“The altar of burnt offering, with his brasen grate, his staves, and all his vessels, the laver and his foot,”
Context:The book of Exodus covers the story of the Israelites’ liberation from slavery in Egypt, their journey through the wilderness, and the establishment of the covenant with God at Mount Sinai. Exodus 35 deals with the preparations for building the tabernacle, which was a central place of worship and symbolised God’s dwelling among His people.
The Tabernacle:The verse mentions various elements associated with the tabernacle. The tabernacle consisted of several key components, including the altar of burnt offering, the basin (laver) for washing, and other vessels used in the worship services.
The Altar of Burnt Offering:The altar of burnt offering was a significant part of the tabernacle. It was where sacrifices were made to atone for sins and demonstrate devotion to God. The bronze grate provided a surface for placing the sacrifices, and the staves allowed the altar to be carried by the Levites during the Israelites’ travels.
The Laver and its Foot:The laver was a basin used by the priests to cleanse themselves before performing their duties in the tabernacle. It symbolised purification and the need for spiritual cleansing before approaching God.
Symbolism:The tabernacle and its furnishings had profound symbolic meanings. They represented God’s presence among His people, the need for repentance and cleansing from sin, and the importance of sacrifices to restore a right relationship with God.
Application:As we reflect on this verse, we can draw several applications for our lives today:
- Sacrifice and Worship: Just as the Israelites offered sacrifices on the altar, we are called to offer our lives as living sacrifices to God (Romans 12:1). Our worship should be genuine, expressing our love and devotion to God.
- Purification and Repentance: The laver reminds us of the importance of repentance and being cleansed from sin. Regular self-examination and confession are essential for maintaining a close relationship with God.
- God’s Presence: The tabernacle represented God dwelling among His people. Today, God dwells in the hearts of believers through the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 3:16). We can experience His presence and guidance in our lives.
- Service and Ministry: The construction of the tabernacle required the skills and efforts of many people. Similarly, in the body of Christ, each member has unique gifts and talents to contribute to the service and ministry of God’s kingdom.
In summary, Exodus 35:16 provides a glimpse into the construction of the tabernacle and its significance in the life of the Israelites. Through this verse, we can learn about worship, sacrifice, purification, and God’s desire to dwell among His people. The principles found here are timeless and can still be applied to our lives as we seek to honour and serve God today.
