Overview:

Exodus 37 describes the meticulous construction of the sacred furnishings for the Tabernacle. These include the Ark of the Covenant, the Table of the Bread of the Presence, the Lampstand, and the Altar of Incense. The chapter provides detailed instructions on how each item was crafted by Bezalel and other skilled artisans. Each piece of furniture plays a critical role in Israel’s worship, symbolizing God’s presence, provision, and light among His people.

Key themes in this chapter include the importance of God’s presence symbolized by the Ark, the provision of God symbolized by the Table of the Bread of the Presence, and the light of God symbolized by the Lampstand. These symbols ultimately point forward to Jesus Christ, who fulfills all these aspects of God’s relationship with His people.

Historical and Literary Context:

Exodus 37 is part of the broader narrative of the construction of the Tabernacle. It follows the detailed instructions given by God earlier in Exodus 25-31, and now describes how Bezalel, filled with the Spirit of God, leads the work of constructing the holy furnishings. These furnishings are central to the worship of Israel, as they enable the priests to perform the rituals that symbolize God’s covenant relationship with His people.

Literarily, this chapter emphasizes the careful obedience of the artisans as they follow God’s exact instructions. The Ark of the Covenant, in particular, serves as the focal point of God’s presence among the people, making this a pivotal chapter in the narrative of God’s dwelling with Israel.

Key Themes and Doctrinal Points:

The Ark of the Covenant: God’s Presence Among His People:

The Ark of the Covenant is the most important piece of furniture in the Tabernacle because it represents God’s presence among His people. It is constructed according to precise instructions, signifying the holiness of God and the sacredness of His presence.

“Bezalel made the ark of acacia wood—two and a half cubits long, a cubit and a half wide, and a cubit and a half high. He overlaid it with pure gold, both inside and out, and made a gold molding around it” (Exodus 37:1-2).

The Ark was where the presence of God would dwell, and later the mercy seat (which served as the lid of the Ark) would be the place where atonement was made once a year (Leviticus 16:15-16). This reflects God’s holiness and His desire to be with His people. The Ark ultimately points forward to Jesus Christ, in whom “all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form” (Colossians 2:9), making Him the perfect dwelling place of God among humanity.

The Table of the Bread of the Presence: God’s Provision:

The Table of the Bread of the Presence is constructed as a place to hold the bread that symbolizes God’s provision for His people. The twelve loaves of bread represent the twelve tribes of Israel, and the bread was always kept in the Tabernacle as a reminder of God’s constant provision.

“They made the table of acacia wood—two cubits long, a cubit wide, and a cubit and a half high. Then they overlaid it with pure gold and made a gold molding around it” (Exodus 37:10-11).

This table and the bread placed upon it symbolize the truth that God is the provider of all of Israel’s needs, both physical and spiritual. In the New Testament, Jesus identifies Himself as the “bread of life” (John 6:35), signifying that He is the ultimate source of provision for humanity’s deepest needs—both the need for physical sustenance and for eternal life.

The Lampstand: The Light of God:

The Lampstand, also known as the Menorah, is another key element of the Tabernacle. It is made from pure gold and is designed to provide light within the Holy Place.

“They made the lampstand of pure gold. They hammered out its base and shaft, and made its flower-like cups, buds and blossoms of one piece with them” (Exodus 37:17).

The Lampstand symbolizes God’s presence as light in the midst of His people. In the New Testament, Jesus declares, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12). The Lampstand, therefore, points to Christ as the true light that illuminates the way to God.

The Altar of Incense: Worship and Prayer:

The Altar of Incense is constructed as a place where incense would be burned continually before the Lord, symbolizing the prayers of the people rising to God.

“They made the altar of incense out of acacia wood. It was square, a cubit long and a cubit wide, and two cubits high—its horns of one piece with it. They overlaid the top and all the sides and the horns with pure gold, and made a gold molding around it” (Exodus 37:25-26).

In the Bible, incense is often used as a symbol of prayer (Psalm 141:2, Revelation 8:3-4). The Altar of Incense points to the importance of worship and intercession in the relationship between God and His people. In the New Testament, believers are called to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17), and Jesus serves as the ultimate intercessor, continually offering prayers on behalf of His people (Hebrews 7:25).

Verse-by-Verse Analysis:

Exodus 37:1-5:

“Bezalel made the ark of acacia wood—two and a half cubits long, a cubit and a half wide, and a cubit and a half high. He overlaid it with pure gold, both inside and out, and made a gold molding around it. He cast four gold rings for it and fastened them to its four feet, with two rings on one side and two rings on the other. Then he made poles of acacia wood and overlaid them with gold. And he inserted the poles into the rings on the sides of the ark to carry it.”

