Exodus 25 Commentary

The LORD told Moses to collect a "contribution" from the people of Israel. These contributions were to include precious metals and other materials that were to be used in the construction of the tabernacle, which was to serve as the LORD’s "sanctuary" in the midst of His people.

Here are the LORD’s instructions concerning the construction of the ark of the covenant along with its mercy seat. It is appropriate that the first item to be built is the ark. It symbolized the throne where the LORD was. The throne implies His sovereignty. It also was the place where He met with His people.

The next piece of tabernacle furniture described was a table. This table was to be where the "bread of the Presence" was placed. Included are other items (dishes and pans) that were to be used with this table. The instructions for constructing these objects are very precise (like the other items in the tabernacle).

The next item described for the tabernacle was the golden lampstand. As with the ark and the table of showbread, the instructions for its design are very detailed. It was to be placed on the opposite side from the Table of Showbread (Exodus 26:35), and its purpose was to provide light in the tabernacle.