Exodus 25:1–9 “A Sanctuary Where I Dwell”

Exodus 25:1-9 NIV

Suggested Praise Songs:

• Jesus Culture – Holy Spirit
• Make Room Lyrics – The Church Will Sing
• Abide | The Worship Initiative (feat. Davy Flowers)

Resources for Family Worship (with Children):

• Bible story “A Home for God” | Primary Year C Quarter 1 Episode 6 | Gracelink – Lesson for Kids
• God Is Always With Us | Holy Land Adventures: Egypt VBS | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• Thankful | Pets Unleashed VBS Music Video | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• God is listening | Pets Unleashed VBS | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• Discussion Questions for Children & Youth arelocated in the section after Explanation, Meditation, and Prayer (at the end of this email/blog).

Explanation:

Chapters 25 through 31 of Exodus contain God’s instructions to Moses regarding the tabernacle, and chapters 32 through 40 record the Israelites’ construction of the tabernacle according to those instructions. The fact that nearly half of the Book of Exodus is dedicated to the tabernacle underscores its great importance. For modern readers, the detailed records about the tabernacle and its furnishings may feel tedious, but they are worth reading and meditating on with patience.

The Lord commands Moses to have the people bring offerings so that the tabernacle can be built (v.1). The Hebrew word translated as “offering” is terumah, which means “to lift up.” This evokes the image of lifting up a gift in gratitude and reverence toward the one receiving it. That’s why God adds in verse 2, “You are to receive the offering for me from everyone whose heart prompts them to give.”

This offering is for the construction of the tabernacle and its furnishings. The purpose of the items listed in verses 3 through 7 will be revealed later. In verse 8, the Lord explains the purpose of the offering: “Have them make a sanctuary for me.” The Hebrew word translated as “sanctuary” is mishkan, which means “dwelling.” Mishkan has been translated into English as “sanctuary,” “tabernacle,” “tent,” or “tent of meeting.” God promises to dwell within the tabernacle. In order for that to happen, the tabernacle and its furnishings must be made exactly according to the instructions He gives (v. 9).

Meditation:

God is omnipresent. As the Apostle Paul states, He is “over all and through all and in all” (Ephesians 4:6). Considering this, God’s command in verse 8— “Then have them make a sanctuary for me, and I will dwell among them”—might sound contradictory. The phrase “so that I may dwell among them” can imply that God is not currently dwelling with them.

But the reason God commands them to prepare a “place” for Him among them is not because He needs it—it is because the people of Israel need it. The physical world binds human beings. The saying, “Out of sight, out of mind,” expresses our physical limitations well. Believers may know that God is everywhere, but because of His spiritual nature, we easily forget that truth. Therefore, we need a physical symbol that reminds us of the spiritual reality: that God, who is spirit, is indeed present with us now. That is why God instructed them to build the tabernacle.

The tabernacle was a visible symbol of the invisible God who dwelt among the people. The reason the tabernacle and its furnishings were to be made with precious materials was to help the people remember God’s holiness. However, after the tabernacle was built, some people, unable to open their spiritual eyes to God, treated the tabernacle and its furnishings as idols.

We are truly pitiable beings: without physical symbols, we forget God; and with physical symbols, we cling to them and still forget God.

Prayer:

Spirit of God, I close the eyes of my flesh and open the eyes of my heart to look upon You. In truth, everything visible in this world points to Your presence. You are above us, among us, and within us. To live is to live in You, and to die is to die in You. Today, I breathe in Your presence again. Awaken me to this truth through prayer, so that I may walk in heaven even while on this earth. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Discussion Questions for Children & Youth:

Key Point: God, who is everywhere, asked His people to build a special place—the tabernacle—so they could remember that He is truly with them. Even though we cannot see God with our eyes, He is always near us. The tabernacle reminded the people of God’s holiness and presence. Today, God still wants to dwell with us—not in a tent, but in our hearts.

• For Preschool-Elementary
  • Why did God ask the Israelites to build a special tent (the tabernacle)?
  • What reminds you that God is with you, even though you can’t see Him?
  • If you were to build a special place for God, what would it look like?
    
• For Youth
  • Why do you think God gave a visible symbol (the tabernacle) when He is invisible and everywhere?
  • Have you ever felt closer to God in a specific place or moment? Why do you think that happened?
  • What helps you remember that God is living in your heart, not just in buildings or objects?