Exodus 37:1-16 NKJV
37 Then Bezalel made the ark of acacia wood; two and a half cubits was its length, a cubit and a half its width, and a cubit and a half its height. 2 He overlaid it with pure gold inside and outside, and made a molding of gold all around it. 3 And he cast for it four rings of gold to be set in its four corners: two rings on one side, and two rings on the other side of it. 4 He made poles of acacia wood, and overlaid them with gold. 5 And he put the poles into the rings at the sides of the ark, to bear the ark. 6 He also made the mercy seat of pure gold; two and a half cubits was its length and a cubit and a half its width. 7 He made two cherubim of beaten gold; he made them of one piece at the two ends of the mercy seat: 8 one cherub at one end on this side, and the other cherub at the other end on that side. He made the cherubim at the two ends of one piece with the mercy seat. 9 The cherubim spread out their wings above, and covered the mercy seat with their wings. They faced one another; the faces of the cherubim were toward the mercy seat.
10 He made the table of acacia wood; two cubits was its length, a cubit its width, and a cubit and a half its height. 11 And he overlaid it with pure gold, and made a molding of gold all around it. 12 Also he made a frame of a handbreadth all around it, and made a molding of gold for the frame all around it. 13 And he cast for it four rings of gold, and put the rings on the four corners that were at its four legs. 14 The rings were close to the frame, as holders for the poles to bear the table. 15 And he made the poles of acacia wood to bear the table, and overlaid them with gold. 16 He made of pure gold the utensils which were on the table: its dishes, its cups, its bowls, and its pitchers for pouring.
Bezalel’s craftsmanship in creating the Ark of the Covenant, the table for the showbread, and other furnishings of the Tabernacle was not merely an expression of skill but an act of worship. Every detail of his work reflected God’s holiness and the significance of His presence among His people.
The Ark, overlaid with pure gold, was the central symbol of God’s covenant. Its mercy seat, flanked by two cherubim, served as the place where God would meet with His people. This wasn’t just a box or a piece of art; it was a sacred reminder of God’s promises and His desire to dwell among His chosen ones.
The table for the showbread, likewise, was crafted with precision. It held the bread of the Presence, signifying God’s provision and sustaining grace. Bezalel’s obedience to God’s instructions ensured that each item fulfilled its intended purpose, pointing to God’s faithfulness and care.
What stands out is not only the beauty of the craftsmanship but also the heart behind it. Bezalel worked under the Spirit’s guidance, using his gifts to glorify God. His work reminds us that our abilities and talents, whether humble or extraordinary, are gifts from the Lord, meant to be used in His service.
In Christ, we see the ultimate fulfillment of what these Tabernacle furnishings pointed toward. Jesus is the true Ark, the embodiment of God’s covenant and presence. He is the bread of life, providing eternal sustenance for His people. Every detail of Bezalel’s work foreshadowed the perfect work of Christ, who fulfills all of God’s promises.
As we reflect on this passage, we are reminded to approach our own work—whether in daily tasks, service to others, or creative endeavors—with the same attitude. When we use our skills for God’s glory, even the most ordinary tasks become acts of worship.
Let us pray: Lord, thank You for the gifts You have given us and the privilege of using them for Your glory. Teach us to serve You with faithfulness and joy, offering all that we do as worship. In Jesus’ name, Amen.