Exodus 25 Study Notes
General
What purpose does God give for the sanctuary in Exodus 25:8?
Answer: So that He could live among His people
God states the reason for the whole project plainly: the Israelites are to build a holy place for Him so that He may live among them (25:8). The tabernacle was not mainly about furniture or fine materials; it was about God's own presence with the people He had rescued. God later ties this purpose to the exodus itself, saying He brought Israel out of Egypt in order to make His home in their midst (29:45-46). The New Testament shows where this leads. When Jesus, the Word, became a man, John describes Him as pitching His tent among us (John 1:14), and at the end of history God's home will be with His people forever (Revelation 21:3).
- Exodus 25:8 (BSB)“And they are to make a sanctuary for Me, so that I may dwell among them.”God states the purpose of the sanctuary: His own presence among His people.
- Exodus 29:45-46 (BSB)“Then I will dwell among the Israelites and be their God. And they will know that I am the LORD their God, who brought them out of the land of Egypt so that I might dwell among them. I am the LORD their God.”God repeats that He brought Israel out of Egypt precisely so that He might live among them as their God.
- John 1:14 (BSB)“The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.”The Word taking on flesh is described in tabernacle terms, fulfilling God's purpose to live among His people.
- Revelation 21:3 (BSB)“And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying: “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God.”The final goal of the same purpose: God Himself living with His people forever.
Theological
What purpose for the sanctuary does God announce in 25:8?
Answer: So that He could live among His people
The stated purpose of the sanctuary is God's covenant presence: Israel is to make Him a holy place so that He may dwell in their midst (25:8). Everything that follows in chapters 25-31 serves that end. God grounds it in redemption itself, declaring that He brought Israel out of Egypt in order to dwell in their midst as their God (29:45-46). The purpose reaches its fulfillment in the incarnation, where John uses tabernacle vocabulary for the Word who took on flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14), and its consummation in the new creation, when God makes His home with humanity and is Himself present with His people (Revelation 21:3).
- Exodus 25:8 (BSB)“And they are to make a sanctuary for Me, so that I may dwell among them.”God states the purpose of the sanctuary: His own presence among His people.
- Exodus 29:45-46 (BSB)“Then I will dwell among the Israelites and be their God. And they will know that I am the LORD their God, who brought them out of the land of Egypt so that I might dwell among them. I am the LORD their God.”God repeats that He brought Israel out of Egypt precisely so that He might live among them as their God.
- John 1:14 (BSB)“The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.”The Word taking on flesh is described in tabernacle terms, fulfilling God's purpose to live among His people.
- Revelation 21:3 (BSB)“And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying: “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God.”The final goal of the same purpose: God Himself living with His people forever.
General
What was always to be kept on the gold table before the LORD (25:30)?
Answer: Loaves called Bread of the Presence
God commands that Bread of the Presence lie continually on the table in His presence (25:30). Leviticus fills in the details: twelve loaves were set in two rows before the LORD, replaced every Sabbath, and set out for Israel as a lasting covenant (Leviticus 24:5-8). The name reflects that the bread lay before God's face. Hebrews lists this consecrated bread among the Holy Place furnishings alongside the table (Hebrews 9:2), and Jesus mentions the time David and his men ate it, even though it was reserved for priests (Matthew 12:3-4). The jar of manna, by contrast, was stored before the Testimony, not on this table (16:33-34).
- Exodus 25:30 (BSB)“And place the Bread of the Presence on the table before Me at all times.”God commands that the bread be kept on the table before Him continually.
- Leviticus 24:5-8 (BSB)“You are also to take fine flour and bake twelve loaves, using two-tenths of an ephah for each loaf, and set them in two rows—six per row—on the table of pure gold before the LORD. And you are to place pure frankincense near each row, so that it may serve as a memorial portion for the bread, a food offering to the LORD. Every Sabbath day the bread is to be set out before the LORD on behalf of the Israelites as a permanent covenant.”Specifies twelve loaves set in two rows before the LORD and renewed every Sabbath on behalf of the Israelites.
- Hebrews 9:2 (BSB)“A tabernacle was prepared. In its first room were the lampstand, the table, and the consecrated bread. This was called the Holy Place.”Lists the consecrated bread with the table in the Holy Place.
- Matthew 12:3-4 (BSB)“Jesus replied, “Have you not read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? He entered the house of God, and he and his companions ate the consecrated bread, which was not lawful for them to eat, but only for the priests.”Jesus recalls David eating this consecrated bread, which was reserved for the priests.
- Exodus 16:33-34 (BSB)“So Moses told Aaron, “Take a jar and fill it with an omer of manna. Then place it before the LORD to be preserved for the generations to come.” And Aaron placed it in front of the Testimony, to be preserved just as the LORD had commanded Moses.”Shows that the jar of manna was placed before the Testimony, not on the table.
Theological
What does 25:30 require the table to hold before the LORD at all times?
Answer: Loaves called Bread of the Presence
The table is to bear Bread of the Presence before God continually (25:30). Leviticus 24:5-8 prescribes twelve loaves in two rows, renewed each Sabbath and set out before God for Israel as a perpetual covenant, so that bread lay before Him continually on the people's behalf. Hebrews numbers the consecrated bread among the furnishings of the Holy Place (Hebrews 9:2), and Jesus cites David's eating of it, though it was lawful for priests alone (Matthew 12:3-4). The manna jar, by contrast, was laid up before the Testimony rather than on the table (16:33-34).
- Exodus 25:30 (BSB)“And place the Bread of the Presence on the table before Me at all times.”God commands that the bread be kept on the table before Him continually.
- Leviticus 24:5-8 (BSB)“You are also to take fine flour and bake twelve loaves, using two-tenths of an ephah for each loaf, and set them in two rows—six per row—on the table of pure gold before the LORD. And you are to place pure frankincense near each row, so that it may serve as a memorial portion for the bread, a food offering to the LORD. Every Sabbath day the bread is to be set out before the LORD on behalf of the Israelites as a permanent covenant.”Specifies twelve loaves set in two rows before the LORD and renewed every Sabbath on behalf of the Israelites.
- Hebrews 9:2 (BSB)“A tabernacle was prepared. In its first room were the lampstand, the table, and the consecrated bread. This was called the Holy Place.”Lists the consecrated bread with the table in the Holy Place.
