How did the Ark of the Covenant move from the guarded tabernacle to the hands of Israel’s enemies — and what does its journey reveal about holiness, leadership, and access to God? In this study, we trace the layers of separation around the Ark, contrast Torah’s transport instructions with the Philistines’ and David’s attempts, and examine the corruption of Eli’s priesthood. Discover the connection between the torn temple veil and reported open gates to the Messiah and to living God’s way.
How thankful are we our Savior freed us from our old way of life far off from the Kingdom of Heaven? After generations of bondage in Egypt, ancient Israel was sent into freedom with all kinds of material wealth. In the Torah reading תרומה Terumah (“heave offering,” Exodus 25:1-27:19), the Holy One Who freed the people asks for contributions to build the Tabernacle, a special embassy between Heaven and Earth. Through these lessons of returning some of the blessings we receive, we get clued into the great gift we’ve been given through Yeshua haMashiakh (Jesus the Christ).
In this reading, we also learn about cherubim, which we also see in Ezekiel and Revelation, and explore whether images of them in the Tabernacle are idolatry.
The judgments that God gave Moshe (Moses) to teach the Israelite people tell us a lot about God’s character and personality. We learn how God sees us as well. It’s a difficult section to go through because these judgements cover so many issues that aren’t related directly to one another but these things have been written down for us to learn. These judgements are written for us so we can avoid incurring them on ourselves.
Just as the design of the walls and foundation of the temple Solomon built for God showed a pattern for the proper “foundation” for believers in God (1st Kings 6:1-14), the design of the interior of the temple provides a pattern for the character of believers.