Wednesday: God’s Presence in the Tabernacle
Daily Lesson for Wednesday 24th of September 2025
Read Exodus 40:1-38. How did the Israelites discern God’s presence?
The final chapter of Exodus (Exodus 40:1-38) describes the dedication of the tabernacle and the gift of the Decalogue. The tabernacle’s dedication was the culminating event of Israel at Sinai.
Image © Standard Publishing from GoodSalt.com
God’s glory is His holiness, His character, and His loving presence, which is goodness itself (Exodus 3:5; Exodus 33:18-19). His presence filled the tabernacle and was visible as the cloud, the Shekinah glory. The book of Exodus ends with the emphasis on God’s guiding presence, in the cloud of the Lord by day, and in the cloud of fire by night. In a very real and powerful way, the Hebrew people were to experience not just the reality of God but also His close and abiding presence as He led them.
Moses set up the tabernacle on the first day of the first month in the second year (Exodus 40:2,17). He also consecrated everything—including Aaron and his sons to the priesthood (Exodus 40:9,13-15)—with anointing oil. He went through the Most Holy Place, the Holy Place, and the courtyard, dedicating it all to the Lord. Through this process, he inaugurated the services for the whole sanctuary (also see Numbers 7:1). Only during the inauguration of the tabernacle was Moses able to enter the Most Holy Place; thereafter, the high priest alone could minister there each year on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:2,17).
On three occasions, the biblical text states that the work was finished: (1) at the end of Creation week, God underlines the completion of His creative works (Genesis 2:1-3); (2) on the completion of the tabernacle, the biblical text declares: “So Moses finished the work” (Exodus 40:33); and (3) it also is expressed when Solomon finished the work on the temple (1 Kings 7:51).
This connection between the Creation and Israel’s sanctuary points to the cosmic dimension, the time when the Lord will dwell with the redeemed on the new earth in the New Jerusalem, which is “the Tabernacle of God” (Revelation 21:2-3; compare with Revelation 22:1-4).
God’s filling the tabernacle with His presence (Exodus 40:34) was the grand climax to events that began with the birth of Moses and continued with the defeat of the Egyptian gods during the 10 plagues, with the escape from Egypt, with the defeat of the Egyptian army, and, finally, with God’s revelation on Mount Sinai.
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What are ways that, even now, you can experience the presence of God? Why is it important that you do so? |
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Graduation ceremonies are great occassions and if you have been a graduate you probably enjoyed the experience; walking the aisle of the Great Hall to trumpet fanfares, listening to the speaker with some age-old wisdom, receiving your testamur, marching out past the huge crowd containing friends and family members who are proud of pushing you to the limits of your academic ability, and followed by a celebratory meal with family and supervisor. Then, its all over, and reality kicks in.
In many places, graduation ceremonies are called commencement ceremonies. This is not just a matter of semantics; the term “commencement” is used for a significant reason. Graduation is not the conclusion, but rather the start of a new chapter in your life.
The dedication of the Sanctuary was graced by the presence of God, attended by the nation of Israel. They had left Egypt, listened to God at Sinai, and together had built a sanctuary using their finest possessions and skills. And in the process they took the Ten Commandments on the tablets of stone and put them in a box in a room where they were quite possibly never looked at again.
For the Children of Israel, this was their spiritual graduation, their commencement. God wanted them to put their education into practice. The law written on stone was to be inscribed into their hearts and make a difference in their worship, their relationship with one another, and their interaction with their enemies.
How many prophets does it take to tell a nation that they got it wrong?
Listen to Isaiah's description:
Isaiah doesn't leave them without hope:
In our twenty-first-century Christianity, are we ready for commencement?
Wow. This was powerful. Thank you.
What could have been the Tabernacle without the presence of God? What would our worship in churches be without the presence of God? What would our homes be without the presence of God?
”You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever” (Psalms 16:11, NLT).
Without the presence of God in the tabernacle, it would have been simply an empty ritual place. Worship would have been simply going through dry emotions. The tabernacle would have been similar like the shrines of the pagan nations. The presence of God brought vitality, meaning and personal touch to the worshippers. Otherwise, worship would been dead religion without relationship. Without the glory of God, the tabernacle would been simply a well decorated tent for show. In the presence of God there is hope and life.
Without the presence of God during our church worship would simply be mere performance (songs, sermons and prayers without transformation). Our worship would be simply a congregation of well looking and smartly dressed people lacking conviction of sin. The presence of God in our homes bring peace, love, forgiveness and unity. Our homes will become sanctuaries of tranquillity if God become an invisible family member.
In the New Earth and New Heaven, the essence of eternal life will be the presence of God. (Revelation 22:4-5)
Omwenga, your comment seems to be stating the obvious.