- Matthew 12:3-4 (BSB)“Jesus replied, “Have you not read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? He entered the house of God, and he and his companions ate the consecrated bread, which was not lawful for them to eat, but only for the priests.”Jesus recalls David eating this consecrated bread, which was reserved for the priests.
- Exodus 16:33-34 (BSB)“So Moses told Aaron, “Take a jar and fill it with an omer of manna. Then place it before the LORD to be preserved for the generations to come.” And Aaron placed it in front of the Testimony, to be preserved just as the LORD had commanded Moses.”Shows that the jar of manna was placed before the Testimony, not on the table.
General
What did God promise to do from the space over the mercy seat, flanked by the cherubim (25:22)?
Answer: Meet with Moses and speak to him all His commands for Israel
God promises that over the mercy seat, in the space flanked by the two cherubim on the ark, He will meet with Moses and tell him everything He commands for the Israelites (25:22). This made the ark the meeting place between God and His people's leader. The promise came true: whenever Moses went in to talk with the LORD, God's voice reached him from the space between the cherubim over the mercy seat (Numbers 7:89). Later Scripture speaks of the LORD as the King whose throne is set between or above the cherubim (1 Samuel 4:4; Psalm 99:1).
- Exodus 25:22 (BSB)“And I will meet with you there above the mercy seat, between the two cherubim that are over the ark of the Testimony; I will speak with you about all that I command you regarding the Israelites.”God promises to meet with Moses above the mercy seat, between the cherubim, and speak His commands for Israel.
- Numbers 7:89 (BSB)“When Moses entered the Tent of Meeting to speak with the LORD, he heard the voice speaking to him from between the two cherubim above the mercy seat on the ark of the Testimony. Thus the LORD spoke to him.”Records Moses hearing God's voice from between the two cherubim above the mercy seat, as promised.
- 1 Samuel 4:4 (BSB)“So the people sent men to Shiloh, and they brought back the ark of the covenant of the LORD of Hosts, who sits enthroned between the cherubim. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God.”Describes the LORD of Hosts as enthroned between the cherubim of the ark.
- Psalm 99:1 (BSB)“The LORD reigns; let the nations tremble! He is enthroned above the cherubim; let the earth quake!”Celebrates the LORD as King enthroned above the cherubim.
Theological
What does God promise in 25:22 concerning the space over the mercy seat?
Answer: Meet with Moses and speak to him all His commands for Israel
The space over the mercy seat, flanked by the cherubim, is appointed as the place of meeting and revelation: there God will meet with Moses and speak all that He commands concerning Israel (25:22). Numbers 7:89 records the promise fulfilled, as Moses heard the voice from between the cherubim. The ark thus functions as the earthly throne of the invisible King, the LORD of Hosts seated as King between the cherubim (1 Samuel 4:4; Psalm 99:1), from which He governs His covenant people by His word.
- Exodus 25:22 (BSB)“And I will meet with you there above the mercy seat, between the two cherubim that are over the ark of the Testimony; I will speak with you about all that I command you regarding the Israelites.”God promises to meet with Moses above the mercy seat, between the cherubim, and speak His commands for Israel.
- Numbers 7:89 (BSB)“When Moses entered the Tent of Meeting to speak with the LORD, he heard the voice speaking to him from between the two cherubim above the mercy seat on the ark of the Testimony. Thus the LORD spoke to him.”Records Moses hearing God's voice from between the two cherubim above the mercy seat, as promised.
- 1 Samuel 4:4 (BSB)“So the people sent men to Shiloh, and they brought back the ark of the covenant of the LORD of Hosts, who sits enthroned between the cherubim. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God.”Describes the LORD of Hosts as enthroned between the cherubim of the ark.
- Psalm 99:1 (BSB)“The LORD reigns; let the nations tremble! He is enthroned above the cherubim; let the earth quake!”Celebrates the LORD as King enthroned above the cherubim.
General
True or False: The materials God asked for in 25:3-7 included oil for the lamps and spices to make anointing oil and sweet-smelling incense.
Answer: True
This is true. God's list includes metals (gold, silver, bronze), colored yarns, fine linen, goat hair, dyed ram skins and fine leather hides, wood from the acacia tree, olive oil to fuel the lamps, spices for making anointing oil and incense, and precious stones for the high priest's clothing (25:3-7). Later chapters show each of these being put to use: the oil keeps the lamps burning (27:20), spices are blended into the holy anointing oil (30:23-25) and the incense (30:34-35), and onyx stones engraved with the names of Israel's sons are set on the high priest's ephod, a sacred vest-like garment (28:9-12). The list is simply the raw material for everything God is about to describe.
- Exodus 25:3-7 (BSB)“This is the offering you are to accept from them: gold, silver, and bronze; blue, purple, and scarlet yarn; fine linen and goat hair; ram skins dyed red and fine leather; acacia wood; olive oil for the light; spices for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense; and onyx stones and gemstones to be mounted on the ephod and breastpiece.”The list of materials God asks the people to bring for the sanctuary and the priests' garments.
- Exodus 27:20 (BSB)“And you are to command the Israelites to bring you pure oil of pressed olives for the light, to keep the lamps burning continually.”Shows the olive oil being used to keep the tabernacle lamps burning.
- Exodus 30:23-25 (BSB)““Take the finest spices: 500 shekels of liquid myrrh, half that amount (250 shekels) of fragrant cinnamon, 250 shekels of fragrant cane, 500 shekels of cassia—all according to the sanctuary shekel—and a hin of olive oil. Prepare from these a sacred anointing oil, a fragrant blend, the work of a perfumer; it will be a sacred anointing oil.”Shows spices blended with oil to make the sacred anointing oil.
- Exodus 30:34-35 (BSB)“The LORD also said to Moses, “Take fragrant spices—gum resin, onycha, galbanum, and pure frankincense—in equal measures, and make a fragrant blend of incense, the work of a perfumer, seasoned with salt, pure and holy.”Shows spices blended to make the holy incense.
