A Publication of the Piedmont church of Christ

Piedmont Primer

Vol. 1, Issue 1

Page One

The Tabernacle of God By Brent Veyon

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

We first read about the tabernacle of God in the book of Exodus.  The tabernacle, sometimes referred to as the 'tent of meeting' or 'sanctuary,' was the place God designated, that "[He] may dwell among them." (Ex. 25:8)  Subsequently, when Moses received the Law from Mount Sinai, he also received instructions on how the tabernacle was to be constructed. (Ex. 25:1-ff)  We will find in our reading of this, that God was very specific about His tabernacle.  God describes it to Moses in great detail.  We also know, just as Moses received and delivered God's specific instructions on the building of his tabernacle, Christ also received and delivered God's specific instructions on the building of His church.     When we read the story of Moses in the book of Exodus, we find the instructions for building the tabernacle, are listed twice.

"An astonishing and horrible thing has been comitted in the land: The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests rule by thier own power; and My people love to have it so, but what will you do in the end." Jeremiah 5:30-31

One may wonder why this would be, seeing that they are very long and detailed instructions.  In the first listing, Moses receives the instructions when he climbs Mount Sinai, and before his rebuke of Israel for their transgression with the golden calf.  Then, after his second trip to Mount Sinai, he begins to instruct Israel on the building of the tabernacle (Ex. 35:4-ff).  Here again, we see these very specific instructions listed again.      However, when we look at this first account, it tells us a lot about God and His tabernacle.  First of all, we can see from these commands, God was very specific in not only how and with what material the tabernacle was made, but also in how the materials were to be acquired ("willingly from [their] hearts" Ex. 25:1-9).  God left none of its construction or its materials, up to man's desires or whims.  On the contrary, He dictated all of this to the minutest detail, including giving its builders miraculous knowledge (Ex. 31:1-11) to accomplish what He desired.  This alone should tell us how God felt about His tabernacle, for His Spirit directed their work.      The second record of instructions (Ex. 35:4-ff), tells us of the faithfulness of Moses.  In instructing Israel, Moses tells them exactly the same instructions he received form God on Mount Sinai.  Exactly, what he received, he delivered.  This also makes it clear; Moses feared God and kept His instructions complete in every detail, taking the admonistion of God seriously (Ex. 25:9).  Moses handled God's instuctions with fear and reverence.  He knew to Whom the tabernacle belonged, and to Whom he belonged.      Looking back at these events, we can learn much from these accounts.  Moses gives us a great example in faithfully executing all that was commanded.  Israel, in this case, is also a good example, in that they obeyed the commands Moses delivered. Knowing God would not be satisfied with "good enough," they completed the tabernacle in exacting detail with the guidance of God's own Spirit.  Veering neither right nor left, the tabernacle was completed.

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