But what may not be so obvious is if there is anything we can do to ensure the presence of God in our homes and in our worship services.
Does the history of the Israelites teach us anything about this question?
Dear Inge,
Thanks for your comment. However, the Bible tells us to remember the "obvious" lest we become like the Pharisees of the old who claimed to know it all and yet that was not the case. While we have the opportunity, let us remind ourselves of the "obvious" lest we forget.
The history of Israel reveals that the temple was full of idols, driving away the presence of the God of Israel. At the entrance of the gateway of the inner court was the seat of such an idol provoking the Lord to jealousy. (Ezekiel 8:3) Side by side with that idol the glory of the God of Israel was yet still there. (Ezekiel 8:4) But how long? At the entrance of the northern gate was another Idol. (Ezekiel 8:5) These abominations were to drive God far away from his sanctuary. (Ezekiel 8:6) Seventy men offered incense to images of all kinds of creeping animals. (Ezekiel 8:10-11) At the inner court of the temple, even at the door, twenty-five men, their backs turned to the temple, their faces turned toward the east, were worshipping the sun. (Ezekiel 8:16)
Still, the cloud of glory filled the inner court, yet moving to the threshold of the temple until it finally moved away. (Ezekiel 10:4.18) Having driven away their protection, Israel was left to destruction as the temple was destroyed and Judah went into the Babylonian captivity.
But God had in store a new beginning, gathering Israel from all nations to bring them back to their land and their redeemer. (Ezekiel 36:24) God promised to clean them, to put his spirit within them, even to change their heart of stone into a new heart of flesh and causing them to walk in his ordinances and commandments. (Ezekiel 36:24-27)
Not until then would the glorious and holy presence of the Lord be with them. Until time of probation lasts, there always is granted opportunity for a new beginning even today. (2 Corinthians 5:17)
Winfried Stolpmann
Hi Mr. Winfried,
Where are we, God's modern-day people, in this picture? Do we have idols that are driving away the presence of God from our sanctuaries (both in terms of our church buildings, and our physical bodies, as the temple of God)?
It is easy for us to look back at the children of Israel, and examine all of their faults. But what about us, God's modern day people? Are we willing to look at ourselves, our idols, in the hope that we don't go down the same road as the children of Israel?
I know this is difficult to do, because our idols are not made of gold, silver, and wood per se, as the children of Israel's idols were. But our modern-day idols are just as destructive to our spiritual growth. Somehow, we don't understand that our modern-day idols are separating us from the presence of God just the same.
Let us tear down the idols in our lives, so that we can serve God in spirit and in truth.
God's blessings to you All.
Hello Toni! Our idols today are a lot more subtle and sophisticated.
We have two main idols:
Paul has this advice:
That is a good cure for modern idolatry.
What idols are you talking about? Can you name yours? Can you name mine?
Yes, Inge – ‘the history of the Israelites teaches us everything to answer this question [is there anything we can do to ensure the presence of God in our homes and in our worship services'].
Psalm 51:17 - ”The sacrifices you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.”
Both, the Tabernacle and the Temple where build by carefully following God’s design, though they were unable in and off themselves to bring the worshiper into the Holy of Holies - the Presence of God.
But this separation ended when the Curtain in the Temple was torn from top to bottom as God honored Jesus’ total surrender, and sacrifice. Man, for the second time, could again be in the Presence of God – Matt.27:50-52.
Yes, when we follow the God`s instruction
From the garden of Eden, where God walked with Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:8), to the tabernacle in the wilderness, where He dwelt among Israelites (Exodus 25:8), God keeps on revealing His desire not to remain distant God but to be present with His people.His presence remaining a constant in His relationship with His people. God instructed the construction of a movable tent signifying that God would journey, lead and guide by His presence (Exodus 40:36–38). What comes out clear is that His presence was and is NOT confined to a building but moves with His people, a reminder that worship is not limited to a place or form but is about nearness to Him wherever we go.
We all may be having our ways of worship through music, prayer, service, or gathering together, wearing necktie or not during service —but these remain expressions that serve the greater purpose of drawing near to God. As Jesus said, true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth (John 4:23–24). In Christ, the longing to be “with us” finds its fullness, for He is Emmanuel, “God with us” (Matthew 1:23). Jesus took on human flesh to dwell among us (John 1:14), and by His Spirit, He continues to live within us, making us His temple (1 Corinthians 3:16). Worship is central to the mission of God because it is central to His heart: He desires that we live in communion with Him, even as He abides with us.
The Shekinah glory was not just a symbol. It confirmed His holiness, character, and loving guidance as He led them through the wilderness (Exodus 3:5 and 33:18-19).
Just as the tabernacle was filled with God’s glory, our lives too can be filled with His presence when we dedicate ourselves fully to Him.