- Exodus 28:9-12 (BSB)“Take two onyx stones and engrave on them the names of the sons of Israel: six of their names on one stone and the remaining six on the other, in the order of their birth. Engrave the names of the sons of Israel on the two stones the way a gem cutter engraves a seal. Then mount the stones in gold filigree settings. Fasten both stones on the shoulder pieces of the ephod as memorial stones for the sons of Israel. Aaron is to bear their names on his two shoulders as a memorial before the LORD.”Shows onyx stones engraved and set on the shoulder pieces of the high priest's ephod.
Theological
True or False: The contributions specified in 25:3-7 included oil for the lamps and spices to prepare anointing oil and fragrant incense.
Answer: True
This is true. The inventory in 25:3-7 covers precious metals, dyed yarns, fine linen, goat hair, rams' skins and fine leather hides, acacia timber, lamp oil, spices to compound anointing oil and incense, and onyx and other gems for the priestly ephod and breastpiece. The subsequent instructions assign each its use: the oil for the perpetual lamps (27:20), the spices for the sacred anointing oil (30:23-25) and the holy incense (30:34-35), and the onyx stones for the ephod's shoulder straps bearing the names of Israel's sons (28:9-12). The list functions as the material inventory for the whole sanctuary and priesthood that follow.
- Exodus 25:3-7 (BSB)“This is the offering you are to accept from them: gold, silver, and bronze; blue, purple, and scarlet yarn; fine linen and goat hair; ram skins dyed red and fine leather; acacia wood; olive oil for the light; spices for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense; and onyx stones and gemstones to be mounted on the ephod and breastpiece.”The list of materials God asks the people to bring for the sanctuary and the priests' garments.
- Exodus 27:20 (BSB)“And you are to command the Israelites to bring you pure oil of pressed olives for the light, to keep the lamps burning continually.”Shows the olive oil being used to keep the tabernacle lamps burning.
- Exodus 30:23-25 (BSB)““Take the finest spices: 500 shekels of liquid myrrh, half that amount (250 shekels) of fragrant cinnamon, 250 shekels of fragrant cane, 500 shekels of cassia—all according to the sanctuary shekel—and a hin of olive oil. Prepare from these a sacred anointing oil, a fragrant blend, the work of a perfumer; it will be a sacred anointing oil.”Shows spices blended with oil to make the sacred anointing oil.
- Exodus 30:34-35 (BSB)“The LORD also said to Moses, “Take fragrant spices—gum resin, onycha, galbanum, and pure frankincense—in equal measures, and make a fragrant blend of incense, the work of a perfumer, seasoned with salt, pure and holy.”Shows spices blended to make the holy incense.
- Exodus 28:9-12 (BSB)“Take two onyx stones and engrave on them the names of the sons of Israel: six of their names on one stone and the remaining six on the other, in the order of their birth. Engrave the names of the sons of Israel on the two stones the way a gem cutter engraves a seal. Then mount the stones in gold filigree settings. Fasten both stones on the shoulder pieces of the ephod as memorial stones for the sons of Israel. Aaron is to bear their names on his two shoulders as a memorial before the LORD.”Shows onyx stones engraved and set on the shoulder pieces of the high priest's ephod.
General
According to Exodus 25:2, from whom was Moses to receive the gifts for the sanctuary?
Answer: From each person whose own heart moved him to give
God tells Moses to invite the people to bring Him a gift, but Moses was to accept it only from people whose hearts moved them to give (25:1-2). The place where God would live among His people was not to be paid for by forced payments; it was to be built from gifts given gladly. When the people later carried out this command, they gave so freely that Moses had to tell them to stop, because they had already brought more than enough (35:29; 36:5-7). David later confessed that even generous gifts to God only give back what came from God in the first place (1 Chronicles 29:14). The New Testament asks for the same spirit: God delights in a glad giver, not one who gives under pressure (2 Corinthians 9:7).
- Exodus 25:1-2 (BSB)“Then the LORD said to Moses, “Tell the Israelites to bring Me an offering. You are to receive My offering from every man whose heart compels him.”God tells Moses to receive an offering for Him, but only from those whose hearts move them to give.
- Exodus 35:29 (BSB)“So all the men and women of the Israelites whose hearts prompted them brought a freewill offering to the LORD for all the work that the LORD through Moses had commanded them to do.”When the command was carried out, the gifts came as freewill offerings from all whose hearts prompted them.
- Exodus 36:5-7 (BSB)“and said to Moses, “The people are bringing more than enough for doing the work the LORD has commanded us to do.” After Moses had given an order, they sent a proclamation throughout the camp: “No man or woman should make anything else as an offering for the sanctuary.” So the people were restrained from bringing more, since what they already had was more than enough to perform all the work.”The willing gifts overflowed so much that the people had to be told to stop bringing more.
- 1 Chronicles 29:14 (BSB)“But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? For everything comes from You, and from Your own hand we have given to You.”David confesses that even generous giving to God is only returning what came from His own hand.
- 2 Corinthians 9:7 (BSB)“Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver.”The New Testament asks for the same kind of giving: decided in the heart, not forced, and cheerful.
Theological
What governs the gifts Moses is to receive for the sanctuary in 25:2?
Answer: Voluntary giving from each one whose heart impels him
The offering of 25:1-2 is voluntary: Moses is to receive it from each Israelite whose heart impels him. God's dwelling place is to be furnished by willing rather than coerced giving, and the construction narrative confirms that the freewill gifts overflowed until the people had to be restrained (35:29; 36:5-7). Such willingness is itself a fruit of God's work in His people, as David acknowledged that whatever is given to God first came from His own hand (1 Chronicles 29:14). The same principle governs giving in the new covenant, where God delights in the glad giver rather than a reluctant or compelled one (2 Corinthians 9:7).
- Exodus 25:1-2 (BSB)“Then the LORD said to Moses, “Tell the Israelites to bring Me an offering. You are to receive My offering from every man whose heart compels him.”God tells Moses to receive an offering for Him, but only from those whose hearts move them to give.
- Exodus 35:29 (BSB)“So all the men and women of the Israelites whose hearts prompted them brought a freewill offering to the LORD for all the work that the LORD through Moses had commanded them to do.”When the command was carried out, the gifts came as freewill offerings from all whose hearts prompted them.
