Exodus Chapter 40

EXODUS 

CHAPTER 

40

1. The LORD spoke to Moses: 2. On the first day of the first month you shall set up the tabernacle of the tent of the meeting. 3. You shall put in it the ark of the covenant, and you shall screen the ark with the curtain.

(Exodus chapter 40 verses 1 to 3)

According to the Author of this Chapter Mr. Devain Pawar, God gave Moses the mentioned instructions in order to hold the meeting with Him on a particular day of the month and year. God gives us a fresh start, a new beginning even though, at times we lose contact with God due to our sin. God gives us the opportunity to reunite with Him and start all over again by means of the sacrament of reconciliation. 

Moreover, even though the people had a free access to God by means of the tent of the meting, where the presence of God was always available, the people still had a barrier before them meaning that of the curtain. Our sinful selves can at times be the curtain that blocks our understanding of Your Word oh God, therefore when experiencing such a blockage we are to refer to you in a spirit of humility admit our weakness and ask for Your enlightenment.


Moreover as referred to by the author of this chapter You ordered that Your people obey your will. Laws are there to help us control our behaviour therefore we are to obey them. Without laws we would be no better than animals who simply act upon egoistic instinct in order to satisfy their needs wants and desires that at time clash with those of others and deprive them of their basic needs.  

4. You shall bring in the table, and arrange its setting; and you shall bring in the lampstand and set up its lamps. 5. You shall put the golden altar for incense before the ark of the covenant, and set up the screen for the entrance of the tabernacle.

(Exodus chapter 40 verses 4 to 5)


The lampstand that was fashioned by the hands of humanity was to be placed on a table and be set in the vicinity of the ark of the covenant along with the golden altar on which incense was to be offered as a burnt offering to You.


Oh father as in the case of the lampstand may we also receive our light from You. May You be our reference point and our main source of enlightenment. May our days be offered to You as an offering as in the case of the incense that was burnt on the golden altar in Your presence. May my prayers be like the fragrance of the incense that rises up and gives You pleasure.


6. You shall set the altar of burnt offering before the entrance of the tabernacle of the tent of meeting, 7. and place the basin between the tent of meeting and the altar, and put water in it. 8. You shall set up the court all around, and hang up the screen for the gate of the court.

(Exodus chapter 40 verses 6 to 8)


In order to have an overview of the mentioned setup according to the will of God, please click on the following link:-


Setup of the Tent of the Meeting


On reflecting God made everything according to a perfect order. The given setup had a precise purpose as does all that happens in our lives. As in the case of the tent of the meeting God also works in detail in our lives covering even those issues that we consider not of value or importance.

9. Then you shall take the anointing oil, and anoint the tabernacle and all that is in it, and consecrate it and all its furniture, so that it shall become holy. 10. You shall also anoint the altar of burnt offering and all its utensils, and consecrate the altar, so that the altar shall be most holy. 11. You shall also anoint the basin with its stand and consecrate it.

(Exodus chapter 40 verses 9 to 10)

Thanks oh God for teaching your people such practises which are still being applied to this very day. With reference to the consecration and anointing of the altar please click on the following link-

Anointing of an Altar

12. Then you shall bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance of the tent of meeting, and shall wash them with water. 13. and put on Aaron the sacred vestments, and you shall anoint him and consecrate him, so that he may serve me as a priest. 14. You shall bring his sons and also put tunics on them, 15. and anoint them, as you anointed their father, that they may serve me as priests; and their anointing shall admit them to a perpetual priesthood throughout all generations to come.

(Exodus chapter 40 verses 12 to 15)


According to the author of this chapter, the symbolism of the anointing is that the person or object that was being anointed was being consecrated for a holy purpose that of being dedicated to God forever. A typical example is the rite of baptism where we were also consecrated to God.


16. Moses did everything just as the LORD had commanded him.

(Exodus chapter 40 verse 16)

According to the author of this chapter, we are all obliged to obey God because when He asks or commands us to do something it is not entirely for His benefit but for our own. He is always aware of what will be of benefit to us and what will be of harm. Therefore as a rule of thumb we are to enquire the will of God in every thing we do and say.

