Exodus 31:7 is part of a list detailing the specific items that Bezalel and his artisans are commissioned to create for the Tabernacle, also known as the Tent of Meeting. Let's break down each element:
"The Tent of Meeting": This refers to the entire structure of the Tabernacle. It was a portable sanctuary or temple that the Israelites carried with them during their wanderings in the wilderness. It served as the place where God would meet with Moses and, by extension, with the people of Israel.
"The ark of the testimony": This was the most sacred object in the Tabernacle. It was a wooden chest overlaid with gold, containing the tablets of the Ten Commandments (the "testimony"). It symbolized God's presence and covenant with Israel.
"The mercy seat that is on it": The mercy seat, or propitiation cover, was a solid gold lid that covered the Ark of the Testimony. Two golden cherubim were attached to it, facing each other with outstretched wings. It was called the mercy seat because, on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), the high priest would sprinkle the blood of a sacrifice on it to atone for the sins of the people. It was considered the place where God's presence was most concentrated and where He would meet with the high priest.
"All the furniture of the Tent": This is a general phrase that encompasses all the other items within the Tabernacle, such as:
The table for the bread of the Presence: A table where twelve loaves of bread were kept, representing the twelve tribes of Israel, as a perpetual offering to God.
The golden lampstand (menorah): A seven-branched lampstand that provided light within the Holy Place of the Tabernacle. It symbolized God's light and presence.
The altar of incense: A small altar where incense was burned, creating a fragrant aroma that symbolized the prayers of the people ascending to God.
The altar of burnt offering: This was located in the courtyard of the Tabernacle and was used for sacrificing animals to God.
The laver: A basin containing water for the priests to wash their hands and feet before entering the Tabernacle, symbolizing purification.
In essence, this verse highlights the importance of the Tabernacle and its contents as the central place of worship and communion with God for the Israelites. It emphasizes the specific items necessary for the proper functioning of the Tabernacle and the ritual sacrifices performed there. The items symbolize God's presence, covenant, law, and the means by which the Israelites could atone for their sins and maintain a relationship with Him.
Exodus 31:7 is part of a list detailing the specific items that Bezalel and his artisans are commissioned to create for the Tabernacle, also known as the Tent of Meeting. Let's break down each element:
"The Tent of Meeting": This refers to the entire structure of the Tabernacle. It was a portable sanctuary or temple that the Israelites carried with them during their wanderings in the wilderness. It served as the place where God would meet with Moses and, by extension, with the people of Israel.
"The ark of the testimony": This was the most sacred object in the Tabernacle. It was a wooden chest overlaid with gold, containing the tablets of the Ten Commandments (the "testimony"). It symbolized God's presence and covenant with Israel.
"The mercy seat that is on it": The mercy seat, or propitiation cover, was a solid gold lid that covered the Ark of the Testimony. Two golden cherubim were attached to it, facing each other with outstretched wings. It was called the mercy seat because, on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), the high priest would sprinkle the blood of a sacrifice on it to atone for the sins of the people. It was considered the place where God's presence was most concentrated and where He would meet with the high priest.
"All the furniture of the Tent": This is a general phrase that encompasses all the other items within the Tabernacle, such as:
The table for the bread of the Presence: A table where twelve loaves of bread were kept, representing the twelve tribes of Israel, as a perpetual offering to God.
The golden lampstand (menorah): A seven-branched lampstand that provided light within the Holy Place of the Tabernacle. It symbolized God's light and presence.
The altar of incense: A small altar where incense was burned, creating a fragrant aroma that symbolized the prayers of the people ascending to God.
The altar of burnt offering: This was located in the courtyard of the Tabernacle and was used for sacrificing animals to God.
The laver: A basin containing water for the priests to wash their hands and feet before entering the Tabernacle, symbolizing purification.
In essence, this verse highlights the importance of the Tabernacle and its contents as the central place of worship and communion with God for the Israelites. It emphasizes the specific items necessary for the proper functioning of the Tabernacle and the ritual sacrifices performed there. The items symbolize God's presence, covenant, law, and the means by which the Israelites could atone for their sins and maintain a relationship with Him.