- Exodus 36:5-7 (BSB)“and said to Moses, “The people are bringing more than enough for doing the work the LORD has commanded us to do.” After Moses had given an order, they sent a proclamation throughout the camp: “No man or woman should make anything else as an offering for the sanctuary.” So the people were restrained from bringing more, since what they already had was more than enough to perform all the work.”The willing gifts overflowed so much that the people had to be told to stop bringing more.
- 1 Chronicles 29:14 (BSB)“But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? For everything comes from You, and from Your own hand we have given to You.”David confesses that even generous giving to God is only returning what came from His own hand.
- 2 Corinthians 9:7 (BSB)“Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver.”The New Testament asks for the same kind of giving: decided in the heart, not forced, and cheerful.
General
True or False: Exodus 25:37 says the lampstand was to hold twelve lamps, one for each tribe of Israel.
Answer: False
This is false. God tells Moses to fashion seven lamps and mount them on the stand so they shine on the space before it (25:37). Numbers records Aaron arranging the seven lights to shine forward, in obedience to God's instruction (Numbers 8:2-3). The lamps were fueled with pure olive oil so that they could keep burning continually (27:20).
- Exodus 25:37 (BSB)“Make seven lamps and set them up on the lampstand so that they illuminate the area in front of it.”Seven lamps are to be set on the lampstand to light the space in front of it.
- Numbers 8:2-3 (BSB)““Speak to Aaron and tell him: ‘When you set up the seven lamps, they are to light the area in front of the lampstand.’” And Aaron did so; he set up the lamps facing toward the front of the lampstand, just as the LORD had commanded Moses.”Aaron sets up the seven lamps to light the area in front of the lampstand, as commanded.
- Exodus 27:20 (BSB)“And you are to command the Israelites to bring you pure oil of pressed olives for the light, to keep the lamps burning continually.”Pure olive oil is to be brought so that the lamps keep burning continually.
Theological
True or False: According to 25:37, the lampstand bore twelve lamps corresponding to the tribes of Israel.
Answer: False
This is false. The lampstand bears seven lamps, arranged to light up the space before it (25:37). Aaron's setting up of the seven lamps to shine forward is recorded in Numbers 8:2-3, and the lamps were supplied with pure beaten olive oil so as to burn continually (27:20).
- Exodus 25:37 (BSB)“Make seven lamps and set them up on the lampstand so that they illuminate the area in front of it.”Seven lamps are to be set on the lampstand to light the space in front of it.
- Numbers 8:2-3 (BSB)““Speak to Aaron and tell him: ‘When you set up the seven lamps, they are to light the area in front of the lampstand.’” And Aaron did so; he set up the lamps facing toward the front of the lampstand, just as the LORD had commanded Moses.”Aaron sets up the seven lamps to light the area in front of the lampstand, as commanded.
- Exodus 27:20 (BSB)“And you are to command the Israelites to bring you pure oil of pressed olives for the light, to keep the lamps burning continually.”Pure olive oil is to be brought so that the lamps keep burning continually.
General
True or False: The ark's carrying poles were to be taken out of its rings whenever the ark was not being moved (25:15).
Answer: False
This is false. The ark was built of acacia wood covered in gold, with four gold rings on its feet and gold-covered poles slid through them for carrying (25:10-14). God commanded that the poles stay in the rings and never be removed (25:15). The ark was carried by these poles rather than handled directly: the Levite clan of Kohath carried the holy objects but was forbidden to touch them (Numbers 4:15). When David brought the ark to Jerusalem the right way, the Levites bore it on their shoulders by means of its poles, following Moses' instructions (1 Chronicles 15:15), and the poles were still with the ark in Solomon's temple (1 Kings 8:8).
- Exodus 25:13-15 (BSB)“And make poles of acacia wood and overlay them with gold. Insert the poles into the rings on the sides of the ark, in order to carry it. The poles are to remain in the rings of the ark; they must not be removed.”The ark's poles are overlaid with gold, set in its rings for carrying, and are never to be taken out.
- Numbers 4:15 (BSB)“When Aaron and his sons have finished covering the holy objects and all their equipment, as soon as the camp is ready to move, the Kohathites shall come and do the carrying. But they must not touch the holy objects, or they will die. These are the transportation duties of the Kohathites regarding the Tent of Meeting.”When the camp moved, the Kohathites carried the holy objects but were forbidden to touch them, on pain of death.
- 1 Chronicles 15:15 (BSB)“And the Levites carried the ark of God on their shoulders with the poles, as Moses had commanded in accordance with the word of the LORD.”When David moved the ark properly, the Levites bore it on their shoulders by means of its poles, following Moses' instructions.
- 1 Kings 8:8 (BSB)“The poles extended far enough that their ends were visible from the Holy Place in front of the inner sanctuary, but not from outside the Holy Place; and they are there to this day.”Even in Solomon's temple the poles remained with the ark.
Theological
True or False: Exodus 25:15 allowed the ark's carrying poles to be withdrawn from their rings whenever the ark was at rest.
Answer: False
This is false. The acacia-wood, gold-overlaid ark was fitted with four gold rings and gold-overlaid poles for transport (25:10-14), and the poles were to stay in place permanently (25:15). The ark was to be borne by the poles, not handled: the Kohathites transported the holy things but were forbidden to touch them on pain of death (Numbers 4:15). When the ark was finally brought up to Jerusalem in the prescribed manner, the Levites bore it shoulder-high by its poles in keeping with Moses' command (1 Chronicles 15:15), and the poles remained with it even in Solomon's temple (1 Kings 8:8).
- Exodus 25:13-15 (BSB)“And make poles of acacia wood and overlay them with gold. Insert the poles into the rings on the sides of the ark, in order to carry it. The poles are to remain in the rings of the ark; they must not be removed.”The ark's poles are overlaid with gold, set in its rings for carrying, and are never to be taken out.
- Numbers 4:15 (BSB)“When Aaron and his sons have finished covering the holy objects and all their equipment, as soon as the camp is ready to move, the Kohathites shall come and do the carrying. But they must not touch the holy objects, or they will die. These are the transportation duties of the Kohathites regarding the Tent of Meeting.”When the camp moved, the Kohathites carried the holy objects but were forbidden to touch them, on pain of death.
- 1 Chronicles 15:15 (BSB)“And the Levites carried the ark of God on their shoulders with the poles, as Moses had commanded in accordance with the word of the LORD.”When David moved the ark properly, the Levites bore it on their shoulders by means of its poles, following Moses' instructions.
