Ex. 26: The Tabernacle

Chapter 26 describes how the tabernacle will be made. As I read through this chapter, suddenly all the offerings make sense from chapter 25. The linen, the thread, the acacia, the metals. All of them are used for something.

There are a lot of loops and clasps and things like that.

All of this would be very confusing without a visual, which I don't have, but there are a lot of good online diagrams, and if anyone knows of an especially good one, I'd like to see it.

I am struck by how ornate and exacting the specifications are for the tabernacle. Obviously this was something of great symbolism. Great intrinsic value.

God didn't require something huge and palatial. This was something simple, and relatively small, in which God could meet with his people. Also, it appears as though it could be easily and quickly dismantled, suggesting that his people were not done travelling yet.

There appeared to be a place, a holy place, and a most holy place. The ark was to be placed in the most holy place. The table was to be on the north side, and across from it, the lampstand on the south side. The holy places were toward the east.

For now, all I have is this description of the tabernacle of God. I wonder why such specific instructions for something so seemingly simple?