What does Exodus 25:1 mean?

Many passages in Scripture overtly mention that they record God's words (Genesis 1:3; 17:9; Exodus 3:14). A common phrase is used to begin passages in Exodus (Exodus 6:1; 7:1; 8:1; 9:1; 10:1). In this verse, the phrasing is subtly changed, using a slightly different word for speaking (Exodus 13:1). The one speaking is identified as YHWH, or Yahweh, using the name spoken to Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3:15).

What follows are detailed instructions about crafting objects of worship. Among these are the ark of the covenant, a special table, and a sacred lampstand. Raw materials would have come, in part, from Israel's recent experiences with Egyptians (Exodus 11:2–3; 12:33–36) and Amalekites (Exodus 17:8, 13).