The Ark of the Covenant is constructed according to God’s detailed instructions, emphasizing the holiness and majesty of God’s presence. The use of pure gold reflects the divine glory associated with the Ark, and the poles allow it to be transported safely, without being touched by human hands.

Exodus 37:6-9:

“He made the atonement cover of pure gold—two and a half cubits long and a cubit and a half wide. Then he made two cherubim out of hammered gold at the ends of the cover. He made one cherub on one end and the second cherub on the other; at the two ends he made them of one piece with the cover. The cherubim had their wings spread upward, overshadowing the cover with them. The cherubim faced each other, looking toward the atonement cover.”

The atonement cover, also known as the mercy seat, is the lid of the Ark and is where the blood of atonement would be sprinkled on the Day of Atonement. The cherubim signify the presence of angels guarding the holiness of God’s presence. The mercy seat foreshadows the work of Christ, who through His sacrificial death makes atonement for the sins of humanity (Romans 3:25).

Exodus 37:10-16:

“They made the table of acacia wood—two cubits long, a cubit wide, and a cubit and a half high. Then they overlaid it with pure gold and made a gold molding around it… The plates and dishes of pure gold, as well as the pitchers and bowls for the pouring out of offerings, were made. They also made the bread of the Presence from pure gold.”

The Table of the Bread of the Presence is constructed with great care, symbolizing God’s provision for His people. The twelve loaves placed on this table represented the twelve tribes of Israel and symbolized the fellowship and sustenance God provided. This table points to Jesus, the Bread of Life, who sustains believers with spiritual nourishment.

Exodus 37:17-24:

“They made the lampstand of pure gold. They hammered out its base and shaft, and made its flower-like cups, buds and blossoms of one piece with them… Six branches extended from the sides of the lampstand—three on one side and three on the other.”

The Lampstand, designed to resemble a flowering tree, provided light in the Holy Place. Its intricate design symbolizes the beauty and life-giving presence of God. This lampstand reminds us of Christ, who is the light of the world and brings spiritual illumination to those who follow Him.

Exodus 37:25-29:

“They made the altar of incense out of acacia wood… They overlaid the top and all the sides and the horns with pure gold… They made the sacred anointing oil and the pure, fragrant incense—the work of a perfumer.”

The Altar of Incense and the anointing oil represent the worship and prayers of God’s people continually rising to Him. This altar symbolizes the intercessory role of worship in the life of the people and points forward to the prayers of believers, which rise to God like incense through the work of Christ, the perfect intercessor.

Theological Implications and Connection to Jesus Christ:

Exodus 37 reveals several important theological truths about God’s presence, provision, light, and the role of worship. The Ark of the Covenant symbolizes the presence of God dwelling among His people, with the mercy seat pointing forward to the atoning work of Christ, who reconciles humanity to God through His sacrificial death (Romans 3:25).

The Table of the Bread of the Presence reflects God’s provision for His people, both physically and spiritually. This is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who is the “bread of life” (John 6:35) and offers eternal sustenance to those who believe in Him.

The Lampstand symbolizes the light of God, which is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the “light of the world” (John 8:12). As the lampstand provided light in the Holy Place, Christ provides spiritual illumination to a dark world, guiding believers into the truth.

The Altar of Incense represents the prayers of God’s people continually rising to Him. This points forward to the intercessory work of Christ, who continually intercedes on behalf of believers (Hebrews 7:25), and the prayers of the saints, which are like incense before God (Revelation 8:3-4).

Sermon Outline and Flow:

1. Introduction: The Sacred Furnishings of the Tabernacle and Their Significance
   • Set the context for Exodus 37, focusing on the construction of the Ark, the Table of the Bread of the Presence, the Lampstand, and the Altar of Incense.
   • Introduce the themes of God’s presence, provision, light, and worship.
2. Point 1: The Ark of the Covenant—God’s Presence Among His People
   • Discuss the significance of the Ark as the symbol of God’s presence with Israel, emphasizing its role in the Holy of Holies.
   • Application: How can believers today cultivate an awareness of God’s presence in their lives, knowing that Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of the Ark?
3. Point 2: The Table of the Bread of the Presence—God’s Provision
   • Explore the symbolism of the bread placed on the table and how it represents God’s constant provision for His people.
   • Application: How can believers trust in Christ as the bread of life, who provides for all their needs—both physical and spiritual?
4. Point 3: The Lampstand—The Light of God
   • Highlight the role of the Lampstand in providing light within the Holy Place, symbolizing God’s light and guidance.
   • Application: How can believers follow Christ as the light of the world, living in the illumination of His truth?
5. Point 4: The Altar of Incense—Worship and Prayer
   • Discuss the significance of the Altar of Incense as a symbol of prayer and worship rising continually to God.
   • Application: How can believers cultivate a life of prayer and worship, knowing that Christ intercedes on their behalf before the Father?