- 1 Kings 8:8 (BSB)“The poles extended far enough that their ends were visible from the Holy Place in front of the inner sanctuary, but not from outside the Holy Place; and they are there to this day.”Even in Solomon's temple the poles remained with the ark.
General
Which description fits the table described in 25:23-29?
Answer: Acacia wood covered with pure gold, fitted with rings and poles for carrying, with gold dishes and pitchers for drink offerings
The table was made from acacia wood, covered with pure gold, with a gold border around it (25:23-25). Like the ark, it had four gold rings and gold-covered poles so it could be carried (25:26-28). Its plates, dishes, jugs, and bowls used to pour out drink offerings were all to be made of pure gold (25:29). Moses later set the table inside the tent on its north side, outside the veil (40:22), and Hebrews lists it among the furnishings of the first room, the Holy Place (Hebrews 9:2).
- Exodus 25:23-24 (BSB)“You are also to make a table of acacia wood two cubits long, a cubit wide, and a cubit and a half high. Overlay it with pure gold and make a gold molding around it.”The table is made of acacia wood and overlaid with pure gold.
- Exodus 25:29 (BSB)“You are also to make the plates and dishes, as well as the pitchers and bowls for pouring drink offerings. Make them out of pure gold.”Gold plates, dishes, pitchers, and bowls for drink offerings belong with the table.
- Exodus 40:22 (BSB)“Moses placed the table in the Tent of Meeting on the north side of the tabernacle, outside the veil.”Moses later set the table inside the tent on its north side, outside the veil.
- Hebrews 9:2 (BSB)“A tabernacle was prepared. In its first room were the lampstand, the table, and the consecrated bread. This was called the Holy Place.”Hebrews lists the table among the furnishings of the first room, the Holy Place.
Theological
Which description matches the table of 25:23-29?
Answer: Acacia wood covered with pure gold, fitted with rings and poles for carrying, with gold dishes and pitchers for drink offerings
The table is acacia wood overlaid with pure gold, with a gold molding and rim (25:23-25), four gold rings, and gold-overlaid poles for transport (25:26-28). Its vessels, plates, dishes, jugs, and bowls for the drink offerings, are of pure gold (25:29). It stood on the Holy Place's north side, outside the veil (40:22), and Hebrews numbers it among the furnishings of that first room (Hebrews 9:2).
- Exodus 25:23-24 (BSB)“You are also to make a table of acacia wood two cubits long, a cubit wide, and a cubit and a half high. Overlay it with pure gold and make a gold molding around it.”The table is made of acacia wood and overlaid with pure gold.
- Exodus 25:29 (BSB)“You are also to make the plates and dishes, as well as the pitchers and bowls for pouring drink offerings. Make them out of pure gold.”Gold plates, dishes, pitchers, and bowls for drink offerings belong with the table.
- Exodus 40:22 (BSB)“Moses placed the table in the Tent of Meeting on the north side of the tabernacle, outside the veil.”Moses later set the table inside the tent on its north side, outside the veil.
- Hebrews 9:2 (BSB)“A tabernacle was prepared. In its first room were the lampstand, the table, and the consecrated bread. This was called the Holy Place.”Hebrews lists the table among the furnishings of the first room, the Holy Place.
General
How was the lampstand to be made (25:31-36)?
Answer: Hammered from a single piece of pure gold, with six branches and almond-flower cups
The lampstand was to be beaten from pure gold as one single piece, base, shaft, cups, buds, and petals all together (25:31). Three branches came out from each side, six in all (25:32), and the branches and the central shaft were decorated with cups formed like almond flowers (25:33-34). Numbers confirms it was beaten gold all the way from base to blossoms, just as God had shown Moses (Numbers 8:4). It stood in the Holy Place (Hebrews 9:2), where its lamps were tended continually in the LORD's presence (Leviticus 24:4).
- Exodus 25:31-32 (BSB)“Then you are to make a lampstand of pure, hammered gold. It shall be made of one piece, including its base and shaft, its cups, and its buds and petals. Six branches are to extend from the sides of the lampstand—three on one side and three on the other.”The lampstand is hammered from one piece of pure gold, with three branches on each side.
- Numbers 8:4 (BSB)“This is how the lampstand was constructed: it was made of hammered gold from its base to its blossoms, fashioned according to the pattern the LORD had shown Moses.”Confirms the lampstand was hammered gold from base to blossoms, made to the pattern God showed Moses.
- Hebrews 9:2 (BSB)“A tabernacle was prepared. In its first room were the lampstand, the table, and the consecrated bread. This was called the Holy Place.”Lists the lampstand as a furnishing of the Holy Place.
- Leviticus 24:4 (BSB)“He shall tend the lamps on the pure gold lampstand before the LORD continually.”The lamps on the pure gold lampstand were tended before the LORD continually.
Theological
Which description matches the construction of the lampstand in 25:31-36?
Answer: Hammered from a single piece of pure gold, with six branches and almond-flower cups
The lampstand is a single piece of hammered pure gold, base, shaft, cups, buds, and petals together (25:31), with three branches on either side (25:32) and almond-blossom cups on the branches and shaft (25:33-34). Numbers 8:4 confirms that it was hammered work from base to blossoms following the model shown to Moses. It stood in the Holy Place (Hebrews 9:2), where Aaron tended its lamps continually in the LORD's presence (Leviticus 24:4).
- Exodus 25:31-32 (BSB)“Then you are to make a lampstand of pure, hammered gold. It shall be made of one piece, including its base and shaft, its cups, and its buds and petals. Six branches are to extend from the sides of the lampstand—three on one side and three on the other.”The lampstand is hammered from one piece of pure gold, with three branches on each side.
- Numbers 8:4 (BSB)“This is how the lampstand was constructed: it was made of hammered gold from its base to its blossoms, fashioned according to the pattern the LORD had shown Moses.”Confirms the lampstand was hammered gold from base to blossoms, made to the pattern God showed Moses.
- Hebrews 9:2 (BSB)“A tabernacle was prepared. In its first room were the lampstand, the table, and the consecrated bread. This was called the Holy Place.”Lists the lampstand as a furnishing of the Holy Place.