The Shekinah represents God’s dwelling presence among His people; His close communion and guidance. For us today, God’s presence may not appear as a visible cloud, but it is still just as real and essential through prayer, worship, studying Scripture, fellowship with believers, and living in obedience to God’s will.
Today, we experience God’s presence through prayer, Scripture, the Holy Spirit, fellowship, and obedience. It’s important because, like Israel, we cannot move forward without Him. His presence gives strength for the journey, assurance of His love, and transforms us to reflect His glory.
The question is raised in today's lesson; "What are ways that, even now, you can experience the presence of God? Why is it important that you do so?"
I believe that it is important to experience the presence of God to keep us from drifting into a dull,ritualistic relationship devoid of real meaning. How to do so? The scriptures should be our guide. We should learn from the mistakes of Israel to avoid repeating them.
Psalm 22:3 is a good starting place. If we would give more thanks and praise to God we would probably have more to thank and praise him for. I'm not a big fan of the "7/11 songs," (seven words repeated eleven times). They tend to monotony, and seem intended to manipulate one into an altered state of consciousness. Our praises should come from a grateful and contrite heart, not some artificially manufactured emotional state. Many have been the times when in the depth of discouragement I have confessed my failings to God, and praised him for his goodness, mercy, and love, that the dark cloud of discouragement was replaced with the shikinah glory of God in my heart. Yes, music has been an instrument used in that process. I prefer songs with substance and meaningful lyrics, not vain repetition.
It seems that people are looking for something artificial to lift them out of their doldrums, to give them a rush, a buzz, a high. However, I can tell you from experience that there is no "high" like the Most High manifesting Himself in your life.
The greatest antidepressant is a meaningful song of praise, a prayer of repentance, a grateful heart of appreciation, that leads into reformation of character and revival of service to the Lord. Revival is much more than a feeling, the feelings usually will follow the actions taken. Love to God and our fellow man is more than a feeling, it's a principle that bears fruit in service to both.
Be careful about criticizing the 7-11 songs. It seems the angels in Revelation 4:8 are singing just that sort of song!
Music is one of those things that we tend to judge according to our own experience and tastes. I'm sure there are old gospel songs that were criticized when they first came out. Every generation thinks their music is best.
I love a lot of hymns, but there are a lot of great praise songs too. It's all about finding the good ones. The poor ones never last too long. But if a song means something to someone else, I want to sing it with them.
I don't believe the angels were involved in vain repetition. (I think that's what Tim was getting at) They sing holy to each member of the Trinity.
But they do sing one sentence over and over. Yes, it is symbolic, perhaps, but still worth noting. There are also psalms that are very repetitive (Psalm 136 says "His love endures forever" not 11 times but 26 times!)
Some of the psalms are complex, some like Psalm 117 or 150 are very simple. I think this shows that there is a place for different songs in our music. I also think the truly "7-11" praise songs never last long. I'm open to responses about ones that have. But I do wish we would stop the music wars and let people praise as they choose. If something is unbiblical, cast it aside. But otherwise, let's be charitable.
“On three occasions, the biblical text states that the work was finished”. What about the most important biblical text, “It is finished” John 19:30, to which all this work was pointing.
I was surprised to read the lesson statement "On three occasions, the biblical text states that the work was finished".
Actually, There are five (5) significant occasions where the work is “Finished”: 1. Creation; 2. completion of Tabernacle; 3. completion of Temple; 4. at the Cross; 5. New Heaven and New Earth.
THese are found in Genesis 2:1; Exodus 40:33, II Chronicles 7:11, John 20:30, Rev 22:
God had brought Israel to Himself, as He said He would.
Now, whereas for many of us, Christians, the book of Exodus is thought of from the plagues and miracles; the spliting of waters and manna; viewed from God's might and meted judgment; told from a tragic case of a stubborn Pharaoh who stood against God and tortured God's people; or understood from the Law of God (the 10 Commandments) – there is a much bigger picture.
Yes! The core is God's character as a promise-keeper; as a deliverer and provider; as a bondage-breaker; with unlimited love for a chosen priesthood and a chosen generation.
My biggest highlight was that God's mission to save Israel was all about bringing Israel to Himself as His son; His firstborn – the abundant love of God for an unmerited people.
Moses will always be a central figure in Exodus, but there is more about him that truly tells this story and how God chooses him to do His work. Moses in Exodus represents a true spirit of obedience and commitment to God. He is the gold standard to compare to, on how to worship God in truth and in spirit.
Chosen from the start – from birth – with a beginning almost absent of a father figure, raised by powerful women (his mother, Miriam, and a princess) in Egypt; with the wilderness giving him a father figure in Jethro, Moses is born free, in royalty, but lives his royalty for the wilderness for a mission to set liberate Israel into God's hands to a promised land. Moses points us to Christ as a type.
