Exodus 25 - Printer Friendly

What does Exodus 25 mean?

Chapter Commentary:

When Israel left Egypt (Exodus 12:40–41), they took great wealth with them. This came from the Egyptians (Exodus 11:2–3) who urged their former slaves to go (Exodus 12:35–36). Three months later (Exodus 19:1), Israel has arrived at Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:2). The Lord has begun to deliver the laws of His covenant (Exodus 19:5–6). Here, He calls for voluntary donations so the people can build a portable temple.

The sanctuary will be in the form of a large tent, also called a "tabernacle." The tabernacle and its sacred objects will require a wide range of materials. Among these are precious metals, wood, animal skins, textiles, oils, spices, and gemstones. Yet God does not demand anything an Israelite is not willing to give. God designs the sanctuary, and Israel is to follow His instructions carefully (Exodus 25:1–9).

Among the most famous religious objects in history is the "ark of the covenant." The English word "ark" has been used to translate two different Hebrew terms. One, used in relation to Noah (Genesis 6:14) and Moses' infancy (Exodus 2:3), refers to a floating basket or container. The other, used here, means "chest" or "box." The ark of the covenant is a large wooden trunk overlaid with gold. One of its main purposes is to store stone tablets recording the Mosaic covenant. The ark has a decorative border and rings so it can be carried by gilded poles (Exodus 25:10–16).

The ark's lid is made of solid metal. On this are figures of two cherubim. These are angel-like beings seen elsewhere with four wings and four faces (Ezekiel 1:5–6, 15; 10:2–3). The lid itself is named using a unique Hebrew word associated with atonement. The most common English translation for this is "mercy seat." Priests will sprinkle blood there for an important ritual (Leviticus 16:14–16). God will speak to Moses from the space between the mercy seat and the cherubim's wings (Exodus 25:17–22).

Another important piece of furniture for the tabernacle is a sacred table. This is slightly shorter and narrower than the ark, though just as high, and includes a decorative rim. On this, priests will place a series of solid gold containers. They will also stack twelve loaves of ceremonial bread (Leviticus 24:5–7; Numbers 4:7). Only priests are allowed to eat these (Leviticus 24:8–9). However, centuries after Moses, David would take this bread during an emergency (1 Samuel 21:4–6; Mark 2:25–26). Like the ark, the table features rings so it can be carried using poles covered in gold (Exodus 25:23–30).

The menorāh is one of the most famous symbols of Judaism. Here, the Lord gives designs for this ornate lampstand. The object is to be made of solid gold. It includes seven lamps. These are held by the central shaft and six branches, three from each side. Below the lamp-holders are a series of almond blossoms. Most depictions of this show an arrangement of three half-circles, but some suggest the branches were to be straight, making the lampstand triangular. The menorah and its utensils are not wood covered in gold, but solid. This requires around seventy-five pounds, or thirty-four kilograms, of metal (Exodus 25:31–40).

The Lord intends all these instructions to be followed carefully. The rest of the book of Exodus is mostly a record of these designs and Israel's careful obedience to them (Exodus 31:1–11). The next chapters will focus on tent materials, sacred garments, and altars.

Exodus 25:1–9 establishes a collection for materials to make sacred objects. The Israelites are to offer precious gems, metals, cloth, building materials, and oils. Much of this probably came from Egyptians who begged their former slaves to leave (Exodus 3:21–22; 11:2–3; 12:33–36). Some may be spoils from the defeat of the Amalekites (Exodus 17:8, 13). The resources will be used to make a sanctuary for worship and sacrifice. This will be a "tabernacle:" a large tent. The design of each component is detailed and must be followed exactly.

Exodus 25:10–22 records the design of the ark of the covenant. This is a wooden box with square ends and rectangular sides overlaid with gold. Rings will be used to hold poles for carrying the ark. This box will store the written laws given by God to Israel (Exodus 24:12). The ark's lid features two golden angels facing each other with outstretched, covering wings. This "mercy seat" will be the focal point of God's interactions with Israel. Since the angels are not being worshipped, they are not the prohibited "graven images" of the second commandment (Exodus 20:4–6). Scripture never credits the ark as a source of supernatural power.

Exodus 25:23–30 describes a small table designed to hold special bread in the sanctuary of the Lord. The table is to be made of wood overlaid with gold. The table is the same height as the ark (Exodus 25:10) and slightly narrower and shorter. On this Israel will keep twelve loaves (Leviticus 24:5–7) to be eaten under tightly controlled rules (Leviticus 24:8–9). Like the ark, the table has rings so it can be carried by poles. Israel is also told to fashion solid gold plates and bowls for use in various offerings.

Exodus 25:31–40 indicates how Israel is to form a special candelabra for use in the sanctuary. The Hebrew root word used here is menorāh, which many recognize as a seven-branched candlestick still associated with Judaism. This lampstand is pure gold, with three branches on either side of a central piece. Each branch is made of three flower-like shapes with connecting arcs. The result is a pattern famously associated with Judaism.

Chapter Summary:

Israelites are to contribute precious metals, cloth, oils, and other resources to create a sanctuary for worship and sacrifice. These will be used to form various sacred objects. Among these are the renowned ark of the covenant, a table for consecrated bread, and a lampstand with seven ornate lamps. These will be kept in the most sacred parts of the sanctuary. Upcoming chapters will focus on an elaborate tent which will serve as a portable temple (Exodus 26—28).

Chapter Context:

The Lord has given the foundations of His covenant to Israel (Exodus 20—23) and they have affirmed it (Exodus 24). Now God gives Moses detailed instructions for a system of worship. This begins with designs for a sacred container—the ark of the covenant—as well as a table and lampstand. These will be kept in the "tabernacle:" an ornate tent used as a portable temple for Israel (Exodus 26—28).

The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.

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