17. In the first month in the second year, on the first day of the month, the tabernacle was set up. 18. Moses set up the tabernacle; he laid its bases, and set up its frames, and put in its poles, and raised up its pillars; 19. and he spread the tent over the tabernacle and put the covering of the tent over it; as the LORD had commanded Moses.

(Exodus chapter 40 verses 17 to 19)

On reflecting anything that happens in this world, does so for a purpose, which we do not always understand, however even from the biggest disaster in the world, God can bring out positive actions. A typical example is when Your people were persecuted in Egypt which was followed by their liberation. In the New Testament your apostles were persecuted by the Jews of their time and consequently the Roman Catholic Church came into existences by means of the power of the Holy Spirit. During the present times many Christians are being persecuted by this terrorist group and even have had their heads cut off, however others became strong in faith and escaped the country.

20. He took the covenant and put it into the ark, and put the poles on the ark, and set the mercy seat above the ark; 21. and he brought the ark into the tabernacle, and set up the curtain for screening, and screened the ark of the covenant; as the LORD had commanded Moses.

(Exodus chapter 40 verse 20 to 21)


Moses obeyed the instructions that God had given him. When obeying You oh God You lead us on new ways that take us beyond our own ways that at times may lead us to live in a rut that is stuck to our old ways. God wants us to expand our horizons even on a spiritual level. If Moses the scared and timid stutterer had not said yes to You oh God, he would never had grown and helped others to grow in their relationship with You. Your people and even us would never have had the opportunity to learn how to give You worship by means of ways that are according to Your will.


22. He put the table in the tent of meeting, on the north side of the tabernacle, outside the curtain, 23. and set the bread in order on it before the LORD; as the LORD had commanded Moses.

(Exodus chapter 40 verses 22 to 23)


According to Mr.Pawar the author of this chapter according to the same known fact which says that bread fills our stomach and reduces our hunger, God is able to sustain our souls. During the breaking of bread or the 'Mass" or "Eucharist', God offers us food from two tables. The first table is that of the 'Word of God' which nourishes our soul and the next table is his body and blood which is consecrated on the altar and distributed for all present to consume which again nourishes both our souls and even our bodies

24. He put the lampstand in the tent of meeting, opposite the table on the south side of the tabernacle. 25. and set up the lamps before the LORD; as the LORD had commanded Moses.

(Exodus chapter 40 verses 24 to 25)

Just as the lamp lightens the room allowing us to see clearly, God also enlighten us with His knowledge and allows us to have a clear perception of the world thus enabling us to differentiate between good and bad and make good choices. Your Word oh God is also like a lampstand because it guides us throughout the course of our life and has guidelines valid for almost every situation that we may encounter.

26. He put the golden altar in the tent of meeting before the curtain, 27. and offered fragrant incense on it; as the LORD had commanded Moses.

(Exodus chapter 40 verses 26 to 27)

According to the author of this chapter Incense sticks, when burnt, always leave a pleasant smell, which makes us calm and happy. Moreover when God is with us, we are filled with everlasting joy and happiness. When we offer our prayers to You my God they float up to you like the sweet fragrance of the incense.

28. He also put in place the screen for the entrance of the tabernacle. 29. He set the altar of burnt offering at the entrance of the tabernacle of the tent of meeting, and offered on it the burnt offering and the grain offering as the LORD had commanded Moses.

(Matthew chapter 40 verses 28 to 29)


In order to obey the will of God Moses placed a screen at the entrance of the tabernacle. This was a form of transparent barrier. At times without being aware we may also become transparent barriers to others. This is the case when the lives we live do not correspond with the will of God or the teaching of the Church. Instead of being a signpost for others to follow we become a barrier that hinders the spiritual progress of others instead of helping them.


 30. He set the basin between the tent of meeting and the altar, and put water in it for washing, 31. with which Moses and Aaron and his sons washed their hands and their feet. 32. When they went into the tent of meeting, and when they approached the altar; they washed; as the LORD had commanded Moses.

(Exodus chapter 40 verses 30 to 32)


Oh God pure loving and caring, you made it a necessity for us to be clean before coming before you. As humans we are sinners and therefore we cannot be always spick and span, however in order to help us by means of Your Church You gave us the sacrament of reconciliation that helps us to clean away the dirt and reconcile back to You. Moreover as stated by the author of this chapter Mr.Devain Pawar:-

Our body is itself a temple of God in which His grace resides in us and it is therefore up to us that we are to keep our body holy or else we lose both God's grace and His presence in us.

