What can we learn about obedience from the construction described in Exodus 38:12? Setting the Context • Exodus 38 records the actual building phase of the tabernacle that God had detailed earlier (Exodus 25–31). • Verse 12 zeros in on one small section—the western side of the courtyard curtain, fifty cubits long, hung on ten posts with silver hooks and bands. • The verse appears simple, but every cubit, post, and metal fitting reflects wholehearted obedience to God’s precise word. The Verse “For the west side there were curtains of fifty cubits, with ten posts and ten bases, and with silver hooks and bands on the posts.” (Exodus 38:12) Observations About the Builders’ Obedience • They followed God’s blueprint to the letter (compare Exodus 27:12–15, where the measurements were first given). • Materials matched the divine specifications—curtains, silver hooks, silver bands, bronze bases. • “Ten posts” and “ten bases” imply no shortcuts; every part God required was crafted and set in place. • Obedience here is quiet, steady, unspectacular faithfulness—no miracles, no drama, just doing exactly what God said. Key Lessons on Obedience • Obedience is precise, not approximate – God’s instruction: “Fifty cubits … ten posts” (Exodus 27:12). – Builders’ action: “Fifty cubits … ten posts” (Exodus 38:12). – Lesson: Partial compliance is disobedience; exact obedience honors God (Deuteronomy 12:32). • Obedience values details God values – Silver hooks and bands may seem minor, yet they mattered to God. – Luke 16:10: “He who is faithful in very little is also faithful in much.” • Obedience keeps order in God’s house – Proper spacing and supports maintained the courtyard’s symmetry and strength. – 1 Corinthians 14:40: “But everything must be done in a proper and orderly manner.” • Obedience involves teamwork – Ten posts required multiple craftsmen and laborers acting in unity (Exodus 35:30–35). – Philippians 2:2: “being united in spirit and purpose.” • Obedience prepares a place for meeting with God – The completed courtyard enabled Israel to draw near for sacrifices and worship (Exodus 40:33–34). – John 14:23: “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word … We will come to him and make Our home with him.” Supporting Scriptures • 1 Samuel 15:22—“To obey is better than sacrifice.” • Exodus 39:42–43—Moses inspected the work and “found it had been done just as the LORD had commanded.” • James 1:22—“Be doers of the word, and not hearers only.” Putting It into Practice • Read God’s Word carefully; note the “measurements” He gives for life and holiness. • Treat small assignments—those “silver hooks and bands”—as sacred. • Serve alongside others, trusting that shared obedience builds a dwelling place for God’s presence. |
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