- Leviticus 24:4 (BSB)“He shall tend the lamps on the pure gold lampstand before the LORD continually.”The lamps on the pure gold lampstand were tended before the LORD continually.
General
How does the New Testament connect the mercy seat of 25:17-22 with Christ?
Answer: Christ is the true atoning sacrifice, the reality to which the blood-sprinkled mercy seat pointed
The mercy seat was the gold cover of the ark, and above it God promised to meet with Moses and give him His commands for Israel (25:21-22). Once a year, on the Day of Atonement, the high priest sprinkled the blood of a sacrifice on it and before it to atone for the people's sins (Leviticus 16:14-16). The New Testament picks up this picture. Paul says God presented Jesus as a sacrifice of atonement through His blood (Romans 3:25), and the Greek word Paul uses there is the same one Hebrews uses for the mercy seat (Hebrews 9:5). The word carries the idea of propitiation, a sacrifice that turns away God's just anger against sin. Christ entered the true Most Holy Place with His own blood, once and for all, winning an eternal redemption (Hebrews 9:12).
- Exodus 25:21-22 (BSB)“Set the mercy seat atop the ark and put the Testimony that I will give you into the ark. And I will meet with you there above the mercy seat, between the two cherubim that are over the ark of the Testimony; I will speak with you about all that I command you regarding the Israelites.”The mercy seat is set on the ark, and above it God promises to meet with Moses and speak His commands for Israel.
- Leviticus 16:14-16 (BSB)“And he is to take some of the bull’s blood and sprinkle it with his finger on the east side of the mercy seat; then he shall sprinkle some of it with his finger seven times before the mercy seat. Aaron shall then slaughter the goat for the sin offering for the people and bring its blood behind the veil, and with its blood he must do as he did with the bull’s blood: He is to sprinkle it against the mercy seat and in front of it. So he shall make atonement for the Most Holy Place because of the impurities and rebellious acts of the Israelites in regard to all their sins. He is to do the same for the Tent of Meeting which abides among them in the midst of their impurities.”On the Day of Atonement the high priest sprinkled sacrificial blood on and before the mercy seat, making atonement because of all Israel's sins.
- Romans 3:25 (BSB)“God presented Him as an atoning sacrifice in His blood through faith, in order to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance He had passed over the sins committed beforehand.”Paul says God presented Christ as the atoning sacrifice, using the Greek word that also names the mercy seat.
- Hebrews 9:5 (BSB)“Above the ark were the cherubim of glory, overshadowing the mercy seat. But we cannot discuss these things in detail now.”Uses that same Greek word for the mercy seat overshadowed by the cherubim.
- Hebrews 9:12 (BSB)“He did not enter by the blood of goats and calves, but He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, thus securing eternal redemption.”Christ entered the true Most Holy Place once for all with His own blood, securing eternal redemption.
Theological
How does the New Testament take up the mercy seat of 25:17-22?
Answer: Christ is the true atoning sacrifice, the reality to which the blood-sprinkled mercy seat pointed
The mercy seat is the place of meeting above the Testimony (25:21-22), and on the Day of Atonement it received the sprinkled blood of the sin offering (Leviticus 16:14-16). The New Testament presents Christ as the fulfillment: God set Him forth as a hilasterion, a propitiation, in His blood (Romans 3:25), the very term Hebrews applies to the mercy seat itself (Hebrews 9:5). What the annual sprinkling foreshadowed, Christ accomplished once for all, entering the heavenly sanctuary with His own blood and securing eternal redemption (Hebrews 9:12). God's wrath against sin is satisfied and His righteousness displayed in the same act.
- Exodus 25:21-22 (BSB)“Set the mercy seat atop the ark and put the Testimony that I will give you into the ark. And I will meet with you there above the mercy seat, between the two cherubim that are over the ark of the Testimony; I will speak with you about all that I command you regarding the Israelites.”The mercy seat is set on the ark, and above it God promises to meet with Moses and speak His commands for Israel.
- Leviticus 16:14-16 (BSB)“And he is to take some of the bull’s blood and sprinkle it with his finger on the east side of the mercy seat; then he shall sprinkle some of it with his finger seven times before the mercy seat. Aaron shall then slaughter the goat for the sin offering for the people and bring its blood behind the veil, and with its blood he must do as he did with the bull’s blood: He is to sprinkle it against the mercy seat and in front of it. So he shall make atonement for the Most Holy Place because of the impurities and rebellious acts of the Israelites in regard to all their sins. He is to do the same for the Tent of Meeting which abides among them in the midst of their impurities.”On the Day of Atonement the high priest sprinkled sacrificial blood on and before the mercy seat, making atonement because of all Israel's sins.
- Romans 3:25 (BSB)“God presented Him as an atoning sacrifice in His blood through faith, in order to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance He had passed over the sins committed beforehand.”Paul says God presented Christ as the atoning sacrifice, using the Greek word that also names the mercy seat.
- Hebrews 9:5 (BSB)“Above the ark were the cherubim of glory, overshadowing the mercy seat. But we cannot discuss these things in detail now.”Uses that same Greek word for the mercy seat overshadowed by the cherubim.
- Hebrews 9:12 (BSB)“He did not enter by the blood of goats and calves, but He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, thus securing eternal redemption.”Christ entered the true Most Holy Place once for all with His own blood, securing eternal redemption.
General
Which description matches the gold cover of the ark and its cherubim in 25:17-20?
Answer: A pure gold cover for the ark, with two gold cherubim formed from the same piece, facing each other with wings spread over it
The mercy seat was a cover of pure gold the same length and width as the ark (25:17). At its two ends were two cherubim, heavenly beings, hammered out of the same piece of gold as the cover. They faced each other, looked down toward the cover, and spread their wings upward so that they overshadowed it (25:18-20). The finished work matched these instructions exactly (37:9), and Hebrews still speaks of the glorious cherubim spread over the cover (Hebrews 9:5). In Scripture, cherubim first appear after Adam's sin, stationed by God to guard the tree of life in Eden (Genesis 3:24); here they attend the place where God would meet His people (25:22).