33. He set up the court around the tabernacle and the altar, and put up the screen at the gate of the court. So Moses finished the work.

(Exodus chapter 40 verse 33)

Moses finally finished all that You oh God had asked of him to accomplish. At times we might complain when things do not go according to our agenda. However what we may have been planning may not have been totally according to the will of God. On the other hand after some time of doing the will of God we might feel tired and worn out, or even reach the level of burnout. Even so God is able to give us the much needed rest so that we may bring to its end the goal that He has assigned us to accomplish.

In order to view the setup of the tabernacle and the court please refer to the following link:-

Setup of the Tent of the Meeting

34. Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. 35. Moses was not able to enter the tent of meeting because the cloud settled upon it, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.

(Exodus chapter 40 verses 34 to 35)


As in the case of the tabernacle God always attempts to fill us with the presence of His glory. When we accept Him in our lives, you oh God can help us to accomplish both simple and even great accomplishments for the good of humanity. The presence of His grace in us helps us to lead a happier life on the other hand if we deny the presence of God we will always be lacking in some area or another in our lives.


36. Whenever the cloud was taken up from the tabernacle the Israelites would set out on each stage of their journey; 37. but if the cloud was not taken up, then they did not set out until the day it was taken up. 38. For the cloud of the LORD was on the tabernacle by day, and fire was in the cloud by night, before the eyes of all the house of Israel at each stage of their journey.

(Exodus chapter 40 verses 36 to 38)


According to the human author of this chapter, Mr. Devain Pawar who in as spirit of prayer has written this chapter, God is always with us, every step of the way throughout our journey on earth even though at times we may not always see Him. As in the case of the cloud and the fire You oh God always shows us the way and the decisions we need to make that are according to Your Holy Will.


Mr. Pawar chose to end this chapter with the following prayer:-


God thanks for being with us in our life. Thanks for permitting us to complete 40 chapters of the book of Exodus. Without doubt it was You who helped us in completing this work. May all who reflect on this book benefit from the graces of God as much as we have and may your lives be always enriched and enlightened with the presence of God. 


Thank you God for all that You have done for us.


I also would like to say a special thank You to You my God by inviting those who are reading this last chapter of the book of Exodus to click on the following link and join me in this prayer to God

Thanks giving prayer to God 


In order to move on to the Book of Leviticus please click on the following link:-

The Book of Leviticus Chapter 1

                                                                                                                    

Exodus Chapter 39

EXODUS

 CHAPTER 

39

1. Of the blue, purple, and crimson yarns they made finely worked vestments, for ministering in the holy place; they made the sacred vestments for Aaron as the LORD had commanded Moses.

(Exodus chapter 39 verse 1)

According to Mr. Devain Pawar the author of this chapter, Gods commandments are guidelines that help us live our lives in an honest way. Therefore the vestments made were done according to the will of God. With reference to the vestments please click on the following link-

Vestments of Aaron High Priest

2. He made the ephod of gold, of blue, purple, and crimson yarns, and of fine twisted linen.

(Exodus chapter 39 verse 2)

Life is always full of twisted logic. No matter how much we try to understand, the reasons behind the events that take place in our lives, we cannot always gain a complete understanding. This is why it is best to rely on God and not on the world  because there is nobody on this earth who knows us even more than we know ourselves but You oh God. It is only You who can enlighten us on the best ways and choices that we are to take. You are aware of the perfect materials, solutions and or situations that are adequate in order to facilitate our situation as in the case of the 'Ephod' to which you assigned a perfect role to satisfy your will.

3. Gold leaf was hammered out and cut into threads to work into the blue, purple, and crimson yarns and into the fine twisted linen, in skilled design.

(Exodus chapter 39 verse 3)

When we are in God's hands and living according to His will we are to be happy for we are in the possession and control of a skilled worker that is God who from the first day that we came into this world he has never stopped working both inside us and in our social, spiritual and psychological selves and environments in order to help us become the people he wants us to be and fulfil the roles that He has ascribed for us and for the world at large. So as the author of this chapter is sharing with us we are to just relax and be assured that whatever God is doing or has been permitting to happen in our lives has been going on for our own good and even that of others.