Illustrations and Examples:

• Share a personal story or historical example of someone experiencing God’s provision or light in a difficult situation, drawing parallels to the symbolism of the Table of the Bread of the Presence and the Lampstand.
• Use a metaphor of a lighthouse guiding ships safely to shore to illustrate how Christ, as the light of the world, guides believers through the darkness of life.

Application for Today’s Christian:

Exodus 37 challenges believers to reflect on the significance of God’s presence, provision, light, and the role of worship in their lives. Just as the Israelites constructed these sacred furnishings for the Tabernacle, believers are called to consider how Christ fulfills these symbols in their lives. The Ark of the Covenant, representing God’s presence, points to the reality that Christ is “God with us,” and believers are called to live in the awareness of His presence (Matthew 1:23).

The Table of the Bread of the Presence reminds believers of God’s constant provision. In a world filled with uncertainty, believers can trust in Christ as the source of their daily sustenance—both physically and spiritually. The Lampstand, symbolizing God’s light, challenges believers to walk in the light of Christ, living lives that reflect His truth and guidance.

Finally, the Altar of Incense encourages believers to live lives of prayer and worship, knowing that their prayers rise to God like incense and that Christ continually intercedes for them before the Father. The furnishings of the Tabernacle point to the centrality of worship, obedience, and dependence on God in the life of a believer.

Connection to the Father in Exodus 37:

God the Father’s desire to dwell among His people is central to the construction of the Tabernacle’s furnishings. The Ark of the Covenant symbolizes His presence, while the Table of the Bread of the Presence reflects His provision. The Lampstand represents His light, guiding His people, and the Altar of Incense symbolizes the worship and prayers that rise before Him. These furnishings point to the Father’s deep relationship with His people, a relationship that is fulfilled through Christ.

Connection to Jesus Christ in Exodus 37:

Jesus Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of the sacred furnishings described in Exodus 37. The Ark of the Covenant, which symbolizes God’s presence, finds its fulfillment in Christ, who is the perfect dwelling place of God among humanity (Colossians 2:9). The Table of the Bread of the Presence points to Jesus, the Bread of Life, who provides eternal sustenance for all who believe in Him (John 6:35). The Lampstand represents Christ as the light of the world (John 8:12), and the Altar of Incense points to His role as the ultimate intercessor, offering prayers on behalf of His people (Hebrews 7:25).

Connection to the Holy Spirit in Exodus 37:

The Holy Spirit’s role in empowering the craftsmen, like Bezalel, to construct the furnishings of the Tabernacle reflects the broader biblical theme of the Spirit equipping believers for service. In the New Testament, the Holy Spirit fills believers with the wisdom, understanding, and spiritual gifts needed to build up the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:4-11). Just as the Spirit empowered Bezalel to construct the holy furnishings, the Spirit empowers believers today to fulfill their roles in God’s kingdom.

Connection to God’s Love in Exodus 37:

God’s love is demonstrated in His desire to dwell among His people, symbolized by the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings. The Ark of the Covenant, the Table of the Bread of the Presence, the Lampstand, and the Altar of Incense all reflect different aspects of God’s care and provision for His people. Ultimately, God’s love is fully expressed in Jesus Christ, who fulfills all the symbols of the Tabernacle and offers believers a direct relationship with God. Through Christ, believers experience the fullness of God’s love and are invited to participate in His worship and work.

Reflection Questions:

1. How does the construction of the Ark of the Covenant in Exodus 37 challenge you to cultivate an awareness of God’s presence in your life, knowing that Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of the Ark?
2. In what ways can you trust in God’s provision, as symbolized by the Table of the Bread of the Presence, and how can you rely on Christ as the bread of life?
3. How can you follow Christ as the light of the world, as symbolized by the Lampstand, and live in the illumination of His truth?
4. How does the Altar of Incense encourage you to live a life of prayer and worship, knowing that your prayers rise to God like incense and that Christ intercedes for you?
5. How does the fulfillment of the Tabernacle’s furnishings in Christ inspire you to participate more fully in the worship and service of God, using your gifts and talents for His glory?