Month: May 2020

As we read through the instructions for the tabernacle we discover that they are told twice in the end of the book of Exodus. And if we examine these sets of instructions and compare them with each other we find that they are told in different order. Last week we examined the pattern that is revealed in the first set of instructions and the path that God takes when He enters into relationship with man. This week, we will examine the corollary and discover the path that man takes when we attempt to discover and reach out to God.

This week begins a months long exploration of the Tabernacle, priesthood, sacrificial system and worship of the God of Israel. And this conversation begins in the book of Exodus? Why is it that we find that the last half of this book of the Exodus has nothing to do with the events of the Exodus? It is easy for us to simply turn out minds off when we get to these boring and repetitive blueprints. But in doing so we miss something. In fact, we miss a lot. Rather than turning our mind off and wandering away in confusion, let’s engage with the text in ways that bring theses instructions to life.

In Exodus 24 the text returns to a narrative once again, and for one chapter only. This narrative though, on closer inspection, acts as a connector. It closes off the wedding narrative that began in Chapter 19, and begins the tabernacle instructions that begin in chapter 25. Throughout this chapter we discover clues that point both ways, which reveals a truth that would have been understood by the original audience. The tabernacle was to be the place where God and Man dwell together as husband and wife. It is a home of sorts and the place where intimacy was accomplished. And this insight into the tabernacle begins our examination of the parable that is contained in the pattern.

The Wedding ceremony of the ages is still in progress. The contract for the marriage covenant is nearly complete. And in this final section of the ketuvah we continue to read of the heart of God. And we see a shift in the focus in this chapter. No longer is the subject of the text, those who are in need of justice. Rather as we begin this section, the focus is on those who administer justice. This topic, as well as the 7 blessings of the ceremony are all included in this chapter.