4. They made for the ephod shoulder-pieces, joined to it at its two edges. 

(Exodus chapter 39 verse 4)

As much as the ephod needed the shoulders of Aaron the priest on which to rest for support, we also are in need of each others support care and love during some time or other. However our greatest support can only come from You my God.  

5. The decorated band on it was of the same materials and workmanship of gold, of blue, purple, and crimson yarns and of fine twisted linen; as the LORD had commanded Moses.

(Exodus chapter 39 verse 5)

According to God's colour schemes colours fit in together in order to make one master piece along with other materials such as gold and yarn. Whatever the colour of our skin or our personality we all have a place in the body of God on earth that is His Church. One day as is the will of God all races and all beliefs will become one race with all its diversity values and beliefs all based on the will of God.


6. The onyx stones were prepared, enclosed in settings of gold filigree and engraved like the engravings of a signet, according to the names of the sons of Israel. 7. He set them on the shoulder pieces of the ephod, to be stones of remembrance for the sons of Israel; as the LORD had commanded Moses.

(Exodus chapter 39 verse 6)

God engraves His graces and good values in us, that help us in being 'good' people but it is up to us to always be aware of these values and accept obey and follow the path that they guide us in. However if we do not we risk living a life full of sin and guilt. God commanded that the stones be placed on the shoulder piece and that means weight and responsibility. On our shoulders we also bear the weight of those people whom we have hurt are are in the process of hurting in the future.There names are there to keep us aware that we are still sinners. 

8. He made the breastpiece, in skilled work, like the work of the ephod, of gold of blue, purple and crimson yarns, and of fine twisted linen. 9. It was square; the breastpiece was made double, a span in length and a span in width when doubled.

(Exodus chapter 39 verses 8 to 9)


 As much as humanity has the capacity to create great or simple things, let alone You oh God who is the master creator. You love us so much that You created us according to your very image on which You even decided to permit You son to take the same form of humanity.


10. They set in it four rows of stone. A row of carnelian, chrysolite, and emerald was the first row; 11. and the second row a turquoise, a sapphire, and a moonstone, 12. and the third row a jacinth, an agate, and an amethyst; 13. and the fourth row a beryl, an onyx, and a jasper; they were enclosed in settings of gold filigree.

(Exodus chapter 39 verses 10 to 13)


 Just as the chosen stones were different from each other all having a different significance thus representing the twelve tribes of Israel they can also be compared to the different phases or milestones of human development as in the case of birth, childhood, teenager hood. adult hood and even death, which has a strong impact on our life as is often viewed as negative. In respect to these milestones God is with us all the time. He is the one who by means of our parents sends our souls into the human body at the time of our birth. He helps us in growing up throughout our childhood and helps us to enjoy life during the time when we are teenagers he help us in realising the difference between good and bad and withstanding the related challenges. At the time of our adulthood he helps us, in discovering a form of lifestyle or work such as a trade or a profession or even help in finding a partner as in marriage and most of all He is there waiting for us at the time of our death to welcome us in heaven in order to be reunited with him forever.



14. There were twelve stones with names corresponding to the names of the sons of Israel; they were like signets, each engraved with its name, for the twelve tribes.

(Exodus chapter 39 verse 14)


As in the case of the Aaron the breastpiece held on it the stones signifying the names of the twelve tribes of Israel. Moreover God has inscribed in His heart and mind our names and where about  and even all the circumstances both positive and not so positive that we may happen to be experiencing even during the present day. Therefore me and you are always a priority on His mind. God is present in all situations and is always helping us during our trials and tribulations even if we are not aware of His presence.  


15.They made on the breastpiece chains of pure gold, twisted like cords; 16. and they made two settings of gold filigree and two gold rings, and put the two rings on the two edges of the breastpiece; 17. and they put the two cords of gold in the two rings at the edges of the breastpiece. 18. Two ends of the two cords they had attached to the two settings of filigree; in this way they attached it in front to the shoulder pieces of the ephod.

