Exodus 25-27 – The Tabernacle – where God would dwell with His people making them HOLY…
- Exodus 28-29 – The clothing of the Priests…
- God gave them unique clothing for three reasons….
- For GLORY – to be HEAVY – speaking of their responsibility in representing God to the people…
- For BEAUTY – colorful clothing would make them stand out from among the people…
- To CONSECRATE them – the clothing would set them apart – HOLY – as PRIESTS to God!
- Final preparations… (7 points)
- 1st – Talking to God… vs. 1-10
- 1st – ALTAR of INCENSE… vs. 1-6
- 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!
- 2nd – Morning and Evening… vs. 6-8
- The Alter of incense was used to burn INCENSE before the Lord in the Tabernacle…
- The Lord told Moses that He would meet with him there at the Alter…
- Because even Moses could not go inside to the Holiest of All – into the presence of God!
- We might think – it would be nice to have an alter like that – a place to meet up with God…
- Every time you have a question – when you have a problem or need help…
- How wonderful would it be to have a place where we could go to hear from God!
- The Altar was a picture – it represented the PRAYERS of the saints coming up to God…
- Revelation 8:3 – “Another angel, having a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense, that he should offer it with the PRAYERS of all the saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.”
- We do have access to the Lord anytime – anywhere – we can come to the Lord in prayer!
- Unlike Moses or the priests – we can come right into the throne room of God!
- Talk to God – hear from God – find grace for the difficult times in our lives!
- Hebrews 4:16 – “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
- 3rd – Strange fire… vs. 8-9
- You shall not offer STRANGE incense on it…
- The Altar of INCENSE was not for regular sacrifices – BURNT / GRAIN / or DRINK offerings…
- And most importantly – do NOT offer STRANGE incense on the Altar…
- Leviticus 10:1-2 – “Nadab and Abihu… offered profane [strange] fire before the LORD, which He had not commanded them. So fire went out from the LORD and devoured them…”
- This seems to be a VERY extreme reaction to us on the part of God…
- But the priests were the representation of God to the people…
- Therefore – it was incredibly important that obey all laws of God – regard Him as Holy…
- If they did things God did not command them to do – they misrepresented God…
- Whatever the priests said or did – was a pattern for Israel to follow after…
- A heavy responsibility – with stern consequences for misrepresenting the Lord!
- We also need to be careful what we say and do – so we do NOT misrepresent Jesus…
- How we live our lives – how we talk – where we go – people assume is from God…
- Which is why we ALSO must live our lives according to the COMMAND of God…
- Make sure we do NOT offer any STRANGE fire to the Lord!
- 4th – Atonement… vs. 10
- Once a year Aaron – High Priest – would make ATONEMENT for the sins of the people…
- ATONEMENT [כִפֶּר] – to COVER – referring to the day of Yom Kippur – Leviticus 16
- The High Priest would put the blood on the horns of the Altar of Incense…
- To COVER the sins of the people – so God could HEAR their prayers!
- Because it is sin that keeps the Lord for hearing our prayers – leaves prayers unanswered…
- Our prayers hit the ceiling of our sin – and we end up talking to ourselves!
- Psalm 66:18 – “If I had… sin in my heart, my Lord would not have listened.”
- 1st – ALTAR of INCENSE… vs. 1-6
- 2nd – Trusting in God… vs. 11-16
- 1st – When you take a census… vs. 11
- God would have Moses count the children of Israel – Numbers 1:2
- But there was a DANGER to counting the people…
- If they were preparing to go to Battle – they might count how many troops they had…
- And trust in their strength of numbers – rather than trusting in the Lord!
- But God does not care about numbers – the 300 men of Gideon – Judges 7:2
- Even today we have a tendency to look to and trust in NUMBERS…
- One of the FIRST questions someone will ask about a church – how many people come…
- We see quantity as a sign of blessings – but God does not look at numbers…
- God looks at the heart – He wants His kids to look to and trust in Him!
- 2nd – The Ransom… vs. 12-16
- If there was a census – then all those counted had to pay a RANSOM tax…
- This was the census tax – to be given only when you numbered the Children of Israel…
- All the proceeds of the tax were to go to pay for the upkeep of the Tabernacle…
- Rich or poor it did NOT matter – the RANSOM was the same…
- Every Jewish man over the age of 20 was expected to pay a ½ Shekel (10 days wage)!
