Read: Exodus 37:1-38:31; Matthew 28:1-20; Psalm 14:11-22; Proverbs 9:9-10
The ark was much smaller than I imagine it in my mind. It was only around a yard long and 18 inches wide. It stood 2 1/4 feet tall. Two gold angels sat on top facing one another with outstretched wings that touched in the middle. It represented God’s presence on earth. We are to be that wooden box that holds the presence of the Lord and shine like the glory of God on the earth. We are under the shadow of God’s wings (Psalm 91) and nothing can harm us.
The table that the shew bread would sit on was only 18”x18”. Bezalel also made utensils, pans, bowls and pitchers to serve the priests with. The menorah was the light of the room and was decorated with almond blossoms and leaves. It had six branches and one middle piece that stood for the Lord himself. This piece represented the seven spirits of the Lord mentioned in Isaiah 11:2. They are wisdom and understanding, counsel and might, knowledge and the fear of the Lord. They are coupled together because they are grouped on the same branch that stretches from one side to the other. The menorah is the revelation of God.
The altar of incense was also 18” square and 3’ tall. All three of these pieces of furniture were made of wood and covered with gold with a rim like a crown around the top. They had gold rings with poles to carry them. They were not to be touched with hands but highly esteemed.
The largest piece of furniture was the brazen altar which they would use to kill and burn the animals on. It was 7 1/2’ square and made of wood and covered with bronze. It had four horns on the four corners. It was also carried with rings and poles.
We aren’t told the dimension of the laver but we are told that it was made of the mirrors of the women serving at the tent. The laver was where the priests washed the blood from their hands before and after killing the animals. The mirrors were to let them see their own selves so they wouldn’t judge the people. Keeping a mirror before you is to self-examine your motives.
Huge 75 feet tapestries were hung on the inside of the tent around the wall. They were woven of blue, purple and scarlet yarn into fine linen. These are all royal colors to help the people realize that when they enter this place it is the tabernacle of the King of Kings.
They counted the people so the people gave their 1/5 of an ounce of gold as their sanctuary tax to ransom their soul so that no plague would come upon them.
In Matthew, there was another earthquake and an angel came and rolled the stone from the grave. Jesus had already ascended up to heaven but God wanted everyone to know that his son was no longer there He had fulfilled everything he said he would do. Mary and Martha were at the tomb to see the angels do this and hear them say that Jesus was not there but had risen. They also told the women that Jesus would meet them in Galilee and that they should tell the disciples.
The soldiers that were guarding the tomb also saw and heard what the angels said. They were paid to keep silent about what they saw.
Jesus met them in Galilee and told them to go spread the gospel to everyone.
Lord, everything you do is precise and purposeful. Help us to see that every day of our lives is important. We have a mission to live Jesus!
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