The Tabernacle

by Dr. James Modlish

 

Lesson Nine
THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE PEOPLE
(Exodus 25:1-9,31: 35:21-29; 36:1-7)

 

THE TABERNACLE is a type of the CHURCH - the place where CHRIST DWELLS (dwelling in the believer -

(I Cor. 3:16). Therefore, certain details describe the Church and its work.

A. ACCORDING TO PLAN

The Tabernacle was built according to the plan given by God, His pattern.

[1]. It was planned, not by the mind of man, but by wisdom and foreknowledge of God.

[2]. Nothing was overlooked, everything was included in the planning.

[3]. There was to be NO DEPARTURE from this plan, even in the smallest detail (pin, cord, socket, badger skins, etc.)

[4]. If any church today is not according to the pattern - IS IT A TRUE CHURCH OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST?

B. NO NON ESSENTIALS IN THE TABERNACLE

There was nothing superfluous, nothing extra, nothing non-essential.

[1]. It would be an insult to God to consider ANY PART as not necessary.

[2]. We are to follow God's pattern, not follow after traditions or man made ideas, nor let sentiment or feelings move us.

[3]. To change God's plans to suit our fancy, or to fit our advanced (liberal) thinking is to deny God's will and purpose for His Church.

C. ALL THE WAY - TO THE END OF THE JOURNEY

It was the same kind of Tabernacle at the END as it was at the BEGINNING.

[1]. Nothing needed to be changed or revised or improved.

[2]. The Church was planned for ALL THE WAY, for the LAST CENTURY as well as the FIRST CENTURY.

[3]. New methods are not needed, we need only to adhere to God's pattern all the way (from the time established by Christ until the Rapture).

I. THE PRIVILEGES AND OBLIGATIONS OF CONTRIBUTING - (Exodus 25)

God told Moses (Ex. 25:3-7) what materials to use in the Tabernacle.

God told Moses (Ex. 25:2) who should give those materials. The details are:

A. THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL ONLY, WERE TO GIVE

[1]. (Ex. 12:38; Num. 11:4) tells us that there was a mixed multitude who left Egypt with the Israelites; but ONLY the Israelites were to bring these offerings.

[2]. The CHURCH is to be financed by its MEMBERS ONLY.

B. ONLY THOSE WHO WOULD GIVE WILLINGLY

[1]. (Ex. 36:2) God wants the gift to be from the heart.

[2]. (2 Cor. 9:7) Would you like to accept a gift from a person when you knew it was not given willingly?

[3]. "Cheerful", the Spirit of the Lord wants joyfulness, gladness and delight.

C. GOD MADE THE GIVING POSSIBLE

[1]. (Ex. 12:36) Israel received the wealth of Egypt on the night of the Passover.

[2]. God saw to it that they received their wages for all the years past of unpaid labor as slaves in Egypt.

[3]. Whatever we have as Christians comes to us from the Lord.

[4]. We are not giving "ours", for we are not our own (I Cor. 6: 19,20).

[5]. We are stewards (Mal. 3:10, robbing God; I Cor. 4:2, faithful).

II. THE RESPONSE OF THE PEOPLE - (Ex. 30,31,36)

It is estimated that the cost of the Tabernacle was in the millions (materials only).

God's plan of financing will always WORK, if God's people will RESPOND and follow God's instructions.

A. EQUAL AMOUNTS OF SILVER - (Ex. 30:11-16)

[1]. All materials were given by FREE-WILL OFFERINGS except SILVER.

[2]. Same amount of silver required of each Israelite.

[3]. Our redemption cost something (Christ), and the price is the same amount for every person (all must come by way of the cross).

[4]. Israelite slaves were bought with silver. We are purchased out of the slave market of sin with the blood of Christ.

B. GOD GIVEN ABILITIES FOR SPECIAL SERVICES - (Ex. 31:1-6)

[1].BEZALEEL - "In the shadow (protection) of God" (Psalm 57:1).

(a). Son of Uri - "Light" (I John 1:5).

(b). Grandson of Hur - "Free, Liberty" (Heb. 10:9).

(c). Tribe of Judah - "Praise" (Ps. 40) headed the march.

(d). Filled with the Spirit of God in wisdom, and understanding, and knowledge, and all manner of workmanship (Is. 1 1: 1-4; Eph. 2: 10).

(e). Work in gold - "Divine Glory" (type used throughout the Tabernacle.

(f). And in silver - "Redemption"

(g). And in brass - "Judgment"

(h). In cutting of stones - (breastplate, people of Israel).

[2]. AHOLIAB - "Tent of the Father" (I John 1).

(a). Son of Ahisamach - "Brother of Support" (Heb. 2:9- 1 1).

(b). Tribe of Dan - "Judge", brought up rear of the march.

C. OVERABUNDANT RESPONSE OF THE PEOPLE - (Ex. 36:4)

[1]. God's plan of financing works well, it worked so well that the people were "restrained" from giving.

[2]. When the Tabernacle was finished there were no mortgages, no notes, no payments.

[3]. We must give Israel the credit that is due - they were rebellious at times, murmured and complained, but they GAVE.

[4]. They were homeless, without incomes, with no outlook (humanly speaking), had come hundreds of miles and didn't know how much farther they had to go; nor what their future needs would be (answers about every excuse we can have - eh?).

[5]. THEY GAVE THEIR SHOES (Ez. 16:10).

(a). Badger skins were used for shoes, so God literally asked them for their shoes, off their feet.

(b). And they GAVE THEM WILLINGLY, HEARTILY.

(c). Because of their willingness, God made their shoes to last for the 40 years (Deut. 8:4; 29:5).

[6]. THEY EVEN GAVE THEIR LOOKING- GLASSES (Ex. 38:8)

(a). The Laver was made of the brass given (polished brass used by the women as "mirrors).

(b). Offering or Sacrifice?

(c). We, too, must sacrifice that which would minister to our pride if we are to obtain the cleansing (Laver) which fits us for fellowship (Tabernacle) with God.

WHAT A TESTIMONY!!!

(d). Not a struggle and push to barely get enough, but there was TOO MUCH.

(e). Their secret - from overflowing hearts, FAITHFUL AND OBEDIENT!!!

-Page Navigation-

1. Introduction | 2. Outer Court | 3. Brazen Altar - Laver | 4. House of Blood | 5. Covers, Curtains | 6. The Furniture
7. Ark & Mercy Seat | 8. The Priesthood | 9. Contributions of The People | 10. The Glory of The Cloud