Exodus chapter 25 begins with God telling Moses to “Tell the Israelites to bring Me an offering“. The only details God gives is, “You will receive it for Me” and “from each man whose heart prompts him to give“. Again we see God only accepting offerings that are given with the right ATTITUDE. Initially God does not even tell them the purpose, we only know it is FOR GOD and to be given WILLINGLY. Clearly God desires for us to develop a giving attitude in our lives. Next, God instructs them in exactly what items He wants; everything from gold and silver, to fine lines and animal skins, acacia wood and gem stones. Finally God explains, “Let them make a sanctuary for Me, and I will dwell among them“. This is not to be God’s home, but rather the meeting place. And he gives one more important instruction, “Make the tabernacle and all the furnishings exactly like the pattern I will show you“. Hebrews 8:5 tells us the reason is, this is “a copy and shadow of the heavenly things“. Each item is a symbolic representation of the throne room of God in heaven. Not so God could be comfortable on earth, but rather to prepare us for the glory that awaits us in heaven; for instruction and to give us a wonderful anticipation of eternity.
Next, God give the instructions for making several items that are to be used inside the tabernacle. He begins with the Ark (or box) of the Covenant. Giving exact dimensions, it was to be made of acacia wood and “covered with pure gold inside and out” .”Then put into the ark, the Testimony which I will give you“. It was to have four rings through which poles were inserted. These were to be the only contact with the ark, apart from touching the poles, it was forbidden to touch the ark. Then He gives instruction for “a mercy seat of pure gold” that will be the lid. It will have two cherubim, one at each end, facing each other “with wings spread upward, overshadowing the cover“. “There, above the cover, between the two cherubim…I will meet with you“. We are also given instructions for the Table of Showbread with “plates and dishes of pure gold” and the Golden lamp stand. Each made of gold, each with very specific details for size and design. The chapter ends with God emphasizing, “See that you make them according to the pattern shown you on the mountain“. Clearly God does not like His symbols misrepresented.
One of the most fascinating items in the chapter is the “mercy seat”, or “atonement cover” It literally sat on top of the law of Moses. This is the place where the priest would sprinkle the blood of the sacrifice. The picture is clear, only a blood sacrifice can atone for the transgressions against the Law. The tabernacle itself was a tent, a temporary meeting place. The word used for Mercy Seat in Exodus is later used to describe Jesus Christ (Romans 3:25). The temporary place of atonement was to become permanent in the person of Jesus Christ. Literally He is our mercy seat. It is only through His sacrifice that we can be completely restored. By God’s Mercy the debt of our sins are paid in full when we accept by faith Jesus Christ as our Savior. Knowing the debt that has been paid for us, how can we not desire to give willingly to God?