It was time to start building. Moses made an appeal for gold, silver, acacia wood, badger skins, and cloth, and threads of blue, scarlet, purple. The people gave freely. The scriptures are emphatic that it was all a free will offering. What a wonderful thing.
They also gave of
their time and their skill, notably the woman-folk who did all the needlework
and Bazaleel, grandson of Hur, who supervised all the structural and fashioning
work. He was ably assisted by Aholiab
and a number of “very wise” or very skilled men.
The Star of Africa, the
world’s largest diamond, is set into the crown jewels in the Tower of London. A
contemporary diamond cutter I know, rates the work done on that great diamond
as poor. The technology wasn’t available then as it is now, but in its day it
was hailed as a great work.
It is tempting to say that
of the tabernacles and its furnishings. Yet reading between the lines I sense a
skill that was almost other-worldly. The detail described is significant, but a
golden lamp-stand without seam or joint, alludes to great skill.
The Spirit of God accounted for any lack of
technology
Modern archaeologists
marvel at many structures from past eras, some of which are so finely joined
that not even a piece of paper can pass through the joints. It was possible to
do work of a surpassing standard.
They actually had too
much material, such was the overflow of generosity and the softening of hearts
towards God and the work that would center their faith. I am sure it softened
God’s heart too. They were a people of character, but deep down also a good
people.
Another aspect not
readily appreciated was their ability to work with gold, silver and bronze.
They were able to make sheets with it. How much of what God gave them then
informed the usage of such materials in ages yet to come, I can but guess.
It was such a noble-hearted,
gracious work and the scriptures literally ooze with the sincerity and
gentleness of all involved in that great work.
The breastplate of the high-priest was of
material, not metal
“Plate” is a bit of a
misnomer, but it probably alluded to battledress, except in this case it
pointed to a spiritual battle.
The 12 stones embedded
into it confirm that point. They are the same stones as those used in the gates
of Zion or heaven above (Revelation21:19-20). The stones were engraved with
each tribal name, as follows:
- Reuben, Ruby, Red: implied “submit to God and those over you”.
- Simeon, Topaz: signified purity.
- Levi, Beryl, White: meant “giver of light”.
- Judah, Turquoise: spoke of the law.
- Dan, Sapphire, Blue: referred to the Holy Scriptures.
- Zebulun, Chrysolite: Yellow, alluded to reverence for God.
- Naphtali, Emerald, Green: spoke of healing.
- Issachar, Amethyst, Purple: spoke of unity and closeness.
- Asher, Agate: spoke of restoration and lifting.
- Gad, Jacinth, Red-Black: spoke of the authority of God’s name.
It has been suggested
that the stones were chosen for color, not some other deeper meaning. That
ensured a unique color for each tribe using a stone hard enough to be engraved
with a diamond.
We could speculate
forever about the stones, but I have to suggest they may just be different
colors. Some argue that similar colors are used in the Zodiac – I wouldn’t
know. I can say that about 9 of the stones used, were referred to in Eden
(Ezekiel 28:13).
It probably alludes to
the church, which is made of “living stones” (Ephesians 4), all fitly set into
the fabric of the body, so that he can dwell among us. The components of the tabernacle
was ported by various priests, but the parts of the church are carried in our
lives, as gifts and callings.
There was one more
engraving on the signet in front of the high-priest’s mitre, which said, “Holiness
to the Lord”.
Finally on the 1st day of the first
month of the second year, the tabernacle was finally assembled and completed
The spirit of God came
down over the tent and Moses could no longer enter, for the presence of God was
so intense. It would stay that way for as long as the people were required to
dwell in one place, else it would lift up and lead them on.
I have skimmed over
this last section, which is somewhat factual. It also repeats a lot of earlier
instructions. It ends by saying that Moses fulfilled every instruction of God.
Hebrews 3 speaks of him as a faithful servant in his house, where Jesus was a
son and heir in his house.
That ends the book of
Exodus. What a journey it has been thus far. What a glorious story.