(Exodus chapter 39 verses 15 to 18)


According to the author of this chapter with whom I totally agree, God is always our primary source of strength. Therefore whenever we follow your will oh God, no matter how many difficulties we come across and no matter how much trials the devil tempts us with you oh God, will always be there to help us just as you did to Moses and his ancestors. When reflecting on the twisted chains of gold I cannot fail to remember that we are bound to You with chains of love that can never be broken accept by our sins.

In a spirit of prayer I invite you to join me in the following prayer and song called bind us together Lord.


Prayer bind us together LORD 


19. Then they made two rings of gold and put them at the two ends of the breastpiece, on its inside edge next to the ephod. 20.They made two rings of gold and attached them in front to the lower part of the two shoulder pieces of the ephod at its joining above the decorated band of the ephod. 21. Theyy bound the breastpiece by its rings to the rings of the ephod with a blue cord so that it should lie on the decorated band of the ephod, and that the breastplate should not come loose from the ephod, as the LORD had commanded Moses.

(Exodus chapter 39 verses 19 to 21)


In order for the breastplate to be secured to the ephod God took the necessary precautions, in order to prevent the breastplate from hindering the priest in his service to God. This is a very important issue because if we misunderstand what God is telling us or manipulate His 'Word' for our own purpose we could easily be driven astray by our own beliefs by creating personal beliefs and values that have nothing to do with the Word of God.

Moreover as humans we tend to view and experience life and at times its challenges, trials and tribulations, through a limited point of view. Therefore when we make a plan we tend to make a single plan which we find suitable without considering the eventuality that we may have not covered all the angles with the consequence that our plans may backfire and due to the fact that we had not made a contingency plan or included God in our plans. As the present and future has shown us many people whom we may have perceived as being successful and even role models have ended up committing suicide or even ended up on drugs and driven themselves to a life of abuse and or criminality. 

22. He also made the robe of the ephod woven all of blue yarn; 23. and the opening of the robe in the middle of it was like the opening in a coat of mail, with a binding around the opening so that it might not be torn.

(Exodus chapter 39 verses 22 to 23)


According to the author of this chapter Mr.Devain Pawar God is patient. Moreover He takes His time when accomplishing works in our lives. God waits for the right opportunity where we leave Him an opening where He can intervene and correct the bugs in our plans, so that we can return back to His original plan that concerns the salvation of both our souls and that of others.

24. On the lower hem of the robe they made pomegranates of blue, purple, and crimson yarns, and of fine twisted linen. 25. They also made bells of pure gold, and put the bells between the pomegranates on the lower hem of the robe all around, between the pomegranates; 26. a bell and a pomegranate all around on the lower hem of the robe for ministering as the LORD had commanded Moses.

(Exodus chapter 39 verses 24 to 26)

When God gave instructions to Moses in relation to the making of the robe, He made a perfect plan for this item covering each and every detail from top to bottom. It had parts reflecting the beauty of God as in the chosen colours and it was even practical having bells to signify the presence of the priest who is a representative of God and His presence.

Oh God You do every thing for a reason even though I may not always be aware of Your intentions You are proactive for my own good. A times we may wonder and question why our lives have taken the present course, however we are to rest assured that God is in control and is aware of what we need, who we are, our strong points and even our weak points. Therefore we are to be grateful to Him for all the works He does in our life, whether we are aware of His intervention or not. Thanks Jesus for all the details you take care off especially those that I am not aware of. 


27. They also made the tunics, woven of fine linen, for Aaron and his sons, 28. and the turban of fine linen, and the headdresses of fine linen, and the linen undergarments of fine twisted linen, 29. and the sash of fine twisted linen, and of blue, purple and crimson yarns, embroidered with needlework; as the LORD had commanded Moses. 30. They made the rosette of the holy diadem of pure gold, and wrote on it an inscription, like the engraving of a signet, "Holy to the LORD." 31. They tied to it a blue cord, to fasten it on the turban above; as the LORD had commanded Moses.

(Exodus chapter 39 verses 27 to 31)

When we are born we are born as people without any personal sins only that of original sin, like the priests Aaron and his sons we are clothed in God's purity and grace. However in the course of time we accumulate the stain and dirt of our sins in us, however we still have in us the grace of the presence of God and a connection to Him in our spirit. Therefore God always gives us the opportunity and the capacity to turn back to Him. We are a living priesthood that has a beginning but never an end. God is the only source of our salvation. In the same way that the priest wore the sash and was connected to God, by means of our baptism and relationship with Him we are also connected to God like a baby who is still in the womb.

