Exodus 37:1-39:31: God Speaks Powerfully in Wood, Gold, Silver, Linen and Wool

For more context before you begin studying, read this introduction to the book of Exodus.

How important is the furniture in your church? What about the clothes people wear? What do they say to you and others? In God's plan for Israel's worship, he spoke powerfully through furniture and clothing. God has also given us spiritual dress-both inner qualities and outward deeds-to help people know and understand him. He also speaks to us in the beauty of the sanctuary. This study looks at outward things, so look for their hidden meaning and significance. The medium is the message in this case.

Warming Up to God

Confess the ways you've forgotten your Savior today. Let his forgiveness fall on you like gentle rain—and regain your strength to press on.

Read Exodus 37:1-39:31

Discovering the Word

• How would the ark, table, lampstand, altar of incense and altar of burnt offering assist the Israelites in their worship of God?
• What aspect of God's nature and character does each article depict?
• How does each article illustrate some aspect of our own relation to God?
• What message was God trying to convey about himself and worship through the priests' ephod, breastpiece, robe and tunic (Ex 39)?

Applying the Word

• What advantages do we have in knowing and worshiping God that the Israelites did not have (Heb 9:1-15)?
• The New Testament refers to Christians as priests (1Pe 2:5, 9). What is our function as priests?
• What priestly garments are we called to wear (Col 3:12-14)?

Responding in Prayer

Praise God for revealing himself to us. Pray that he will use you in this service.