Ex. 25: Bring Me Neat Stuff!

God tells Moses to receive (not collect...hmm) the following offerings from the people of Israel.

• Gold, silver and bronze
• Blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen
• Goat hair
• Ram skins dyed red and hides of sea cows
• Acacia wood
• Olive oil for the light
• Spices for anointing oil and fragrant incense
• Gemstones (Onyx specifically) to be mounted on the ephod and breastpiece.

God then tells Moses to have Israel build a sanctuary for him, and he will dwell among them.

Furnishings
The ark was the first furnishing described by the LORD for His tabernacle. What I find very interesting here is that God knows exactly what he wants here. He gives such specific instructions that they are essentially idiot-proof. Between the cherubim on the cover of the ark will be the place where God sits to meet with Moses and give his commands to the Israelites.

• Made of acacia wood
• 2.5 cubits (3.75 feet) long, 1.5 cubits (2.25 feet) wide, and 1.5 cubits (2.25 feet) tall
• Overlaid with gold inside and out, with a gold molding around it (God is not without a sense of style)
• Cast four gold rings and fasten them to its four feet, 2 rings on one side, 2 on the other.
• Cut two acacia poles, overlay with gold, and pass them through the rings to carry the ark. The poles are not to be removed ever.
• An atonement cover of pure gold: 2.5 cubits (3.75 feet) long, 1.5 cubits (2.25 feet) wide
• Make two cherubim (angels) out of hammered gold, attached on either end, facing each other, with their wings spread up and out, shadowing the cover.
  

The contents of the ark:

• the Testimony...God's covenant
  

The table was the second furnishing described by the LORD for His tabernacle. Again, God gives very clear instructions for how this is all going to go down. The bread of the Presence ("showbread" in the NKJV) was supposed to be on the table before God at all times. Not sure what that is, but I am assuming it is bread of a ceremonial nature. I'm sure I'll find out in forthcoming readings...Leviticus probably.

• Made of acacia wood
• 2 cubits (3 feet) long, 1 cubit (18 inches) wide, 1.5 cubits (2.25 feet) tall. Not huge. About sofa table size.
• Overlaid with pure gold, with a gold molding around it.
• Around it, a rim a handbreadth (3 in.) wide, with a gold molding on that as well.
• Again, four gold rings, and gold overlaid acacia poles just like the ark...for carrying
• Dishes (plates, bowls, pitchers, etc) out of pure gold as well.

The lampstand was the third furnishing described by the LORD for His tabernacle. This was to be created out of one talent (75 pounds) of pure gold. God says to make them "according to the pattern shown you on the mountain." This was not to be screwed up.

• One piece: Base, stand, branches and cups.
• Six branches off the center stand: 3 on the left, 3 on the right.
• A cup on each branch: Shaped like almond flowers, with buds and blossoms
• Seven lamps on it, with wick trimmers and trays of pure gold.