- Do we still have to pay the RANSOM when we count…
- We read about the tax in when Jesus arrived in Capernaum – Matthew 17:24-27
- Peter was asked – does your teacher not pay the temple [Tabernacle] tax…
- Peter immediately answered – YES – then thought to go and check with Jesus…
- Jesus anticipating the question from Peter instead asked him…
- Who do the Kings of the earth tax – their sons or strangers…
- The point being that Kings do NOT tax their own sons – they are tax free!
- We are not strangers in the Kingdom of God – we are sons…
- Therefore we are not required to give any tax or tithe – II Corinthians 9:7
- There is no TAX for the sons and daughters of the King…
- We can GIVE if and when we desire – God loves his kids to give cheerfully!
- 1st – When you take a census… vs. 11
- 3rd – Walking with God … vs. 17-21
- 1st – The Bronze POOL… vs. 17-18
- Outside the Tabernacle – next to the bronze ALTAR – was the large Bronze POOL…
- There are no dimensions given in Exodus as to the exact size of the pool…
- But if it was similar to the bronze SEA Solomon built for the Temple – it was HUGE!
- I Kings 7:23 – “15 feet across from rim to rim; it was called the Sea. It was 7 1/2 feet deep and about 45 feet in circumference.”
- 2nd – Washing the Priests… vs. 19-21
- 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 – or die…
- The obvious questions – why just wash the HANDS and FEET – why not the rest!
- John 13:10 – “He who is bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean…”
- Peter asked this same question of Jesus when He washed the disciples feet…
- It is a spiritual picture – our feet are where we go – our hands are what we do…
- If where we go and what we do is clean – the rest of us will also be clean!
- We as believers need to be careful where we go – and what we do…
- If we go along with others to places where bad things happen – we will be UNCLEAN…
- We may try and convince ourselves we will NOT join in – but in the end we will compromise…
- We will ONLY find we are CLEAN – when we STAY away from sin – walking with the Lord!
- 1st – The Bronze POOL… vs. 17-18
- 4th – Anointed by God… vs. 22-33
- 1st – The ANOINTING Oil… vs. 22-30
- God gave to Moses very specific instructions as to the ingredients of the Anointing oil…
- SIX kilos of myrrh / THREE kilos of cinnamon / THREE kilos of sweat cane…
- SIX kilos of cassia (similar to cinnamon)…
- All of this was to be mixed in ONE gallon of olive oil – to make the Holy Anointing oil…
- With this oil they were to ANOINT – the Tabernacle / the Ark of God / the table…
- The Menorah / Alter of incense / Bronze Alter / Bronze pool / and Aaron and his sons…
- The OIL made all of them HOLY to God – special – set apart for the work of God!
- 2nd – Do NOT duplicate… vs. 31-33
- The OIL was HOLY – it was not to be used apart from the direction of God…
- And anyone who tried to DUPLICATE the ANOINTED oil – was to be cut off from Israel!
- When it comes to being ANOINTED – there are THREE options!
- We can look to the WORLD and follow their example!
- When the Philistines captured the Ark of God – I Samuel 5-6
- God caused plagues to torment and punish them – rats and hemorrhoids…
- So they sent the Ark back to Israel on a cart drawn by two cows!
- When King David tried to bring the Ark to Jerusalem…
- He looked to the example of the WORLD – rather than to the Lord…
- He brought the Ark on a cart drawn by two cows – II Samuel 6:1-7
- At one point on the road – a cow stumbled – the Ark tipped and almost fell…
- A man named Uzzah reached out to steady the Ark – God struck him dead!
- According to the Word – the Ark was only to be carried by poles – Exodus 25:15
- Because King David DUPLICATED the example of the world – it brought death!
- Unfortunately today many people look to the World rather than the Word…
- They think in order to be used by God – you need a college degree…
- In order for a church to grow in size – you need to entertain the people…
- To get money – hold fundraisers – to raise money for the church…
- All ideas that come from the world – nowhere to be found in the Word…
- As a result many churches are not looking to the Lord/Bible – spiritual death!