In order to view the garments and the sash of the priest please click on the following link.

The garments of the High Priest 

32. In this way all the work of the tabernacle of the tent of meeting was finished; the Israelites had done everything just as the LORD had commanded Moses.

(Exodus chapter 39 verse 32)

When a work is according to the will of God it cannot fail because it is based according to God's plan for our salvation and therefore the end is positive, however if a work does not have God's blessing or has a negative connotation associated with it there is a high chance that it will come to no good. 

33. Then they brought the tabernacle to Moses, the tent and all its utensils, its frames, its bars, its pillars, and its bases; 34. the covering of tanned rams' skins and the covering of fine leather, and the curtain for the screen; 35. the ark of the covenant with its poles and the mercy seat; 36. the table with all its utensils and the bread of the Presence; 37. the pure lampstand with its lamps set on it and all its utensils, and the oil for the light; 38. the golden altar, the anointing oil and the fragrant incense, and the screen for the entrance of the tent; 39. the bronze altar, and the grating of bronze, its poles, and all its utensils; the basin with its stand; 40. the hangings of the court, its pillars, and its bases, and the screen for the gate of the court, its cords, and its pegs; and all the utensils for the service of the tabernacle for the tent of meeting; 41 the finely worked vestments for ministering in the holy place, the sacred vestments for the priest Aaron, and the vestments of his sons to serve as priests. 47. The Israelites had done all of the work just as the LORD had commanded Moses. 47. When Moses saw that they had done all the work just as the LORD had commanded, he blessed them.

(Exodus chapter 39 verses 33 to 47)



All the things that God hard ordered Moses to make were ready. Now the people were united. They were bound together as one church. However in time due to differences in human ideology values and beliefs the formation of various different sects took place. However as held by the author of this chapter, sooner or later God will do something to reunite all these church back to as it were in the beginning as one flock with  God as our supreme shepherd.


However in the meantime as in the case of the chosen people of God we are required to accomplish what is required of us to be best of the skills that God has given us. One of the most basic abilities is that of love towards our selves, towards God and even towards others. In His sermon on the mountain in chapter 5 of the Gospel of Matthew and even in other parts of the Word of God, He gives us instructions regarding how to live a life that is approved of by God and therefore in adherence to His Holy Will.  


The author of this chapter chose to end this chapter with the following reflection:-

God is like the inspector our life. He inspects our ways and plans in order to see if they are according to His Holy Will and personal plan for our salvation and that of the world that we make a part of. when God sees that we have wandered away from His path God gently and lovingly helps us to find our way back on our way according to His will.

Exodus Chapter 38

EXODUS 

CHAPTER 

38

1. He made the altar of burnt offering also of acacia wood; it was five cubits long, and five cubits wide; it was square, and three cubits high.

(Exodus chapter 38 verse 1)


The altar of burnt offerings was made according to the dimensions given by God, on which burnt offerings were to be offered. Oh father may my heart be a place where I can offer my offerings of thanksgiving to You and even my chalice of sorrows. Thanks for giving me this special place where I can communicate with You. May You bless this blog and the time spent in prayer and worship by those who use it as a means of prayer and worship and may all our prayers appear before You in a flame of fragrant offering like the incense that was burnt as an offering to You.


2. He made horns for it on its four corners; its horns were of one piece with it, and he overlaid it with bronze.

(Exodus chapter 38 verse 2)

According to Mr. Devain Pawar the author of this chapter, just as in a square, the horns connected its four corners thus making the altar, a single unit. As in the case of humanity, no matter we humans may be living far away from each other living on the other side of the world or we are all united and all form part of the human race as created by God. 

3. He made all the utensils of the altar, the pots, the shovels, the basins, the forks, and the firepans; all its utensils he made of bronze.

(Exodus chapter 38 verse 3)

Every utensil made had its own intrinsic value and therefore was made of a particular material. As previously mentioned those utensils that were made to serve directly in the service of God were made of Gold, other utensils were made of inferior material such as bronze, however in order for the offering to take place all the utensils and apparatus were needed and their utility was worth its value in gold. Even in the Church, Everyone from the altar boy, priest, laity all have their function and value, and nobody can say that one does not need the other, or that one's role can be discarded for the other or considered as useless. 

