Exodus 37:1-29
Q.1. How did Bezalel make the Ark? Where did the poles go? What was the Mercy Seat for? Where did the Cherubim go? – (Exo.37:1-9)
After making a durable and transportable frame with cover and drapes for the Tabernacle, Bezalel turned his attention to the furniture within (Exo.36:1 & 8-38). The Ark of Testimony was made of sweet-smelling acacia wood and covered with gold. The two golden Cherubim (who dwell in God’s presence) symbolized the presence of the Lord (Exo.37:7-9 c.f. Gen.3:24; Ezk.10:1-15). The Mercy Seat was made of solid gold and brought ‘propitiation’ or atonement for God’s people. When the atoning blood was applied by the High Priest, the anger of our holy God towards sin was turned to His acceptance of the sinner. (Exo.37:7 c.f. Exo.25:22; Lk.18:13).
Q.2. What materials were used to make the table, utensils, lampstands, and the altar? How were they to be carried? – (Exo.37:10-29)
Like the Ark, the Table of Showbread, the Altar of Incense, and the poles for carrying them were all made of fragrant acacia wood and were overlaid with gold (Exo.37:1, 4, 10, 15, 25, 28). The Mercy Seat, the Cherubim, and the lampstand were made of solid gold. The poles were inserted into the Ark of the Covenant, the Table of Showbread, and the Altar of Incense. These were to be carried whenever they journeyed by consecrated Levites (c.f. Exo.13:21-22; 28:40-43; 29:44). The sacred objects and vessels were not to be touched by human hands.