- We can look to other CHURCHES – and try and DUPLICATE the anointing…
- If we see a church doing an outreach – LOTS of people attend – we try to DUPLICATE it…
- If we see a person BLESSED by God – we want to DUPLICATE them…
- If it worked for them then maybe it will work for us too!
- But there is a very real danger in trying to DUPLICATE the anointing of God…
- We trust a system / program / method – rather than the God who makes them work…
- If we try and DUPLICATE the ANOINTING – we are not looking to God – death again!
- We can look to the LORD – and follow His example…
- The best way to see God do a work in our lives – is to walk with the Lord…
- It does not matter what the world does / says – or what other churches do…
- As we look to His Word – look to the God who ANOINTS and empowers…
- We will find we are ANOINTED by God – overflowing with Good Works!
- Psalm 1:1-3 – “Blessed is the man… [whose] delight is in the [Word] of the LORD… whatever he does shall prosper.”
- 1st – The ANOINTING Oil… vs. 22-30
- 5th – Knowing God … vs. 34-38
- 1st – The INCENSE… vs. 34-38
- God gave to Moses very specific instructions as to the ingredients of the INCENSE…
- Stacte (gum resin) / Onycha (mollusk shell) / Galbanum (an essential oil)…
- The last was Frankincense – all to be ground into a fine incense powder…
- Then offered on the ALTAR of INCENSE – the place where they could meet with God!
- 2nd – Gift for God…
- GOLD Altar of incense / anointed in MYRRH / burning FRANKINCENSE to God…
- These THREE elements that should sound very familiar to us – the GIFTS given to Jesus!
- Matthew 2:11 – “They opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.”
- As we come to the Altar of the Lord – talking to God through PRAYER…
- Not looking to numbers – but looking to the Lord – TRUSTING God…
- With clean hands and feet – washed by the Word – WALKING with God…
- Not trying to DUPLICATE the world – but ANOINTED by God…
- We will find our lives are a GIFT to God – as we live a HOLY life for Jesus!
- 1st – The INCENSE… vs. 34-38
- 6th – Gifted by God… vs. 1-11
- 1st – God called Bezalel… vs. 1-2 / 7-11
- God had called Bezalel to oversee the building of the Tabernacle and all that was in it…
- So what made him so special – why was he uniquely able to be used by the Lord…
- Bezalel [בְּצַלְאֵל] – his name means under the shadow of God…
- If you are in a the shadow of something – it suggests you are very close…
- If I were in the shadow of a tree – the tree would not be miles away…
- Bezalel was in the shadow of God – meaning he stayed very close to the Lord!
- If we desire to be used by God – we need to be close to the Lord…
- Where do we spend most of our time – hanging out with Jesus – or the world!
- 2nd – A good FAMILY… vs. 2
- Bezalel came from a godly family (tribe of Judah) – the son of Uri – grandson of Hur…
- He had a father who was on FIRE for the Lord – Uri mean fiery…
- His grandfather Hur (along with Aaron) held up Moses arms – battle with Amalekites…
- Because of the Godly men in his life – Bezalel was a man who followed after God!
- Godly kids do NOT happen by accident – they come from a GOOD example!
- Kids follow in our footsteps – mirror our actions – what example do we give them…
- Parents – especially dads – we have the obligation / opportunity to teach our kids…
- Not just through our words – but also through actions – teach them to follow Jesus!
- 3rd – FILLED with the Spirit of God… vs. 3
- FILLED – [piel / imperfect] – Bezalel was CONSTANTLY and INTENSELY filled…
- Spirit of God – [רוּחַ אֱלֹהִים] – only the THIRD time in the Bible we see this term…
- FIRST time was in creation – when the Spirit stirred the waters – Genesis 1:2
- SECOND was with Joseph – when the Spirit gave him a new life – Genesis 41:38
- Now we see the Spirit of God giving a man GIFTS so he can be used by the Lord!
- The ministry of the Spirit can be broken up into THREE categories…
- The Spirit is with us convicting us – STIRRING us to believe on Jesus – John 16:8
- The Spirit come to live in us – giving us a new LIFE in Jesus – John 20:22
- The Holy Spirit comes upon us – gives us GIFTS to use for Jesus!
