Weekly Reading. Exodus 24-30.

Supplemental Reading for Week: Ezekiel 44.

This week's reading centers on the tabernacle. Before describing how the tabernacle was to be constructed, however, the covenant between Yahweh and the people of Israel is spelled out, and sealed with blood (Exodus 24:1-8). Most of your Bibles should have cross references to Jesus' words in describing Himself as the new covenant. Take a look at them.

As to the tabernacle, what an amazing set of detailed instructions. Some things I noticed:

1. The materials are to come from the people as an offering, given only by those who desire to give.
2. The list of materials is then distributed throughout the making of the tabernacle, and the clothing for Aaron.
3. There are a few unusual words used. What are all these things, including a tabernacle? Where do you go to find out what an ephod is?
4. A visual person, especially someone who can draw, might have fun trying to sketch out what these instructions would look like in real life. Unfortunately, that's not me, so I went looking for a picture on the web. This one, from the 19th century, was particularly appealing. (And here's the high priest's uniform.)

A final question to consider: is there any significance to the placement in the narrative, of the giving of these instructions for building the tabernacle?

What do you think?