- Exodus 25:17-20 (BSB)“And you are to construct a mercy seat of pure gold, two and a half cubits long and a cubit and a half wide. Make two cherubim of hammered gold at the ends of the mercy seat, one cherub on one end and one on the other, all made from one piece of gold. And the cherubim are to have wings that spread upward, overshadowing the mercy seat. The cherubim are to face each other, looking toward the mercy seat.”Describes the mercy seat of pure gold and the two cherubim formed from one piece with it.
- Exodus 37:9 (BSB)“And the cherubim had wings that spread upward, overshadowing the mercy seat. The cherubim faced each other, looking toward the mercy seat.”Shows the cherubim made exactly this way, wings spread upward and facing the mercy seat.
- Hebrews 9:5 (BSB)“Above the ark were the cherubim of glory, overshadowing the mercy seat. But we cannot discuss these things in detail now.”The New Testament recalls the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat.
- Genesis 3:24 (BSB)“So He drove out the man and stationed cherubim on the east side of the Garden of Eden, along with a whirling sword of flame to guard the way to the tree of life.”After Adam's sin, God stationed cherubim east of Eden to guard the way to the tree of life.
Theological
How does 25:17-20 describe the ark's gold cover and the cherubim on it?
Answer: A pure gold cover for the ark, with two gold cherubim formed from the same piece, facing each other with wings spread over it
The mercy seat is a slab of pure gold matching the ark's length and width (25:17), with a pair of hammered-gold cherubim forming a single piece with it at either end, facing each other, gazing down at the cover and sheltering it with upward-spread wings (25:18-20). The construction account reproduces the design exactly (37:9), and Hebrews recalls the glorious cherubim spread over it (Hebrews 9:5). Cherubim kept fallen humanity from the tree of life (Genesis 3:24); here they attend the place where the holy God would meet with His people.
- Exodus 25:17-20 (BSB)“And you are to construct a mercy seat of pure gold, two and a half cubits long and a cubit and a half wide. Make two cherubim of hammered gold at the ends of the mercy seat, one cherub on one end and one on the other, all made from one piece of gold. And the cherubim are to have wings that spread upward, overshadowing the mercy seat. The cherubim are to face each other, looking toward the mercy seat.”Describes the mercy seat of pure gold and the two cherubim formed from one piece with it.
- Exodus 37:9 (BSB)“And the cherubim had wings that spread upward, overshadowing the mercy seat. The cherubim faced each other, looking toward the mercy seat.”Shows the cherubim made exactly this way, wings spread upward and facing the mercy seat.
- Hebrews 9:5 (BSB)“Above the ark were the cherubim of glory, overshadowing the mercy seat. But we cannot discuss these things in detail now.”The New Testament recalls the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat.
- Genesis 3:24 (BSB)“So He drove out the man and stationed cherubim on the east side of the Garden of Eden, along with a whirling sword of flame to guard the way to the tree of life.”After Adam's sin, God stationed cherubim east of Eden to guard the way to the tree of life.
General
According to Exodus 25:9 and 25:40, how was Moses to know how the tabernacle and its furnishings should be made?
Answer: God Himself would show him the design to follow
God did not leave the design of His dwelling to human imagination. He tells Moses to build the tent and everything in it according to the design He will show him (25:9), and after describing the ark, table, and lampstand He repeats the warning to follow what Moses was shown on the mountain (25:40). Stephen later reminded Israel that the tabernacle was built exactly as God directed (Acts 7:44), and Numbers notes that even the lampstand followed the design God had shown (Numbers 8:4). The same was true when David received the temple plans from the LORD (1 Chronicles 28:19). The lesson is simple: God decides how He is to be approached and worshiped.
- Exodus 25:9 (BSB)“You must make the tabernacle and design all its furnishings according to the pattern I show you.”God tells Moses the tabernacle and its furnishings must follow the design He will show him.
- Exodus 25:40 (BSB)“See to it that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.”The instructions for the furnishings close with a solemn reminder to follow the design shown on the mountain.
- Acts 7:44 (BSB)“Our fathers had the tabernacle of the Testimony with them in the wilderness. It was constructed exactly as God had directed Moses, according to the pattern he had seen.”Stephen recalls that the tabernacle was built exactly as God directed Moses, according to what he had seen.
- Numbers 8:4 (BSB)“This is how the lampstand was constructed: it was made of hammered gold from its base to its blossoms, fashioned according to the pattern the LORD had shown Moses.”Confirms that the lampstand was made according to the design the LORD had shown Moses.
- 1 Chronicles 28:19 (BSB)““All this,” said David, “all the details of this plan, the LORD has made clear to me in writing by His hand upon me.””David likewise received the plan for the temple from the LORD rather than inventing it.
Theological
What do 25:9 and 25:40 establish about the source of the tabernacle's design?
Answer: It was revealed by God, who showed Moses the design to follow
The design of the sanctuary is revealed, not devised. Moses is to build the dwelling and every one of its furnishings after the model God shows him (25:9), and the section on the furnishings closes with a solemn charge to follow what he was shown on the mountain (25:40). Stephen affirms that the tabernacle was built exactly as God directed (Acts 7:44), Numbers records the lampstand made to that pattern (Numbers 8:4), and the temple plan was likewise given to David by the LORD (1 Chronicles 28:19). God alone determines the terms on which sinners may draw near to Him.
- Exodus 25:9 (BSB)“You must make the tabernacle and design all its furnishings according to the pattern I show you.”God tells Moses the tabernacle and its furnishings must follow the design He will show him.
- Exodus 25:40 (BSB)“See to it that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.”The instructions for the furnishings close with a solemn reminder to follow the design shown on the mountain.
- Acts 7:44 (BSB)“Our fathers had the tabernacle of the Testimony with them in the wilderness. It was constructed exactly as God had directed Moses, according to the pattern he had seen.”Stephen recalls that the tabernacle was built exactly as God directed Moses, according to what he had seen.
- Numbers 8:4 (BSB)“This is how the lampstand was constructed: it was made of hammered gold from its base to its blossoms, fashioned according to the pattern the LORD had shown Moses.”Confirms that the lampstand was made according to the design the LORD had shown Moses.
- 1 Chronicles 28:19 (BSB)““All this,” said David, “all the details of this plan, the LORD has made clear to me in writing by His hand upon me.””David likewise received the plan for the temple from the LORD rather than inventing it.
General
How does Hebrews 8:5 use God's warning to Moses in Exodus 25:40?
