Exodus 26-27

We continue reading through God’s instructions to Moses regarding the construction and furnishing of the tabernacle today. As I’ve mentioned before, don’t gloss over these chapters as no longer relevant, as you may miss some important details about God’s heart and His grand redemption narrative. Things like:

·       The holiest places in the tabernacle were to have objects adorned with the finest metal in gold. When the priests would enter these areas to hear from God, one would think they would be in awe of their surroundings. Similarly, as we approach the throne to commune with God, let us not lose sight of the reverence with which we ought to do so. 

·       There were two nearly identical veils described in today’s reading. One was for the entrance to the tabernacle, while the other was to separate the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place (both inside the tabernacle). One main distinction between the two curtains was that cherubim were embroidered on the curtain blocking off entry into the Most Holy Place. Recall that “when Adam and Eve are sent out of the garden, cherubim are placed at the entrance to ensure that the couple do not eat from the tree of life in their fallen state (Gen. 3:22-24). Since the cherubim are incorporated…on the veil that separates the Most Holy Place where God will be present…they may represent a similar warning.”[i] By the way, it was this veil that was torn from top to bottom immediately after Jesus gave up His spirit on the Cross, signifying that all who are in Christ now have access to God. 

·       We can ascertain from the specifications given in Exodus 26-27 that the entire tabernacle tent was roughly 45 feet long, 15 feet wide, and 15 feet high. The Most Holy Place (also called the Holy of Holies) was a perfect cube, with 15-foot dimensions on each side.[ii] This is where the Ark of the Covenant would be contained, and thus, where God would meet with those He appointed. In Revelation 21, the New Heaven and New Earth—where God will forever dwell with the bride of Christ (the corporate body of believers making up the Church)—is also described as a perfect cube (only this new city is almost 1,400 miles long, wide, and high). Could it be that the detailed nature of these chapters is given to us by God to point to a greater fulfillment to come? 

·       Exodus 27 closes with God giving directions to Moses pertaining to oil that was to be brought so the priests could light the lamps inside the tabernacle. Matthew Henry comments, “The pure oil signified the gifts and graces of the Spirit, which all believers receive from Christ, the good Olive, and without which our light cannot shine before men.”[iii] Brothers and sisters, be reminded that it is only through the Holy Spirit’s regenerative work in our lives that we can produce good fruit for God’s glory. 

As you can see, as we gain a more comprehensive picture of the Scripture account, it helps us see how God is at work, even in what some may consider to be a rather insignificant day reading about a tent and what was to go inside it. Every time you open up the Bible, it’s a new opportunity to hear from God. Invite the Holy Spirit to illuminate your mind and heart as you continue seeking God through His Word.  

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Journal responses to the following prompts:

·       Do you give much thought to how you approach the throne of God?   

·       How are you using the gifts and graces of the Spirit to let your light shine before others? 

[i] ibid

[ii] ibid

[iii] Exodus 27 Bible commentary. (n.d.). Christianity.com. Retrieved March 18, 2026, from 

https://www.christianity.com/bible/commentary/matthew-henry-concise/exodus/27