What can we learn about obedience from the Israelites' actions in Exodus 36:25? Setting the Scene • God had already outlined the tabernacle’s design in Exodus 25:8-9. • Exodus 36 records how the craftsmen—“Bezalel, Oholiab, and every skilled person” (Exodus 36:1)—carried out those instructions. • Verse 25 notes a seemingly small step: “For the second side of the tabernacle, the north side, he made twenty frames.” What the Verse Shows About Obedience • Detailed compliance—They did not improvise; they matched the count (“twenty frames”) God had specified (cf. Exodus 26:20). • Equal attention to both sides—They treated the “second side” with the same care as the first, revealing that partial obedience is not enough (James 2:10). • Unseen faithfulness—These frames would later be hidden by curtains, yet the builders still followed God’s pattern precisely (Colossians 3:23). • Collective execution—Individual craftsmen worked together under Moses’ leadership, modeling corporate obedience within the covenant community (Hebrews 3:5). Lessons for Life Today • Obedience includes the mundane details, not just the visible or glamorous tasks. • God values exactness; He is as honored in “twenty frames” as in more dramatic acts (Luke 16:10). • Consistency matters—what we do on the “second side” of life, where few are watching, still counts before Him (Proverbs 15:3). • Shared obedience unifies God’s people and advances His dwelling among them (1 Corinthians 3:9,16). Additional Scriptural Echoes • Moses’ summary: “Moses did everything just as the LORD had commanded him.” (Exodus 40:16) • Jesus’ call: “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” (John 14:15) • Paul’s reminder: “We make it our goal to please Him.” (2 Corinthians 5:9) |
    |