George Ruheni, PhD.

  Introduction The book of Exodus chapter 26 gives detailed directions to Moses on how the Tabernacle was to be erected. The Tabernacle is described as being God’s dwelling place inside the sanctuary besides the Ark of the Covenant, the Table of Showbread, and the Golden Lampstand. The Tabernacle is described as having several features including curtains, coverings, frames, bars, veil, and the entrance. The chapter is highly technical in nature, however, the Tabernacle did not only refer to a tent, but God’s presence among His people. God had delivered His people Israel from Egypt and He had made them a covenant at Mount Sinai. However, all other nations of the ancient Near East also had temples for their gods; nevertheless, Israelite sanctuary was unique in the sense that the deity, Yahweh, did not belong to a localized temple. The Tabernacle symbolized an amazing theological paradox: the infinite God who could neither be contained within heavens nor within earth decided to in...

  The Instructions for the Tabernacle The Dwelling Place of God among His People, Exodus 25 represents a significant point in the book of Exodus. Following the deliverance out of Egypt (Exodus 1-15) and covenant at Sinai (Exodus 19-24), the focus of the story changes from liberation and lawgiving to worship and the presence of God. God provides specific instructions on how to build the tabernacle, representing the main sign that God dwells among his people. Exodus 25 has been considered foundational for worship, presence, mediation, and holiness.   Historical Context of Exodus 25 The passage of Exodus 25 follows the sealing of the covenant in Exodus 24 where Moses, along with Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, and seventy elders, experienced theophany and eat in God’s presence. This marks the beginning of what Exodus 25 makes known – God’s desire to dwell with His people for all times. They are now not just liberated slaves; Israel is a covenant people. But there is an issue here that...

Psalm 2 is known as a royal and messianic psalm, historically associated with King David [Acts 4:25]. It is among the most explicit references to mankind’s defiance against God in the entire Old Testament. In contrast to Psalm 1, which presents the righteous man versus the sinner, Psalm 2 is set on a wider scale, depicting a rebellion of nations, kings, and earthly powers against the divine authority. In Genesis 11, people gathered to build a tower “whose top is in the heavens,” seeking: autonomy, self-glory, and independence from divine rule [Genesis 11:1–9]. That same spirit reappears in Psalm 2.   The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and against His Anointed, saying, 3 “Let us break Their bonds in pieces and cast away Their cords from us.” (Psalm 2:2-3). In Babel, humanity proclaimed, “let us make a name for ourselves.” It wasn’t only an act of architecture but a deliberate defiance of the commandment that God gave them t...

Covenant Relationship Covenants are not only contracts but commitments made between the parties involved and marked by solemn oaths and sacrifices. The covenant God makes with Israel in Exodus 24 happens after Israel is freed from slavery in Egypt. God enters the covenant by establishing Israel as His covenant partners who promise to obey His laws. Israel commits to the covenant by agreeing to obey God’s commands. Then he took the Book of the Covenant and read in the hearing of the people. And they said, all that the Lord has said we will do, and be obedient (Exodus 24:7). God’s covenant with Israel can be understood using the ancient suzerainty-vassal treaties in which a supreme ruler establishes conditions for his subjects. Unlike pagan rulers, however, God makes this covenant in grace, having redeemed His people before establishing His law. God later promises the new covenant, which will be written on their minds and hearts [Jeremiah 31:31–34].   Mosaic Law engraved t...