Monday, August 28, 2023

Reading for September 5th

Furnishings for the Tabernacle. In 25.1-40: This unit begins an extended section of instructions for building and furbishing the portable sanctuary or shrine called the tabernacle (25.1-31.18). The tabernacle is to be the vehicle of God's presence as they leave God's dwelling place of Mount Sinai and set off on the journey through the wilderness to the promised land. The tabernacle will not be built until after the golden calf rebellion (ch.32) and the renewal of the covenant (chs. 33-34). 

 Read Exodus 25.1- 30. In verse 3: The gold and silver and other finery derive presumably from the Egyptians gave to the Israelites as they fled Egypt (12.35-36). In verse 7: On the ephod, see comment on 28.6. In verse 10: The wooden ark is as a container that functions "throne or footstool for the divine presence." In verse 16: The two tablets of stone that contained the Ten Commandments are the covenant that will be carried in the ark. In verses 17-22: Cherubim are half-human  and half-animal creatures with wings. The head is human and the body usually a lion a or bull. They guard holy areas as well as kings. The mercy seat is the throne for the deity's presence. In verse 21: On the covenant, see comment on v. 16. In verse 30: The bread of the Presence is set out on table as a sign of hospitality to the deity, but the priests actually eat the bread (Lev 24.5-9). Comments or Questions...

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