Exodus 37
Today's Passage: Exodus 37
We learned back in Exodus 25 how the Ark was to be constructed along with the other furniture pieces. Here in chapter 37 we have an almost exact reiteration that they are being constructed. 25 is the blueprint, 37 is the build.
We cannot imagine how spectacular the Ark would have been in its golden splendor. Likewise, we can’t imagine the foulness of drenching it in blood for the purification of the people.
When I get new shoes, I do everything I can to keep them looking new for as long as possible. The purpose of the Ark was to be covered in the blood of a sacrifice. Untarnishable, valuable gold covered in blood. A mess to cover the mesmerizing.
What do we do with a passage like this. Simply put, let’s glorify Christ. Read and meditate on Hebrews 9:1–14 on Christ the Greater and more perfect Sacrifice.
1 Now even the first covenant had regulations for worship and an earthly place of holiness. 2 For a tent was prepared, the first section, in which were the lampstand and the table and the bread of the Presence. It is called the Holy Place. 3 Behind the second curtain was a second section called the Most Holy Place, 4 having the golden altar of incense and the ark of the covenant covered on all sides with gold, in which was a golden urn holding the manna, and Aaron's staff that budded, and the tablets of the covenant. 5 Above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat. Of these things we cannot now speak in detail.
6 These preparations having thus been made, the priests go regularly into the first section, performing their ritual duties, 7 but into the second only the high priest goes, and he but once a year, and not without taking blood, which he offers for himself and for the unintentional sins of the people. 8 By this the Holy Spirit indicates that the way into the holy places is not yet opened as long as the first section is still standing9 (which is symbolic for the present age). According to this arrangement, gifts and sacrifices are offered that cannot perfect the conscience of the worshiper, 10 but deal only with food and drink and various washings, regulations for the body imposed until the time of reformation.
11 But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation) 12 he entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption. 13 For if the blood of goats and bulls, and the sprinkling of defiled persons with the ashes of a heifer, sanctify for the purification of the flesh, 14 how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God.
What stood out about Christ from today’s reading?
Written By: Tyler Short
We learned back in Exodus 25 how the Ark was to be constructed along with the other furniture pieces. Here in chapter 37 we have an almost exact reiteration that they are being constructed. 25 is the blueprint, 37 is the build.
We cannot imagine how spectacular the Ark would have been in its golden splendor. Likewise, we can’t imagine the foulness of drenching it in blood for the purification of the people.
When I get new shoes, I do everything I can to keep them looking new for as long as possible. The purpose of the Ark was to be covered in the blood of a sacrifice. Untarnishable, valuable gold covered in blood. A mess to cover the mesmerizing.
What do we do with a passage like this. Simply put, let’s glorify Christ. Read and meditate on Hebrews 9:1–14 on Christ the Greater and more perfect Sacrifice.
1 Now even the first covenant had regulations for worship and an earthly place of holiness. 2 For a tent was prepared, the first section, in which were the lampstand and the table and the bread of the Presence. It is called the Holy Place. 3 Behind the second curtain was a second section called the Most Holy Place, 4 having the golden altar of incense and the ark of the covenant covered on all sides with gold, in which was a golden urn holding the manna, and Aaron's staff that budded, and the tablets of the covenant. 5 Above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat. Of these things we cannot now speak in detail.
6 These preparations having thus been made, the priests go regularly into the first section, performing their ritual duties, 7 but into the second only the high priest goes, and he but once a year, and not without taking blood, which he offers for himself and for the unintentional sins of the people. 8 By this the Holy Spirit indicates that the way into the holy places is not yet opened as long as the first section is still standing9 (which is symbolic for the present age). According to this arrangement, gifts and sacrifices are offered that cannot perfect the conscience of the worshiper, 10 but deal only with food and drink and various washings, regulations for the body imposed until the time of reformation.
11 But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation) 12 he entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption. 13 For if the blood of goats and bulls, and the sprinkling of defiled persons with the ashes of a heifer, sanctify for the purification of the flesh, 14 how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God.
What stood out about Christ from today’s reading?
Written By: Tyler Short
1 Comment
I appreciate how Christ is so pure & perfect & wonderful that He can join us in our mess and then clean up our mess without diminishing His own mesmerizing-ly beautiful nature in the least.