#Bible Study Notes for Exodus 38:21-31 (Part II)
by: JK Woodall
12/19/2024
Title: The Boundary
Theme: The #Significance of Separation and Praise Leading to Judgment — at Revival Center Hesperia California.
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#Opening Scripture
#Exodus 38:21-31 (NKJV)
"This is the inventory of the tabernacle, the tabernacle of the testimony, which was counted according to the commandment of Moses, for the service of the Levites, by the hand of Ithamar, son of Aaron the priest. Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, made all that the Lord had commanded Moses. And with him was Aholiab the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, an engraver and designer, a weaver of blue, purple, and scarlet thread, and of fine linen. All the gold that was used in all the work of the holy place, that is, the gold of the offering, was twenty-nine talents and seven hundred and thirty shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary. And the silver from those who were numbered of the congregation was one hundred talents and one thousand seven hundred and seventy-five shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary. A bekah for each man (that is, half a shekel, according to the shekel of the sanctuary), for everyone included in the numbering from twenty years old and above, for six hundred and three thousand five hundred and fifty men. And from the hundred talents of silver were cast the sockets of the sanctuary and the bases of the veil: one hundred sockets from the hundred talents, one talent for each socket. Then from the one thousand seven hundred and seventy-five shekels he made hooks for the pillars, overlaid their capitals, and made bands for them. The offering of bronze was seventy talents and two thousand four hundred shekels. And with it he made the sockets for the door of the tabernacle of meeting, the bronze altar, the bronze grating for it, and all the utensils for the altar, the sockets for the court all around, the bases for the court gate, all the pegs for the tabernacle, and all the pegs for the court all around."
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#I. The Inventory’s #Spiritual Significance
1. **God’s Commanded Details**:
- Each item was listed in precise detail to emphasize its value and purpose in worship. Nothing was random or unimportant.
- **Key Thought**: The physical inventory of the Tabernacle reflects the spiritual inventory God requires in our lives—a detailed commitment to holiness and order.
2. Lesson in #Stewardship:
- The mention of Ithamar highlights accountability in leadership. Keeping an inventory demonstrates faithful stewardship of God’s resources.
- **Reflection Question**: Are you being faithful with the time, talents, and treasures God has entrusted to you?
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#II. The Tent Pegs of #Bronze (Verse 20)
1. #Foundation of Holiness:
- The tent pegs symbolized the foundation of God’s dwelling place. They anchored the structure firmly, ensuring it remained stable and secure.
- **Spiritual Application**: In your spiritual life, are you firmly grounded in God’s Word to stand strong in the face of challenges?
2. **Boundary of Separation**:
- The pegs marked the physical boundary between what was holy (the Tabernacle) and common (the world). This teaches us the importance of setting boundaries that preserve our sanctity as God’s people.
- **Supporting Scripture**: *“Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you.”* — 2 Corinthians 6:17 (NKJV)
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### **III. Bezalel and Oholiab: Praise and Judgment**
1. **Bezalel — “In the Shadow of God”**:
- The name Bezalel means "in the shadow of God," symbolizing the closeness and covering of His presence. Through praise, we enter God's shadow, aligning our hearts with His will.
2. **Oholiab — “Tent of the Father”**:
- The name Oholiab means "tent of the father," reflecting the role of righteous judgment in God's household. Proper judgment follows the worship and discernment born in God’s presence.
3. **The Divine Process**:
- Bezalel and Oholiab represent the *order of transformation*: Through praise (Bezalel), we align ourselves with God’s presence, allowing Him to impart proper judgment (Oholiab).
4. #Reflection Questions:
- Are you cultivating praise in your life to invite God’s wisdom?
- How can praise help you make godly decisions?
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#IV. #Accountability Through the Numbers (vv. 24-31)
1. Details Reflect #Integrity:
- The gold, silver, and bronze items are listed with precise measurements to demonstrate transparency and integrity.
2. #Community Offering:
- The materials were provided collectively by God’s people. Everyone contributed, ensuring the Tabernacle reflected the unity and faithfulness of the nation.
- **Reflection**: What are you offering to build God’s Kingdom today?
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#V. Symbolism of the Metals
1. #Gold (Divinity and Purity):
- Represents God’s holiness and perfection. Used in the Holy of Holies to reflect His presence.
2. #Silver (Redemption):
- Used to cast the sockets for the Tabernacle. Silver was often associated with atonement, signifying redemption as the foundation of our connection to God.
3. #Bronze (Judgment and Strength):
- Represented the need for purification and endurance. Bronze sockets, hooks, and altar grates reinforced the necessity of God’s justice.
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#VI. Practical Applications for Revival Center Hesperia
1. **Build on a Holy Foundation**:
- Like the tent pegs, anchor your life in God’s truth, ensuring a strong spiritual foundation for your calling.
2. **Embrace Praise as the Path to Judgment**:
- Let worship guide your decisions. Praise aligns your heart with God’s truth, enabling righteous judgment.
3. **Take Inventory of Your Life**:
- Regularly examine your walk with God to ensure you are stewarding your time, talents, and resources faithfully.
4. Commit to #KingdomBuilding:
- Bezalel and Oholiab remind us that building God’s Kingdom requires unity, obedience, and the use of our God-given skills for His glory.
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#Closing #reflection
As we study the inventory of Exodus 38:21-31, let us remember that each detail mattered to God because it reflected His holiness and purpose. From the tent pegs to the gold sockets, every element held divine significance. Similarly, our lives must reflect this same devotion to detail, holiness, and accountability.
#Key Scripture:
"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord." — 1 Corinthians 15:58 (NKJV)
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