For many, Aaron might not be the best example, but Aaron represents us and our weaknesses; the constant thirst to be felt, recognized, and validated by others because of a past in bondage, past history, and in captivity, but posturing as knowing and unneedy. Through Aaron, we are able to decipher the state of the heart of Israel and trace the way to where Israel voluntarily showed their need for God and His presence. Through Aaron, we see how God can work with us in our weakness – sending a weak Aaron – still a captive of Egypt – to be a mouthpiece for Moses.
It is no wonder that the same "rod in the hand of Moses" – a.k.a the rod of God – would be later known as "the rod of Aaron." Aaron and his sons by the end of Exodus are anointed and consecrated to serve God's tabernacle. Aaron represents the true nature and weakness of man. So, if Aaron represents us, and by the end of Exodus God still works with Aaron, anointed as a high priest, what beauty do we learn from the grace of God?
The whole of Israel had come to unite in God's mission at the end. Moses had finished the work – of working with God to bring Israel back to Him. Today, Christ is working with the Father – just like the time of Moses – bringing us back to God's heart – as His son, His firstborn. May we, from the willingness of our hearts, come to Him.
On the basis of Exodus 40 the lesson is discussing the dedication or inauguration of the earthly sanctuary. What about the inauguration of the heavenly sanctuary? And as we follow Christ as High Priest in his dedication to his service of the heavenly sanctuary, how does it strengthen our faith? And is his sitting down at the right hand of the Majesty on high in heaven, as we read in Hebrews 1:3, connected with his inauguration to his service as heavenly High Priest? If so, we are invited to follow him with our eyes of faith in his inauguration. (Hebrews 4:16)
How do the angels react to such an heavenly act of dedication?
"And again, when he brings the first-born into the world he says, let all God`s angels worship him." (Hebrews 1:6). The book of Hebrews identifies the world, spoken of, as the future world to come. (Hebrews 2:5)
The context is Christ`s ascension into heaven, aiming at the throne of grace. (Hebrews 4:14-16) The angels meet the arrival of Christ with worship and praise. (Hebrews 1:6) There is adoration, worship and praise as heavenly reaction of Christ, entering the heavenly sanctuary to serve at the throne of grace, offering grace for forgiveness of sin.
Of Christ it says: "Thy throne, o God, is for ever and ever, the righteous sceptre is the sceptre of thy kingdom. Thou hast loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; therefore God, thy God, has anointed thee with the oil of gladness beyond thy comrades." (Hebrews 1:8-9) (RSV)
The anointing, mentioned in the text, in Exodus 40, where the inauguration of the earthly sanctuary is vividly described, is initmately connected with the act of inauguration of the whole sanctuary and its furniture. (Exodus 40:9-11) The dedication of Aron and his sons is also depicted ( Exodus 40:13-15). The anointing contains the beginning of their priestly ministry as an act of dedication and inauguration.
In the same sense the anointing of Christ as High Priest in heaven indicates the beginning of his heavenly ministry in the heavenly sanctuary. Remarkable is that Christ is anointed with the oil of gladness. (Hebrews 1:9) Following Christ by faith in his ascension to heaven and his inauguration to his heavenly service as High Priest in the heavenly sanctuary, we share this gladness. The inauguration of Christ in heaven grants us gladness and joy. With the angels we also share with them praise and adoration. (Hebrews 1:6)
There is no time and place for further elaboration. Following Christ by faith in his act of inauguration, brings back life within the church and as individuals. We also participate in adoration, worship and praise with the angels. This turns heaven and earth into one church.
So far, we have briefly described the inauguration of Christ as High Priest of the heavenly sanctuary and the basics of that dedication. Hoping, you will be blessed, following Christ in his heavenly inauguration.
Greetings
Winfried Stolpmann
Today's lesson said, "On three occasions, the biblical text states that the work was finished: (1) at the end of Creation week, God underlines the completion of His creative works (Genesis 2:1-3); (2) on the completion of the tabernacle, the biblical text declares: “So Moses finished the work” (Exodus 40:33); and (3) it also is expressed when Solomon finished the work on the temple (1 Kings 7:51)."
There was another important occasion when the Lord stated that the work was finished; it is in John 19:30, "When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, 'It is finished': and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost".
Jesus proclaims to the entire world that the Plan of Salvation, to redeem man back to God the Father, had been successfully completed.
PS. Please do not get caught up in the 'vinegar' part and miss the True meaning of this verse. Praise God that "we have been Redeemed".
Yes, God can be anywhere. But He won't be where sin abounds. Our job is to search for Him constantly. He never despises a humble sinner. He wants to establish a firm connection with us. Thus, He will lead us where His presence is even greater. Right now, I fight to keep this in my "heart".