Exodus 37
The Tabernacle Furniture Created
The Importance of a Craftsman
For every creation there are two sides, the planning side and the crafting side. The planning side is where the ideas are laid out. Without the planning side, decision making is chaotic, the vision is muddled, and the preparation often lacking.
However, as great as the plans may be, if there is nobody to create what has been planned, the planners are left with the thoughts of, “What might have been.” Whether an architect’s plans, a storyteller’s idea, or a visionary’s dream, all of them require a craftsman to turn the idea into reality. Occasionally, the same individual who plans the creation has the skill to implement it as well; but most people are good at one side or the other, few have the expertise for both.
In Exodus 37, we are reminded of the importance of the craftsman with the creation of the furniture for the tabernacle. Far from incapable, the Creator of the universe has chosen to allow the people of Israel to create their own articles for worship. God could have called into existence every item utilized in the tabernacle in a moment, but that would have defeated the purpose.
God has given to the people detailed instructions for the creation of each piece - from the materials to be used, to the dimensions and artistry involved. God has also insured that His craftsman, Bezalel, has the ability and assets necessary to complete the project. Only one thing remains - obedience.
You see, as much as God seeks to have something for Israel that is beautiful and brings glory and honor to Him, He also wants to see His people fulfill what is requested of them. While these plans were already in place before the rebellious acts of chapter 32, it is even more important now for the children of Israel to show obedience in every respect.
Without the faithful work of Bezalel as a craftsman, the Israelites would once again have fallen short of fulfilling God’s commands. Instead, the man God has chosen for the task illustrates the reason for the Lord’s confidence in him by fulfilling each requirement to the letter.
As you read this chapter, remember the importance of a craftsman. As you do, consider the ways in which the same principle applies to Christianity today.
Exodus 37
The Ark of the Covenant. (Vs. 1-9)
Bezalel makes the ark of acacia wood. (Vs. 1)
Its dimensions are two and a half cubits (45 inches) long, a cubit and a half (27 inches) wide, and a cubit and a half (27 inches) high. (Vs. 1)
It is overlaid with pure gold inside and out. (Vs. 2)
There are four gold rings cast for it and attached to its four feet—two rings on one side, two on the other. (Vs. 3)
Poles of acacia wood are made, overlaid with gold, and inserted into the rings on the sides of the ark to carry it. (Vs. 4-5)
The poles remain in the rings of the ark—they are not removed. (Vs. 5)
The mercy seat is made of pure gold: two and a half cubits (45 inches) long and a cubit and a half (27 inches) wide. (Vs. 6)
Two cherubim of hammered gold are made at the two ends of the mercy seat. One cherub at one end, one at the other, all one piece of hammered work. (Vs. 7-8)
The cherubim spread their wings upward, overshadowing the mercy seat with their wings, and their faces look toward each other, across the mercy seat. (Vs. 9)
The Table. (Vs. 10-16)
Bezalel makes the table of acacia wood. (Vs. 10)
Its dimensions: two cubits (3 feet) long, one cubit (18 inches) wide, and a cubit and a half (27 inches) high. (Vs. 10)
It is overlaid with pure gold and has a gold molding around it. (Vs. 11)
A rim a handbreadth wide is made around it with a gold molding on the rim. (Vs. 12)
Four gold rings are cast for it and attached to the corners of the four legs. (Vs. 13)
The rings are close to the rim to hold the poles for carrying the table. (Vs. 14)
The poles are made of acacia wood, overlaid with gold, to carry the table. (Vs. 15)
He also makes the utensils for the table of pure gold— the plates and dishes for incense, bowls and jars for drink offerings. (Vs. 16)
The Golden Lampstand. (Vs. 17-24)
He makes the lampstand of pure hammered gold—from its base to its shaft, its cups, buds, and blossoms are all one piece. (Vs. 17)
Six branches extend from its sides—three on one side, three on the other. (Vs. 18)
Each branch has three cups shaped like almond blossoms with buds and blossoms—one piece with the branch. (Vs. 19)
The main shaft has four cups shaped like almond blossoms with buds and blossoms. (Vs. 20)
A bud under branches one and two, another bud under branches two and three, and buds three and four under the branches at the same intervals on the other side. (Vs. 21)The buds and branches are all one piece of hammered pure gold. (Vs. 22)
Seven lamps, tongs, and trays of pure gold are also made. (Vs. 23)
The lampstand and all its utensils from one talent of pure gold (approximately 75 pounds). (Vs. 24)
The Altar of Incense (Vs. 25-28)
He makes the altar of incense of acacia wood. (Vs. 25)
Its dimensions: one cubit (18 inches) square and two cubits (three feet) high—its horns are of one piece with it. (Vs. 25)
It is overlaid with pure gold on the top, all the sides, and the horns. (Vs. 26)
A gold molding is made around it. (Vs. 26)
Two gold rings are made for it under the molding on its two opposite sides—to hold the poles for carrying it. (Vs. 27)
Poles are made of acacia wood and overlaid with gold. (Vs. 28)
The Anointing Oil and Incense (Vs. 29)
He also makes the sacred anointing oil and the pure, fragrant incense—the work of a perfumer. (Vs. 29)
Notice: Exodus 37 focuses entirely on the furnishings of the tabernacle—the ark, the table, the lampstand, the altar of incense, and the holy anointing oil/incense.