Answer: To show that the earthly sanctuary was a copy pointing to heavenly realities, fulfilled in Christ's priestly work
God warned Moses to build everything exactly as he had been shown on the mountain (25:40). Hebrews quotes this very verse to explain that the tabernacle where the priests served was a copy and a shadow of heavenly realities (Hebrews 8:5). Because the design came from God, the earthly tent was a true picture of something greater. Christ went not into a sanctuary built by human hands, which was only a copy, but into heaven itself to appear before God for us (Hebrews 9:23-24). He serves as high priest in a greater, more perfect tent that no human hands built (Hebrews 9:11).
- Exodus 25:40 (BSB)“See to it that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.”God warns Moses to make everything according to the design shown him on the mountain.
- Hebrews 8:5 (BSB)“The place where they serve is a copy and shadow of what is in heaven. This is why Moses was warned when he was about to build the tabernacle: “See to it that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.””Quotes Exodus 25:40 to show that the earthly sanctuary was a copy and a shadow of the heavenly one.
- Hebrews 9:23-24 (BSB)“So it was necessary for the copies of the heavenly things to be purified with these sacrifices, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. For Christ did not enter a man-made copy of the true sanctuary, but He entered heaven itself, now to appear on our behalf in the presence of God.”Christ entered not a man-made copy but heaven itself, to appear before God for His people.
- Hebrews 9:11 (BSB)“But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that have come, He went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made by hands and is not a part of this creation.”Christ serves as high priest through the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands.
Theological
What is the significance of Hebrews 8:5 quoting Exodus 25:40?
Answer: It shows the earthly sanctuary to be a divinely patterned copy of heavenly realities, fulfilled in Christ's high priestly ministry
The charge of 25:40 is cited in Hebrews 8:5 to establish that the earthly sanctuary was a copy and a shadow of the heavenly. Because the pattern was revealed, the tabernacle faithfully foreshadowed the reality it served. That reality is Christ's priestly ministry: He entered not a copy made with hands but heaven itself, now appearing in God's presence on our behalf (Hebrews 9:23-24), having passed through the greater, more perfect tent not belonging to this creation (Hebrews 9:11).
- Exodus 25:40 (BSB)“See to it that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.”God warns Moses to make everything according to the design shown him on the mountain.
- Hebrews 8:5 (BSB)“The place where they serve is a copy and shadow of what is in heaven. This is why Moses was warned when he was about to build the tabernacle: “See to it that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.””Quotes Exodus 25:40 to show that the earthly sanctuary was a copy and a shadow of the heavenly one.
- Hebrews 9:23-24 (BSB)“So it was necessary for the copies of the heavenly things to be purified with these sacrifices, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. For Christ did not enter a man-made copy of the true sanctuary, but He entered heaven itself, now to appear on our behalf in the presence of God.”Christ entered not a man-made copy but heaven itself, to appear before God for His people.
- Hebrews 9:11 (BSB)“But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that have come, He went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made by hands and is not a part of this creation.”Christ serves as high priest through the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands.
General
What was to be placed inside the ark (25:16, 21)?
Answer: The Testimony God would give, which proves to be the stone tablets of the covenant
God tells Moses twice to deposit within the ark what He calls the Testimony, which He would give (25:16, 21). The Testimony is the written witness of God's covenant with Israel: the two stone tablets God Himself wrote on and gave to Moses at Sinai (31:18). When the tabernacle was finished, Moses placed the Testimony in the ark (40:20), and he later recalled putting the tablets there, where they stayed (Deuteronomy 10:5). That is why the ark is often named for the Testimony: it held the covenant words at the very center of Israel's worship.
- Exodus 25:16 (BSB)“And place inside the ark the Testimony, which I will give you.”God tells Moses to place the Testimony He will give inside the ark.
- Exodus 25:21 (BSB)“Set the mercy seat atop the ark and put the Testimony that I will give you into the ark.”The instruction is repeated: the mercy seat goes on top, and the Testimony goes inside.
- Exodus 31:18 (BSB)“When the LORD had finished speaking with Moses on Mount Sinai, He gave him the two tablets of the Testimony, tablets of stone inscribed by the finger of God.”Identifies the Testimony as the two stone tablets written by the finger of God.
- Exodus 40:20 (BSB)“Moses took the Testimony and placed it in the ark, attaching the poles to the ark; and he set the mercy seat atop the ark.”Records Moses placing the Testimony in the ark when the tabernacle was set up.
- Deuteronomy 10:5 (BSB)“and I went back down the mountain and placed the tablets in the ark I had made, as the LORD had commanded me; and there they have remained.”Moses recalls placing the tablets in the ark, where they remained.
Theological
What is to be deposited within the ark according to 25:16 and 25:21?
Answer: The Testimony, the stone tablets of the covenant God would give
The ark is to hold the Testimony that God will give (25:16, 21), that is, the two stone tablets written by God's own finger on Sinai (31:18), which stand as the covenant's written witness. Moses deposited it within the ark when the tabernacle was erected (40:20), and he later recalled that the tablets he placed in the ark remained there (Deuteronomy 10:5). The covenant document was thus kept in the innermost sanctuary beneath the mercy seat, in the place where God would meet with His people, which is why the ark bears the name of the Testimony.
- Exodus 25:16 (BSB)“And place inside the ark the Testimony, which I will give you.”God tells Moses to place the Testimony He will give inside the ark.
- Exodus 25:21 (BSB)“Set the mercy seat atop the ark and put the Testimony that I will give you into the ark.”The instruction is repeated: the mercy seat goes on top, and the Testimony goes inside.
- Exodus 31:18 (BSB)“When the LORD had finished speaking with Moses on Mount Sinai, He gave him the two tablets of the Testimony, tablets of stone inscribed by the finger of God.”Identifies the Testimony as the two stone tablets written by the finger of God.
- Exodus 40:20 (BSB)“Moses took the Testimony and placed it in the ark, attaching the poles to the ark; and he set the mercy seat atop the ark.”Records Moses placing the Testimony in the ark when the tabernacle was set up.
- Deuteronomy 10:5 (BSB)“and I went back down the mountain and placed the tablets in the ark I had made, as the LORD had commanded me; and there they have remained.”Moses recalls placing the tablets in the ark, where they remained.