What is the meaning of Exodus 35:11? The tabernacle God told Moses, “They are to make a sanctuary for Me, so that I may dwell among them” (Exodus 25:8). The structure in Exodus 35:11 is therefore first about presence—God pitching His dwelling in the middle of His redeemed people. • Exodus 29:45-46 shows that the LORD’s goal was relationship: “I will dwell among the Israelites and be their God.” • John 1:14 says, “The Word became flesh and tabernacled among us,” echoing this same theme in Christ. • Revelation 21:3 looks forward: “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with man.” Its tent and covering Exodus 26:1-14 details four layers—fine linen, goat hair, ram skins dyed red, and a final weatherproof covering. • Practical: they protected the sacred space from sun, sand, and storm. • Symbolic: holiness on the inside, humble goat hair in the middle, costly dyed skins on the outside—reminding us that in Christ “we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands” (2 Corinthians 5:1). • Psalm 91:1 invites us to “dwell in the shelter of the Most High.” Its clasps Exodus 26:6 explains that fifty gold clasps fastened the inner curtains together “so that the tabernacle will be a unit.” • They picture unity: many pieces held as one. • Ephesians 4:3 urges believers to “keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” • Colossians 2:19 speaks of the whole body “held together” by what every joint supplies. Its frames The frames (or boards) of acacia wood formed the walls (Exodus 26:15-25). • Acacia is durable and resistant to decay—fitting for something set apart to God. • 1 Peter 2:5 calls us “living stones” built into a spiritual house. • Ephesians 2:20-22 describes believers “built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets… being fitted together.” Its crossbars Five crossbars ran through rings to bind the frames (Exodus 26:26-30). • They gave stability so the walls could stand in the wilderness winds. • Colossians 1:17 says of Christ, “in Him all things hold together.” • Hebrews 6:19 likens our hope in Christ to “an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” Its posts Posts supported both the veil and the courtyard curtains (Exodus 26:32-37; 27:9-19). • They lifted the hangings so the holy things were visible only on God’s terms. • Isaiah 54:2 encourages, “Stretch out the curtains of your tent… lengthen your cords and strengthen your stakes.” • 1 Timothy 3:15 calls the church “the pillar and foundation of the truth.” Its bases Silver sockets anchored the frames; bronze bases anchored the courtyard posts (Exodus 26:19, 37). • Foundations matter: without a firm footing the whole sanctuary would sink into the sand. • 1 Corinthians 3:11 declares, “No one can lay a foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.” • Matthew 7:24-25 contrasts the wise man’s house on the rock with the foolish man’s on sand—only one endures the storm. summary Each item in Exodus 35:11 points to a holy, orderly dwelling designed by God Himself. The tabernacle reveals His desire to live among His people, the tent and covering His provision and protection, the clasps unity, the frames structure, the crossbars stability, the posts visibility with reverence, and the bases a firm foundation. Together they form a single testimony: God is present, His design is perfect, and our response is to build our lives on Him, dwell under His covering, and live joined together as one holy house in Christ. |
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