Exodus 37:1 - Meaning and Application

It may seem strange that Moses, after giving such full instructions from the mountain about making these things, would now describe their making in such detail. He could have said in a few words that everything was made exactly as God had commanded. But Moses, writing under divine guidance, did not use empty repetition, and Scripture has no wasted words.

So why does he spend so many chapters on what might seem like needless detail? First, Moses wrote mainly for the people of Israel. It was good for them to hear often about these holy treasures, because they were entrusted to them. Most of the tabernacle’s furnishings were not open for all to see, only for the priests, so the people needed these things described clearly for them. What they needed to remember and obey was written again and again. In the same way, the New Testament repeats the life of Christ in the four Gospels for our good. The great truths of God’s law and gospel need to be taught to us again and again. Paul said that to write the same things to him was not burdensome, but safe for his readers (Philippians 3:1).

Second, Moses wanted to show how carefully he and the craftsmen made every part exactly to the pattern shown to him on the mountain. He gave the design first, and now he gives the finished work, so we can compare them and see how closely they match. In this way, he shows his faithfulness to the One who appointed him over God’s house in every detail (Hebrews 3:5). He also teaches us to pay attention to every command of God, even the smallest part.

Third, this account shows that God takes pleasure in the honest obedience of his people and keeps an exact record of it. That record will be brought out to honor them at the resurrection of the righteous. No one can be so careful in duty that God will fail to notice it. He is not unjust to forget the work and love shown in his name, in any form (Hebrews 6:10).

Fourth, these chapters invite us to think often and carefully about the spiritual riches and beauty of the gospel tabernacle. Walk around this holy city, look at it, and look again. The more you consider the glory of the church, the more you will admire it and love it. Its privileges and its structure are worth a second reading.

In these verses we have the making of the ark, with its glorious and deeply meaningful parts, the mercy seat and the cherubim. Taken together, these three picture the glory of a holy God, the sincerity of a holy heart, and the fellowship between them through a Mediator, a go-between who brings God and people together. First, it shows the glory of a holy God, who dwells between the cherubim, that is, who is continually attended and praised by blessed angels, whose swiftness is pictured by their faces turned toward one another. Second, it shows the character of an upright heart, which, like the ark of the testimony, keeps God’s law hidden within it. Third, through Jesus Christ, the great propitiation, meaning the one who turns away God’s wrath and brings peace, reconciliation is made and fellowship with God is established. He stands between us and God’s displeasure, and more than that, through him we are brought into God’s favor. If he writes his law in our hearts, he will be our God and we will be his people. From the mercy seat he teaches us, there he accepts us, and there he shows mercy to our sins. Under the shadow of his wings we are safe and at rest.