According to Mr. Devain Pawar the author of this chapter, in the process of furnishing the tent of the meeting the people started making items that were of a simple nature made from wood, however in time they moved on to accomplish more complex tasks thus making the tent more attractive and fitting to welcome the presence of God. God works in the same way in our lives. He may give us an idea or a calling that may on first sight appear crazy or insignificant however with alot of patience and love from You my God You develop it into something that gives You infinite pleasure.


A typical example is human nature meaning me and you. God created us in the womb by means of our parents and up to this very day we are developing from a material being to people who are becoming more like God sharing in love, faith and care towards ourselves and moreover towards others as is the will of God.  


4. He made for the altar a grating, a network of bronze, under its ledge, extending halfway down. 5. He cast four rings on the four corners of the bronze grating to hold the poles; 6. he made the poles of acacia wood,  and overlaid them with bronze. 7. And he put the poles through the rings on the sides of the altar, to carry it with them; he made it hollow, with boards.

(Exodus chapter 38 verses 4 to 7)


In order to have an idea of what this altar looked like please click on the following link:-

The altar of burnt offerings


8. He made the basin of bronze with its stand of bronze, from the mirrors of the women who served at the entrance to the tent of meeting.

(Exodus chapter 38 verse 8)

God is just like a mirror. He shows us our true selves and makes us realize who we are, who He is and where we stand as sinners in our relationship with Him and others. God also makes us aware of our errors when we wander away from Him. Just like a mirror He reflects our reality so that we can turn back to him before we place our spiritual welfare into serious trouble.

Moreover as in the case of the bronze material used to make the basin God also forms us into a form that can be of service to Him and others by giving us the necessary qualities needed to accomplish the given call or task. The greatest quality is that of love and faith.

9. He made the court; for the south side the hangings of the court were of fine twisted linen one hundred cubits long; 10. its twenty pillars and their twenty bases were of bronze, but the hooks of the pillars and their bands were of silver. 11. For the north side there were hangings one hundred cubits long; its twenty pillars and their twenty bases were of bronze, but the hooks of the pillars and their bands were of silver. 12. For the west side there were hangings fifty cubits long with ten pillars and ten bases; the hooks of the pillars and their bands were of silver.

(Exodus chapter 38 verses 9 to 12)

God even told those who were making the tent and its furnishings to make some free space in order to give access to view the ark to those who were on the outside. God gives us the opportunity to explore our world from different perspectives thus becoming aware of the needs of those of our north, south east and even west, the poor the rich and those who in their situations are faring well, God is open to welcome people of different religions this may explain why the tent of the meeting was accessible from almost all angles, Even during our times the Roman Catholic Church welcomes people of all religions it even holds a yearly meeting thus inviting members of all religions to meet and unite in a spirit of prayer. The Vatican Council has also an Encyclical called 'Unitatis Redintegrazio" 


This document can be found by clicking on the following link Unitatis Redintegrazio


13. And for the front to the east, fifty cubits. 14. The hangings for one side of the gate were fifteen cubits, with three pillars and three bases 15. And so for the other side; on each side of the gate of the court were hangings of fifteen cubits, with three pillars and three bases. 16. All the hangings around the court were of fine twisted linen. 17. The bases for the pillars were of bronze, but the hooks of the pillars and their bands were of silver; the overlaying of their capitals was also of silver, and all the pillars of the court were branded with silver

(Exodus chapter 38 verses 13 to 17)


In order to obtain a bird's eye view of the tabernacle and the furnishings of the court please click on the following link.


The layout of the court of the tabernacle

In life we are exposed to different forms of curtains of deception by which the truth is hidden from us. On the other hand, those who have put the curtain do their best to make sure that the curtain is not lifted, not only the devil does this but many people also do the same by telling lies to us and do their best that to make sure that their deception is not exposed.

18. The screen for the entrance to the court was embroidered with needlework in blue, purple and crimson yarn and fine twisted linen. It was twenty cubits long and, along the width of it five cubits high, corresponding to the hangings of the court. 19. There were four pillars; their four bases were of bronze, their hooks of silver, and the overlaying of their capitals and their bands of silver. 20. All the pegs for the tabernacle and for the court all around were of bronze. 

