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Exodus 37:1–16
“Bezalel made the ark of acacia wood. . . . He also made the table of acacia wood” (vv. 1–10).
Continuing the record of the construction of the tabernacle and its furniture, Moses in today’s passage tells us about the building of the ark of the covenant and the table of showbread. When we compare Exodus 37:1–16 with the directions for these items in Ex. 25:10–30, we see that Bezalel followed the instructions that God had given the Israelites.
The ark of the covenant was the object most associated with the presence of God in the tabernacle and then later the temple. After all, it was housed in the Most Holy Place, where the high priest entered but once a year to sprinkle blood on the mercy seat, the lid of the ark, atoning for the sins of the Israelites (Lev. 16). Archaeological finds have helped us understand more of what the ark specifically represents with respect to the Lord. In other ancient Near Eastern cultures, kings often sat on thrones with footstools that in their construction resembled Israel’s ark. Thus, the ark of Israel was the earthly footstool of the God of Israel. It was a reminder of His sovereign authority, and as the place of atonement also a reminder of His royal majesty, holiness, and grace. God is King, the tabernacle/temple was His earthly palace, and the ark the footstool of His throne. When the Lord came near to the Israelites, He did not come near as their equal but as their supreme Monarch. In time, the throne of God would also be associated with the throne of the king of Israel (Ps. 2). Of course, all this points forward to Jesus, who sits on David’s throne while also reigning over all creation as our God and King, His enemies’ being made a footstool for His feet (1 Cor. 15:20–28).
In the table of showbread, God reminded them that He provided for all their needs, for on the table was placed bread, representing the basic sustenance of life (see Ex. 25:30; 1 Sam. 21:6). Because we are sinners, we often think that our own efforts are the ultimate explanation for how our needs are met. Certainly, the Lord calls us to work so that we will have the essential supplies we need to survive, but our labors are not the final cause of our survival. We prosper and are supplied only as the Lord blesses us, for it is our Creator who gives us the power to get the wealth we need to feed ourselves and our families (Deut. 8:18). The table of showbread reminds us that we are utterly dependent on God, and it points forward to Jesus as the Bread of Life who nourishes us unto eternal life, meeting our most fundamental need—reconciliation with God (John 6:22–59).
Coram Deo Living before the face of God
If we are to grow in holiness, we must remember our utter dependence on the Lord. The very first sin involved Adam and Eve’s rejecting their complete dependence on God for knowing right and wrong and seeking to become laws to themselves. When we forget that we depend on the Lord for everything, we are more apt to try to make ourselves our own law, and that can lead only to more wickedness.
FOR FURTHER STUDY
- Philippians 4:19
- Hebrews 1:8–13