The details can get a little frustrating, because they differ so much from nearly everything that has gone before. In the whirlwind of detail about fabric colors and measures, poles and sockets, planks, loops and clasps, we wonder what is going on. How is this "scriptural"? Even the verse like Exodus 25:40 (Note well, and follow the patterns for them that are being shown you on the mountain) does little to contextualize this laundry list of excruciating detail.
We have talked some about the scriptures as a portable Temple in the wake of the destruction of the first and second Temple in Jerusalem (in 586 BCE and in 70 CE). The description in Exodus 25-28 paints a vivid picture of the Tabernacle, a movable Temple for the children of Israel while they journeyed in the wilderness for 40 years. It's layout and design anticipates the design of the Temple in Jerusalem, with its altar, inner space for the table and the bread of presence and the light, and inner sanctum, or Holy of Holies, shielded from all by the high priest (and even from him on all days but the Day of Atonement), where the Ark of the Covenant was kept.
The Ark itself is described as the throne of God, between the extended wings of Golden Cherubim. The dark rich colors of blue, purple, and crimson, and the rich smells of the anointing oil and heavy smoke of incense, make for a feast for the senses. Everything about the Tabernacle bears a load of meaning and promise. Here is a storehouse of memories of God's goodness and provision in the past and promise of eternal presence among the people.
The priests, too, wear vestments designed to bring to life their belief in the God they could not name or sculpt. Their tribal names were represented by precious stones worn over the heart of the priest, set in precious gold. Even the undergarments were holy - set apart for the Lord, as the children of Israel were set apart to bless the world. Later, we will read much about the complex sacrificial system of meat and grain offerings overseen by the priests.
Like the intricate system of laws we read from Exodus 20 through 24, this detailed picture of the Tabernacle invites us into the lives of an ancient family - our family - who practiced an intentional and intricate walk with God in every action, every heartbeat. Clearly, this is a stylized account - but it reflects a deep longing to order abd to orient our every breath around a conscious expectation and awareness of God's presence among us, and of our special place in God's heart.
As you read all the exquisite details of this portable Temple, perhaps you will realize that ths is your home as well, and that wherever you go, you will always be home and among family.
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