(Exodus chapter 38 verses 18 to 20)

According to the author of this chapter in our life, no matter how many curtains are placed before us in order to hinder us from reaching our ultimate goal that of being reunited with God, sooner or later these curtains or obstacles are meant to be lifted no matter how hard, many people attempt to deceive us God, will always be their to uplift those curtains and show us, the truth and the light to find our way to Him.

21. These  are the records of the tabernacle, the tabernacle of the covenant which were drawn up at the commandment of Moses, the work of the Levites being under the direction of Ithamar son of the priest Aaron,

(Exodus chapter 38 verse 21)


Verses 21 to 31 are a haven for those of us who love keeping track of costings and accounts. Although part of my work concerns billing and statements I still do not consider myself as an accountant, However in a spirit of prayer God gave me the following reflection in light of verses 21 to 31 which brings us to the end of this chapter. All the work and skills devoted to the construction of the temple and its apparatus were accounted for in the following inventory. As Christians all the good deeds that we do to others and even those actions that are done as a consequence of willful sinful actions are also accounted for. Although You oh father are portrayed as loving Father and I wholly believe that You are, I also believe that You believe in justice and in truth therefore You cannot hold back from executing judgement in order to assure that justice is done both at the time that we appear before You at the point of death and even at the point of universal jurisdiction.


22. Bezalel son of Uri son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, made all that the LORD commanded Moses: 23. and with him was Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, engraver, designer and embroiderer in blue, purple, and crimson yarns, and in fine linen.

(Exodus chapter 38 verses 22 to 23)

According to the author of this chapter, Aaron was a priest, Oholiab was an engraver and designer. They both had a talent that, they used to the fullest so that society would benefit from their efforts sustained with the help of God. All of us have a special are in which we are gifted, however as humans, we tend to look at our bad things and not focus on our good talents. Therefore we are to be be happy for whatever talents God has given us and whatever skills and talents he has given us we are to use happily and to the maximum of our potential for the benefits of society and in the work of God our father.

24. All the gold that was used for the work, in all the construction of the sanctuary, the gold from the offering, was twenty-nine talents and seven hundred thirty shekels, measured by sanctuary shekel.

(Exodus chapter 38 verse 24)

After alot of digging I calculate that twenty-nine talents and seven hundred thirty shekels amounts 1160 kg of gold. According to the following hypotheses if 1 talent is 40 kg of gold 29 x 40 is 1160 kg of gold.

25. The silver from those of the congregation who were counted was one hundred talents and one thousand seven hundred seventy five shekels, measured by the sanctuary shekel. 26. a beka a head (that is half a shekel, measured by the sanctuary shekel), for everyone who was counted in the census, from twenty years old and upward, for six hundred three thousand, five hundred fifty men. 27. The hundred talents of silver were for casting the bases of the sanctuary, and the bases of the curtain; one hundred bases for the hundred talents, a talent for base. 28. Of the thousand seven hundred seventy-five shekels he made hooks for the pillars, and overlaid their capitals and made bands for them. 29. The bronze that was contributed was seventy talents, and two thousand four hundred shekels; 30. with it he made the bases for the entrance of the tent of meeting, the bronze altar and the bronze grating for it and all the utensils of the altar, 31. the bases all around the court, and the bases of the gate of the court, all the pegs of the tabernacle, and all the pegs around the court.

(Exodus chapter 38 verse 25 to )

According to Mr. Deevain Ajit Pawar the author of this chapter, many precious metals such as gold and silver and brass were used which was impossible for anyone to collect this great quantity of resources. However God gave them whatever materials they needed for the completion of the whole project. Similarly God gives us all those things that we need in order to achieve our goals. However although we all in some way or another benefit from God's providence not all use it properly for the good of humanity but sometimes only to achieve power and personal accomplishments.

Mr. Deevain Ajit Pawar the author of this chapter chose to end this chapter with the following prayer:-

                                                                                              

God thank you for giving me the things  I needed in my life thank you for being with me every time saving me from myself from my foolish deeds and from the curtains of deception in front of my eyes as with you always looking upon me I feel safe thank you God for everything. 

 Thank you God for everything.