"From the Mountain to the Tabernacle: The God Who Dwells Among Us" (Exodus 25 – Leviticus 9)
Israel had been set free—not just to leave Egypt, but to live with God. On Mount Sinai, amidst thunder and fire, God spoke (Exodus 19:16–20; 20:1–21). But now, He did something unexpected: He asked for a tent (Exodus 25:8).
Not just over them in cloud or fire (Exodus 13:21–22), not just before them in miracles (Exodus 14:21–31), but among them—in the very center of their camp.
So the instructions began. Exodus 25 opens with God's blueprint:
— A sacred chest called the Ark of the Covenant, where His presence would rest between the wings of golden cherubim (Exodus 25:10–22).
— A Table of Bread, reminding them of His provision (Exodus 25:23–30).
— A Golden Lampstand, shaped like a tree, burning continually, symbolizing light and life (Exodus 25:31–40).
— Curtains of blue, purple, and scarlet. Rings of gold. Acacia wood covered in glory (Exodus 26:1–37).
— A bronze altar (Exodus 27:1–8), a laver for washing (Exodus 30:17–21), and finally, the instructions for the priestly garments—robes of beauty and holiness (Exodus 28:1–43).
It was a heavenly pattern, given to earth (Exodus 25:9, 40; Hebrews 8:5).
But as God revealed the way for Him to dwell with His people, the people grew restless.
While Moses lingered in the cloud (Exodus 24:18; 32:1), Israel built an idol—a golden calf (Ex. 32:1–6).
“This is your god who brought you out of Egypt!” they shouted (Exodus 32:4).
The covenant had barely been made—and they already broke it (Exodus 32:7–8).
Moses came down, tablets in hand, and saw the people dancing in rebellion. He shattered the tablets (Exodus 32:19).
Judgment came swiftly—three thousand died that day (Exodus 32:28).
Yet in the face of betrayal, Moses pleaded:
“If Your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here” (Exodus 33:15).
And God, in mercy, renewed the covenant (Exodus 34:1–10).
Moses ascended once more with new tablets (Exodus 34:4). When he returned, his face was radiant(Exodus 34:29–35).
He gathered the people, and they gave generously—gold, silver, cloth, and skill (Exodus 35:4–29).
They built the Tabernacle exactly as God commanded (Exodus 36–39).
When it was done,
“Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. Moses could not enter the tent...” (Exodus 40:34–35).
God had come to dwell among His people.
Then came Leviticus—a book not of escape, but of access.
Now that God lived with His people, the question became:
How can a holy God dwell among an unholy people?
So God gave instructions—offerings and priests, purity and worship—so that broken people might draw near without being consumed (Leviticus 1:1–2; 10:1–3).
The first chapters lay out five offerings (Leviticus 1–5):
Each sacrifice was a way back into relationship with God.
Then came the consecration of the priests—Aaron and his sons—washed, clothed, anointed (Leviticus 8:1–36).
They stood not just as leaders, but as mediators between God and man.
For seven days, they remained in the Tent of Meeting, set apart for holy service (Leviticus 8:33–36).
Finally, in Leviticus 9, the moment arrives.
Aaron steps forward, robes glistening, and offers sacrifices as instructed (Leviticus 9:7–21).
He raises his hands and blesses the people (Leviticus 9:22).
Moses and Aaron go into the tent—and when they come out, the glory of the LORD appears to all the people (Leviticus 9:23).
“Fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed the burnt offering and the fat portions on the altar. And when all the people saw it, they shouted for joy and fell facedown” (Leviticus 9:24).
Heaven had come down.
