Exodus 35:11
the tabernacle with its tent and covering, its clasps and frames, its crossbars, posts, and bases;
the tabernacle with its tent and covering,

The tabernacle was Israel’s portable sanctuary during the wilderness journey, where the Lord made His presence known among His covenant people. Its linen curtains, goat-hair tent, and layered skin coverings combined beauty, separation, and protection. As the earthly dwelling appointed by God, it foreshadowed Christ, who came to dwell among men.

Exo 40:19 Then he spread the tent over the tabernacle…
Exo 26:1-14 You are to construct the tabernacle itself…
Exo 36:8-19 All the skilled craftsmen among the workmen…

its clasps and frames,

Clasps joined the curtains, while acacia-wood frames formed the walls of the sanctuary. Every component was made according to the pattern God gave Moses, showing that worship and access to God were governed by His instruction rather than human preference.

Exo 36:13-14 He also made fifty gold clasps to join the curtains…
Exo 26:15-30 You are to construct upright frames of acacia wood…
Exo 36:20-34 Next, he constructed upright frames of acacia wood…

its crossbars, posts, and bases;

Crossbars strengthened the frames, and posts supported the curtains at the entrance and before the Most Holy Place. The silver bases gave the structure a secure foundation; silver was also associated with Israel’s atonement payment. Together these materials provided a stable dwelling for the worship God required.

Num 4:31-32 This is the duty for all their service at the Tent…
Exo 40:18 When Moses set up the tabernacle, he laid its bases…
Exo 26:26-30 You are also to make five crossbars of acacia wood…

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites who received the instructions for the construction of the tabernacle from God on Mount Sinai.

2. The Israelites
The people of God who were tasked with contributing materials and skills for the construction of the tabernacle.

3. The Tabernacle
A portable sanctuary that served as the dwelling place of God among His people during their journey through the wilderness.

4. Mount Sinai
The place where God gave Moses the instructions for the tabernacle and the law.

5. Bezalel and Oholiab
Skilled craftsmen appointed by God to oversee the construction of the tabernacle and its furnishings.
Teaching Points
God's Dwelling Among His People
The tabernacle symbolizes God's desire to dwell among His people, highlighting His presence and accessibility.

Obedience and Worship
The construction of the tabernacle required obedience to God's specific instructions, teaching us the importance of following God's commands in our worship.

Community and Contribution
The Israelites' collective effort in building the tabernacle demonstrates the value of community and the diverse contributions of each member in the body of Christ.

Symbolism and Fulfillment
The tabernacle serves as a type of Christ, pointing to the ultimate fulfillment of God's presence with humanity through Jesus.

Holiness and Reverence
The detailed construction of the tabernacle reflects the holiness of God and the reverence required in approaching Him.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the construction of the tabernacle reflect God's desire to be present with His people, and how can we apply this understanding to our personal relationship with God today?

2. In what ways does the tabernacle serve as a foreshadowing of Christ's work and the New Covenant, and how does this deepen our appreciation for the Gospel?

3. What can we learn from the Israelites' obedience and willingness to contribute to the tabernacle about our role in the church community?

4. How does the concept of the tabernacle as a dwelling place for God's presence relate to the New Testament teaching that believers are the temple of the Holy Spirit?

5. Reflect on the detailed instructions for the tabernacle's construction. How does this attention to detail inform our understanding of God's holiness and the way we approach worship?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 25-31
These chapters provide the detailed instructions given by God to Moses regarding the construction of the tabernacle, its furnishings, and the priestly garments.

Hebrews 9:1-10
This passage in the New Testament reflects on the significance of the tabernacle as a foreshadowing of the greater heavenly sanctuary and the work of Christ.

1 Corinthians 3:16
Paul speaks of believers as the temple of God, drawing a parallel to the tabernacle as a dwelling place for God's presence.
The New StartJ. Orr
People
Aaron, Ahisamach, Aholiab, Bezaleel, Dan, Hur, Israelites, Moses, Shoham, Uri
Places
Sinai
Topics
Bars, Bases, Boards, Buttons, Clasps, Cover, Covering, Crossbars, Frames, Hooks, Outer, Pillars, Posts, Rods, Roof, Sockets, Tabernacle, Taches, Tent
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Exodus 35:10-11

     7474   Tent of Meeting

Exodus 35:10-12

     7306   ark of the covenant

Exodus 35:10-13

     4418   bread

Exodus 35:10-17

     7344   curtain

Library
An Old Subscription List
'And they came, every one whose heart stirred him up, and every one whom his spirit made willing, and they brought the Lord's offering to the work....' --EXODUS xxxv. 21. This is the beginning of the catalogue of contributions towards the erection of the Tabernacle in the wilderness. It emphasises the purely spontaneous and voluntary character of the gifts. There was plenty of compulsory work, of statutory contribution, in the Old Testament system of worship. Sacrifices and tithes and other things
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Appendix xvii. The Ordinances and Law of the Sabbath as Laid Down in the Mishnah and the Jerusalem Talmud.
The terribly exaggerated views of the Rabbis, and their endless, burdensome rules about the Sabbath may best be learned from a brief analysis of the Mishnah, as further explained and enlarged in the Jerusalem Talmud. [6476] For this purpose a brief analysis of what is, confessedly, one of the most difficult tractates may here be given. The Mishnic tractate Sabbath stands at the head of twelve tractates which together from the second of the six sections into which the Mishnah is divided, and which
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Gifts and Talents.
"And the Spirit of the Lord came upon him."--Judges iii. 10. We now consider the Holy Spirit's work in bestowing gifts, talents, and abilities upon artisans and professional men. Scripture declares that the special animation and qualification of persons for work assigned to them by God proceed from the Holy Spirit. The construction of the tabernacle required capable workmen, skilful carpenters, goldsmiths, and silversmiths, and masters in the arts of weaving and embroidering. Who will furnish Moses
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

Early Battles
Six months of joyous service amongst the Welsh miners was cut short by a telegram announcing to the sisters the serious illness of Mrs. Lee. Taking the news to their Divisional Commander, they were instructed to Headquarters. It was found that the illness was due to shock. The income from investments of the little estate left by Mr. Lee had dwindled; it now had disappeared altogether. Captain Lucy faced the matter with her usual practical decision. 'Mother, darling, there are two ways out. Either
Minnie L. Carpenter—The Angel Adjutant of "Twice Born Men"

Exodus
The book of Exodus--so named in the Greek version from the march of Israel out of Egypt--opens upon a scene of oppression very different from the prosperity and triumph in which Genesis had closed. Israel is being cruelly crushed by the new dynasty which has arisen in Egypt (i.) and the story of the book is the story of her redemption. Ultimately it is Israel's God that is her redeemer, but He operates largely by human means; and the first step is the preparation of a deliverer, Moses, whose parentage,
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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