- How do you get the GIFTS of the Spirit – just ask…
- Matthew 7:7 – “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find…”
- Not just once – but over and over and over again for – asking for the Holy Spirit
- Luke 11:13 -“Your heavenly Father [will] give the Spirit to those who ask Him.”
- We CONSTANTLY come to the Lord so He can INTENSELY fill us with His Spirit…
- Only then can we receive the GIFTS we need to be used by the Lord!
- The abilities and gifts of Bezalel were not his own – they were GIFTS from God…
- Filled with the Spirit of God – in wisdom – understanding – and knowledge!
- All believers who are filled with the Spirit have at least ONE gift – I Peter 4:10
- We do not decide what gifts we receive – the Holy Spirit gives them to us…
- We are not defined by our gift – I am a prophet or I am a healer…
- The Holy Spirit can give us any or all of the gifts as the need arise!
- I Corinthians 12:11 – “The same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills…”
- 4th – SKILLED in all kinds of crafts… vs. 4-5
- Bezalel had it all – he could do ANYTHING – incredibly talented…
- But it is not that Bezalel had incredible GIFTS – he just GAVE all he had to the Lord!
- John 6:9 – “There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two small fish, but what are they among so many?”
- It often we ask the Lord – what do I have to offer – what can I give to the Lord…
- We have a tendency to count loaves – compare ours to others…
- What we HAVE is not the issue – it does not matter how many GIFTS we possess…
- When we take whatever we HAVE – and give it to the Lord – it is more than enough!
- 5th – Bezalel had HELP… vs. 6
- Bezalel was to be assisted by Aholiab – from the tribe of Dan…
- Even though God had given Bezalel great abilities – he still needed help!
- God rarely does a work through just one man – God uses an army…
- Everyone in the church is important – everyone has a purpose…
- It is only as we work together – each with our own gifts – the work of God is accomplished!
- I Corinthians 12:27 – “All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it.”
- 1st – God called Bezalel… vs. 1-2 / 7-11
- 7th – The SIGN of God… vs. 12-18
- 1st – A SIGN… 12-17
- SABBATHS – from the word [שָׁבַת] – meaning to REST…
- SIX days men were to do ALL their work – but they had to REST on the SEVENTH day…
- Because in SIX days God created the heavens and the earth – Genesis 2:1-2
- And on the SEVENTH day He RESTED [שָׁבַת]!
- It was important – anyone who broke it was put to DEATH – Numbers 15:32
- Colossians 2:16-17 – “Let no one judge you… regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths, which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ.”
- The Sabbath was just a shadow of Jesus – He is our true rest!
- A SIGN [אוֹת] – a MARK – that establishes a PROMISE of God to His people…
- The Rainbow of Noah – Genesis 9:17 /the Circumcision of Abraham – Genesis 17:11
- The BLOOD of PASSOVER Lamb – Exodus 12:13
- Here Israel was given the SIGN of the SABBATHS!
- The SABBATHS would be a SIGN the Lord SANCTIFIES you…
- SANCTIFIES [מְקַדִּשְׁכֶֽם] – to be HOLY (piel) – set apart to be used by God…
- By keeping the Sabbath it would raise questions – why do you NOT work on Saturday…
- It would give parents a chance to share with their kids – the SIGN we are set apart for God…
- It would give the people a chance to share with strangers – tell them about the Lord!
- God calls us to be a peculiar people – we are not supposed to blend in – I Peter 2:9
- If we look and act just like the world – why would anyone want to ask us about Jesus…
- It is because we are different – love / grace / holiness – we should stand out…
- Giving us the opportunity to tell others about the hope we have in us – I Peter 3:15
- 2nd – The STONE TABLETS… vs. 18
- God made an end of speaking with Moses on Mount Sinai – the FORTY days were done…
- And God gave Moses the STONE TABLETS – written by the FINGER of God…
- Moses was not carrying the commands of MEN – they were the commands of GOD!
- But the COMMAND of God do NOT bring life – it brought death – II Corinthians 3:6
- As we will see – although the LAW is perfect – MEN are sinners!
- 1st – A SIGN… 12-17