2/3 Exodus 25* - The Ark in the Tabernacle

Thanks to the movie, The Raiders of the Lost Ark, most people have heard of the Ark of the Covenant, and yet do we understand its central role in Old Testament worship? Today, we'll unpack Exodus 25 teachings on the tabernacle and the ark, the showbread and the lampstand. Join us for this important study on these important topics!  

DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS:

Exodus 25 1.    Verse 9 contains the first time the term “tabernacle” is used. When not being used of the official tabernacle, how also could this word be used? What did the podcast explain is the idea behind the term “tabernacle”? How is it sometimes used as a verb?
2.    What was the specific dimensions of the tabernacle tent? What in our world is about that same size? Is this smaller than you were expecting?
3.    In verse 2, what was supposed to prompt the people to donate supplies towards the construction of this tabernacle complex? In regard to their contributions, what had to happen in Exodus 36:5? What does this tell us about the people’s heart to be involved with the Lord’s work?
4.    Of all the items that were built for the tabernacle, why was the ark listed first? What were the dimensions of this ark? Does this size surprise you? How about it’s weight, what did it weigh and how was it moved around? How does this help us understand why Uzzah died when he touched the ark in 2nd Samuel 6:6-7?
5.    What was special about the lid of the ark? What was to take place there on the Day of Atonement? It’s often called “The Mercy Seat” but it can also be called “The Atonement Cover”. Which do you prefer and why? 
6.    Why did the podcast suggest that the golden cherubim (on top of the ark) did not violate the 2nd Commandment to make no graven images? What did the podcast suggest that these golden cherubim teach us? How?
7.    The podcast explained that the Hebrew term for “cover” is “Kaphar”, which is also the root word for “atonement”. Kaphar was used in Genesis 6:14 when the Lord had Noah make his ark out of wood that was covered (kaphar) with tar. What did the High Priest do at the ark once a year on the Day of Atonement? What does this signify? How does this help us understand the covering (or the atonement) that we have in Christ’s blood?
8.    Verse 23-30 is talking about the showbread. What is it also called in verse 30? How does verse 30 help us understand the showbread was to signify? According to Leviticus 24:5-9, how often was the showbread to be made? Who would eat the old showbread?
9.    How does the showbread point us to Jesus, who calls Himself the Bread of Life in John 6:32-35?
10.    The golden lampstand is described in verses 31 to 40. Where was this placed and what was it for? According to Exodus 27:20-21, who was to keep this lamp burning? How is Jesus the fulfillment of this lamp in John 8:12? 
11.    How does the tabernacle teach us that God’s presence is not automatic? Why would the Lord want to teach this lesson to the people? What needs to happen to us to have eternal fellowship with Him?
12.    How does this whole chapter help us understand the perfect tabernacle and atonement offering of Jesus in Hebrews 9:11-12? 

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