Exodus 25:9 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Exactly as I show you concerning the pattern of the tabernacle, and of all its furniture, so you shall make it.

NIV: Make this tabernacle and all its furnishings exactly like the pattern I will show you.

NASB: According to all that I am going to show you as the pattern of the tabernacle and the pattern of all its furniture, so you shall construct it.

CSB: You must make it according to all that I show you—the pattern of the tabernacle as well as the pattern of all its furnishings.

NLT: You must build this Tabernacle and its furnishings exactly according to the pattern I will show you.

KJV: According to all that I shew thee, after the pattern of the tabernacle, and the pattern of all the instruments thereof, even so shall ye make it.

NKJV: According to all that I show you, that is, the pattern of the tabernacle and the pattern of all its furnishings, just so you shall make it.

Following God's will exactly is a recurring theme of the Bible. Some details of the tabernacle (Exodus 25:8) and the Mosaic law (Exodus 19:5–6; Deuteronomy 4:44) may seem trivial at first. Yet partial obedience to the Lord is still disobedience. King Saul became a harsh lesson in this truth (1 Samuel 15:22–23). God does not give clear direction for every situation, and He leaves room for discernment taking godly principles and specific context into account (Matthew 12:11–12; Romans 14:1–2; Deuteronomy 17:8). But when God gives specific directions, they must be followed specifically.

With the sacred objects and rooms of the sanctuary, there is no leeway. God will provide exact designs. The people of Israel are to follow them. These plans will use the donated materials (Exodus 25:1–7) to create a portable temple (Exodus 25:8). This will become the center of Israel's worship until Solomon builds a permanent structure (1 Kings 3:1).

Exodus 25:1–9 establishes a collection for materials to make sacred objects. The Israelites are to offer precious gems, metals, cloth, building materials, and oils. Much of this probably came from Egyptians who begged their former slaves to leave (Exodus 3:21–22; 11:2–3; 12:33–36). Some may be spoils from the defeat of the Amalekites (Exodus 17:8, 13). The resources will be used to make a sanctuary for worship and sacrifice. This will be a "tabernacle:" a large tent. The design of each component is detailed and must be followed exactly.

Israelites are to contribute precious metals, cloth, oils, and other resources to create a sanctuary for worship and sacrifice. These will be used to form various sacred objects. Among these are the renowned ark of the covenant, a table for consecrated bread, and a lampstand with seven ornate lamps. These will be kept in the most sacred parts of the sanctuary. Upcoming chapters will focus on an elaborate tent which will serve as a portable temple (Exodus 26—28).

The Lord has given the foundations of His covenant to Israel (Exodus 20—23) and they have affirmed it (Exodus 24). Now God gives Moses detailed instructions for a system of worship. This begins with designs for a sacred container—the ark of the covenant—as well as a table and lampstand. These will be kept in the "tabernacle:" an ornate tent used as a portable temple for Israel (Exodus 26—28).

The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.

Accessed 8/15/2025 3:22:30 PM