BibleProject | One Story: Foundations of the Bibleნიმუში

In today’s reading, Israel’s covenant agreement transitions from ancient law codes to … ancient meeting-tent blueprints? This may seem odd, but as we learn in the video, these instructions for God’s dwelling tent, the tabernacle, offer more than just interior decorating designs. While the covenant laws reveal a desire for partnership, the tabernacle instructions reveal God’s desire for proximity—for his presence to be with his people.

This ornate tent, with its garden-like furnishings, functions as a portable micro-Eden—a Heaven-on-Earth space where God and humanity can dwell together. Tree leaves, branches, and flowers cover the lampstand that illuminates the tent. Its branches hold up seven lights—just like the seven days of creation. The gold-covered furniture and the onyx adorning the priestly garments recall the gold and onyx found in Eden. And throughout the tent, cherubim guard the most sacred space where Heaven and Earth meet which mirrors the cherubim appointed to protect Eden’s entrance.

Through partnership and now presence, God invites his people to enjoy the intimacy once shared in Eden.

Reflection questions:

• Reflect on the hyperlinks to Genesis 1 and 2 in the instructions for building the tabernacle. What common design features do you notice between the sacred garden and the sacred tent?
• Think back over the story of Exodus so far. How did Israel, only just freed from centuries of slavery, get enough gold to build such an ornate tent? What does this tell you about the tabernacle offering and God’s provision?