Here in the final chapters of Exodus, we reach the one-year anniversary of the people leaving Egypt. It took them three months to arrive at Sinai, and nine months to construct the tabernacle and all its furnishings. Now time is basically going to stand still as God explores the regulations, sacrifices and festivals with the Israelite people.It was back in Exodus 19 that we arrived at Sinai, and we'll be here through all of Leviticus and well into Numbers. Not until Numbers 10 will the people pack up camp and leave the mountain.
I admit lists like this make my eyes glaze over, though again I am impressed with the level of care and detailing that went into the work they were doing - only the best!
ReplyDeleteIn essence these chapters say "They built this." then "Moses told them to set it up." But there is something that caught my notice at the very tail end:
"...Then the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. Moses *could not enter* the Tent of Meeting (because) the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle."
Not even Moses! Not even the guy with the glowing face who hung out with God on the mountain. I can't even imagine how stunning that Presence must have been to them - do you think they could ever 'get used to' it? - Amy