Philip Graham Ryken, the president of Wheaton College, wrote: “Art for God’s sake—this is what the tabernacle was all about. Every detail in that sacred building was for the praise of God’s glory. The altar and the atonement cover (also known as the mercy seat) testified to his grace. The table of the showbread proclaimed his providence. The lampstand spread his light. But even the things that were not symbolic were for God. This is why the tabernacle was made so carefully, with such fine materials and elaborate decorations: it was all for the glory of God.”
Completing the tabernacle was a milestone moment in Israel’s history (v. 32). It would be Israel’s center for national worship until Solomon built the temple centuries later. On Bezalel’s list, the priestly garments were the last items to be done. Moses carried out the final inspection. The people had done exactly as they’d been told (vv. 42–43)! The work had required obedience, generosity, skill, administrative abilities, artistic gifts, and the filling of the Spirit.
The aesthetic qualities of the tabernacle and worship were important to God. The high priest’s robe was decorated with pomegranates and golden bells. The blue, purple, and scarlet twisted linen yarn would have been striking, though we don’t know the exact pattern. The ephod and breastpiece, which included metalwork and jewelry, required intricate tailoring. The same is true throughout God’s instructions—excellence and beauty are essential. Why? Because the tabernacle represented God’s presence with His people, and for such a purpose only the best will do. The same was true when God chose His Son as the only worthy sacrifice for sin. We stand amazed and humbled that “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us” (John 1:14), meaning He “tabernacled” among us.
Pray with Us
As we’re coming to the end of our study of Exodus this month, let’s thank the Lord for giving us His Word, for the gift of faith—“the evidence of things not seen”—and for instilling in us the desire and the ability to obey Him and to do His will.
BY Brad Baurain
Dr. Bradley Baurain is Associate Professor and Program Head of TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) at Moody Bible Institute. Bradley has the unique privilege of holding a degree from four different universities (including Moody). He has just published his first book, On Waiting Well. Bradley taught in China, Vietnam, the United States, and Canada. Bradley and his wife, Julia, have four children and reside in Northwest Indiana.