Chapter 25

Contributions taken to be used in the building of the tabernacle.  Far as I can tell, they are still at Mt. Sinai when this happens.  The contributions are very specific.  This was not an opportunity to give away garage sale items.  The Hebrews had been given much of value when they left Egypt and now God asks for a voluntary contribution to build His tabernacle.  "Plundered the Egyptians".

Next start the dimensions for the furnishings of the tabernacle.  They are specific, but the real details of decoration and appearance will come later.  These are more the overall.  I wonder how you apply molten gold to acacia wood without burning the wood?  Or did they use some type of gilding with very thin sheets of gold hammered on? 

First, instructions for the Ark of the Covenant.  The two cherubim were on the mercy seat, which was 2.5 x 1.5 cubits, the same as the ark itself.  This was the "lid" for the box that was the ark of the covenant.  So the cherubim were much smaller still, with wings touching in the middle of the mercy seat.  The whole thing was 45" end to end.  The reproductions I've seen show the cherubim being huge and sitting on each side.  It is interesting also that the God of the Bible needs only a very small place to meet with man.  He will be above the mercy seat and he will speak from between the cherubim. 

Also, the height of these furnishing is interesting.  1.5 cubits high is only 27".  The table is also 27" high.  Either that, or our understanding of what a cubit was at this time is very wrong.  And these items from the Holy of Holies were each to be carried separately and on their own poles.  Small items, but carried as very honored, very reverenced items. 

Second, the Table for Bread.  1.5 cubits tall.

The Lampstand.  No dimensions given, but it was to be made of one talent of gold, about 75 lbs according to the TCR notes.  I cannot really tell how many almond blossoms were on this lampstand.  It almost seems like three blossoms on each of the six branches and then four more on the main stem.  That would be 22, which doesn't really seem right - but the ESV surely reads that way.  There are seven lamps on it though.  I am sure of that.