February 1, 2025 - Exodus 37-40

The story of building the ark and the other items to be placed in the tabernacle is now told:  the ark of the covenant, the table, the lampstand, the lampstand, the altar of burnt offering, the bronze basin, the court, and other materials.  And then, there were the priestly garments and the erection of the tabernacle itself.  There’s a theme, here, that of God coming down to meet with his people and to redeem them.  In fact, the term “tabernacle” means “dwelling place,” i.e., it is the place where God dwelt with his people.  “So Moses finished the work.  Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle” (40:33-34).

As recorded in the Psalms, Moses prayed, “Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations” (Psalm 90:1).  The Psalmist (possibly Moses) continues, “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.  I will say to the Lord, “’My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust. . . . Because you have made the Lord your  dwelling place – the Most High, who is my refuge – no evil shall be allowed to befall you, no plague come near your tent.  For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways” (Psalm 91:1-2, 9-11).

Our God, our help in ages past,

Our hope for years to come,

Our shelter from the stormy blast,

And our eternal home.

Under the shadow of your throne

Your saints have dwelt secure;

Sufficient is your arm alone,

And our defense is sure.   –Isaac Watts (1719)