Exodus 37 “According to God’s Instructions”

Exodus 37

Suggested Praise Songs:

• Thy Will
• Lead Me to the Cross
• You Say

Resources for Family Worship (with Children):

• Object Lesson – Why It’s Important to OBEY!
• I Will Follow – Song for Kids
• I Have Decided To Follow – Song for Kids
• My God Is Powerful – 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:

After Bezalel made the tabernacle, its coverings, the courtyard, and the veil, he started to craft the furnishings to be placed inside. These furnishings were divided into two categories: those placed inside the tabernacle and those placed outside.

The Ark of the Covenant (vv. 1–9) is like the pupil of the tabernacle’s eye. Later, when Israel went to war, they would take the Ark—also called the Ark of the Testimony—with them. It served as a visible symbol of God’s presence among them. Representing the twelve tribes of Israel, a table was also made to hold twelve loaves of bread (vv. 10–16). These loaves symbolized God’s grace in providing for His people. Next, Bezalel made the lampstand (vv. 17–24). The lampstand was to hold seven lamps that were always to be kept burning, symbolizing God as the light of the world. He also made the altar of incense, as well as the anointing oil and the fragrant incense (vv. 25–29). The incense, which was to be offered every morning and evening, represented the prayers, love, and devotion that the people of Israel were to offer to God.

All of these things were made exactly according to the instructions Moses had received from God on Mount Sinai. What mattered was not human creativity or artistic expression. What mattered was making everything exactly as God had commanded. True creativity and artistry come from God. Therefore, the tabernacle and its furnishings, built according to God’s instructions, were the greatest works of art—revealing the glory of God.

Meditation:

Bezalel, Oholiab, and all the skilled volunteers made the tabernacle and its furnishings exactly according to the instructions Moses received from God. These individuals were artisans recognized in their respective fields—architecture, carpentry, textiles, sculpture, metalwork, and more. As they worked following the directions passed down by Moses, they likely wondered at times, “Do we really have to do it this way? I have a better idea…” They probably had many ideas that could have seemed more useful or aesthetically pleasing for the purpose. Yet, they made everything according to the instructions given. For artisans, that could not have been easy. Still, they quietly and faithfully carried out the work as instructed. As a result, when everything was completed, they were able to create a humble, yet glorious and holy, tabernacle.

This process mirrors our own lives as we seek to live according to God’s Word. Many people recognize the Bible only as a classic piece of literature, but not as the living Word of God. Even among those who believe the Bible is God’s Word, some consider their own ideologies or philosophies more important than Scripture. They think that following their ideology is more just or beneficial than following God’s Word.

However, human ideologies and philosophies change from generation to generation. In contrast, the Word of God revealed to us through Jesus Christ is eternal truth. Therefore, just like the Israelite artisans who set aside their own ideas and followed the instructions they had received to build and craft, we too must shape our lives and build this world—not according to our own ideologies or thoughts, but according to God’s Word. In the end, we will come to realize that this is the most just, the most beautiful, and the most beneficial way.

Prayer:

Though we confess “Lord” with our lips, we often act as if we are the masters of our own lives. We make our own judgments and decisions, expecting You to follow along and help us with what we choose to do. We confess and repent of our pride. Help us to humbly bow before Your Word and obey steadfastly and faithfully. Amen.

Discussion Questions for Children & Youth:

Key Point: God wants us to follow His instructions, not just do things our own way. When we obey His Word, even when it’s hard or we think we have better ideas, we help build something beautiful, holy, and full of His glory—just like the tabernacle.

• For Preschool-Elementary
  • Why do you think God wanted the tabernacle built in a very specific way?
  • Have you ever followed directions even when you wanted to do it your own way? How did it turn out?
  • What’s one way you can show you are listening and obeying God today?
• Youth
  • Bezalel and the other artisans had their own creative ideas but chose to follow God’s instructions. Can you think of a time when it was hard to follow what the Bible says?
  • Why do you think it’s important to trust God’s Word more than our own opinions or the ideas we hear around us?
  • In what area of your life do you need to put down your own plans and let God’s Word lead you instead?