May 2001
Exodus Chapter 26
The Lord finished detailing for Moses in Exodus Chapter 25 His instructions for building the Ark of the Covenant to contain the written 10 Commandments; with its "Mercy Seat" to hold the Ark, as well as details for adding a candlestick and worship table for the showbread.
Next, in Chapter 26, the Lord provides Moses the very very detailed instructions for construction of the worship Tabernacle, within which was a "holy place" which itself contained within it the "most likely place" to house the Ark of the Testimony.
It was a large rectangle worship center, with two other worship areas inside it. There were to be a total of three areas. There was the outside tabernacle walls which measured the rectangle for 50 cubits by 150 cubits (about 75 feet by I50 feet). Inside this large tabernacle was another smaller worship area (30 cubits long by 10 cubits - 45 feet by 15 feet) with not only walls, but a covering (the "holy place") within draped wails.
And inside that rectangle area of "the holy place" at the front of the rectangle. It was a smaller draped and square enclosed area (the "most holy place") which was 10 cubits square (about 15 feet square) in which would reside the Ark of the Covenant and Mercy Seat, and where God would appear and speak to His people (Exodus 25:22).
The 26"' chapter opens with the Lord providing exact detail to Moses for the making of curtains for the tabernacle, it is provided in excruciating detail, describing it to be made with fine linens in beautiful colors of blue, purple and scarlet. The "holy place" was to have a covering- curtain made of goats' hair; and another of red-dyed rams' skins and another of badgers' skin.
The 26"' chapter provides extensive details for the exact making of the tabernacle's exquisite curtains, walls of shittim wood, and brass curtain fittings, and silver sockets and gold overlays. The measurements provided by the Lord were in exact detail.
Inside the inter most area was the very private "most holy place" in which would reside the Ark of the Covenant covered with its Mercy Seat. It would be inside this most secluded .area of the tabernacle that was the most holiest place where the Lord would appear to speak with His chosen people.
The table and candlestick were in the second area just outside the "most holy place" in the ":holy place". The door leading into the holy place is described as made with fine twined linen, of blue and purple and red, and "wrought with needlework." 26:36.
The Lord truly was requiring Moses to establish a worship area fit for the reverent worship of the Lord. For a people who lived and roamed the dessert, this tabernacle was an elaborate worship center even under today's standards, and surely was a major undertaking for the Israeli people with their crude tools and harvesting and weaving abilities.
It was undoubtedly impressive to go into the outside tabernacle courtyard, and then more so to move into the holy place with its golden candlestick, table and incense alter. One can only imagine the solemn and overwhelming impression it would make to go inside the most holy place with the golden Ark of the Covenant, its Mercy Seat covering with winged cherubs on top, knowing that was the place the Lord would appear.
Next: Tabernacle Rituals Established, Sabbath Set, Stone Tablets Delivered