Peter Barnes: Exodus 35-40
(30 June 2019)
SERMON NOTES: GLORY IN THE TABERNACLE (Exodus 35-40)
– like Exodus 25-31.
1. Willing workers moved by the Spirit.
– the Spirit of God is at work here – 35:30-36:1.
– hence the people are keen – 35:5, 10, 21, 22, 25, 26.
– Moses has to restrain them – 36:2-7; note 2 Cor.9:7.
2. The tabernacle as a shadow.
– the ark of the covenant is made (a wooden box overlaid with gold), the lampstand, the altar of incense, the altar of burnt offering, the bronze basin, the courtyard, and also the priestly garments. Every shadow points to Christ; everything is ‘yes’ and ‘Amen’ in Him.
– God commanded and His people obey; the commandments e.g. 39:1, 5, 7, 21, 26, 29, 31, 32, 42, 43 (ten times, if I can count); and for the obedience e.g. in 39:1, 16, 19, 21, 31, 42, 43.
3. God’s glorious presence in the tabernacle.
– 40:34-38; note 1 Kings 8:10-11. John Newton’s Glorious Things of Thee are Spoken: Round each habitation hovering,/ See the cloud and fire appear,/ For a glory and a covering,/ Showing that the Lord is near.
– protection and covering (Ps.105:39) and guidance (Num.9:15-25; Neh.9:19).
– Rev.21:3; the KJV has ‘tabernacle’ for ‘dwelling place’. Zech. 6:12-13; Matt.12:6. See Col.2:17.