Pekudei “Amounts Of”
The people have calmed down from their outburst of building an idol. We read last week, how upset Moses and God became because the people were not being obedient. We read how many people were slaughtered because they did not want to believe in what God had spoken to Moses. For the ones that did believe and took the direction God set forth before them very seriously, we see the tabernacle coming together just as God had planned.
All that the Lord commanded to Moses was created for the tabernacle. The garments are made to show the distinction for those that would be in leadership and would officiate in the sanctuary. The intricate details of the sacral vestments for Aaron, the High Priest. His breastplate had 12-stones that corresponded to the names of the sons of Isreal. His robe was woven with the bright colors of a pure blue and adorned bells of pure gold. The tunics and the headdresses, decorated turbans of embroidered fine linen for Aaron and his sons, would have just been stunning to see. On Aarons head, he wore the words “Holy to God” inscribed on a pure gold plate.
The people were to bring all of the pieces to Moses for him to inspect and make certain all was done according to how God commanded. God instructs Moses to set up the Tabernacle on the first day of the month. All of the work had been completed for the tabernacle and after 9 months it was erected. Moses was to anoint the tabernacle and all the contents in it, so that it shall all be holy. Aaron and his sons would go through a cleansing before they could wear the sacral vestments. Aaron and his sons were also anointed so they could serve God as a priests.
Once Moses was finished, the cloud covered the tabernacle and the Presence of the Lord filled the Tabernacle. Once this happened, Moses himself could not enter, as the presence of God was powerful and a moving sign that God was with the people. At night, a pillar of fire, provided proof God was there. As long as the cloud covered the tabernacle, the people were to stay right where they were and not travel. When the people saw the cloud lifted, they could set out on their journey. All the people that camped around the tabernacle had a clear line of site to the tabernacle.
This was a beginning of a new era for the Israelites. The birth of a nation. We see an importance of physical and spiritual significance in the tabernacle. This would serve as the centerpiece of the Israelites religion for the next 500 years. It would be replaced with Solomon’s Temple in around 940bc. God would begin to connect with mankind in a manner that had not been seen. This is so richly symbolic in the truths regarding God and allow us to have fellowship with Him and His people. This is a beautiful picture of the future and the permanent heavenly temple.
We can only imagine today the awe of this beautiful structure and reverence the people had to the One and Only True God being right there among them. I didn’t find in my research that there had been a huge celebration or loud demonstrations of rejoicing…but I have to imagine the overflowing gladness and tears of joy each one had. God is all around us and we have His Holy Spirit living inside of us today! I will share this, for me personally, there have been times, I walk into our sanctuary and the overwhelming presence of God is so strong, it has brought me to my knees. The overwhelming shalom I have felt, is truly amazing. I have to imagine our Israelite brothers and sisters felt the same.
This concludes our journey through Exodus. Next week, we will begin a new book, Leviticus (Vayikra).
It is always such a privilege to share what God shows me through His word. I pray God blesses you this week. I pray you are a light to someone this week. I encourage you to go back, and read for yourself the book of Exodus. It will bless you and I promise you will see how wonderful & amazing our God truly is.
Blessings and Shalom~ Deena
