The Ark of the Covenant Bible Study | Plans for the Tabernacle
THE ARK OF THE COVENANT
BIBLE STUDY
As modern-day readers of the Bible, we often skim over the detailed passages of the Old Testament and focus more on the simpler sections of the New Testament. It can be tempting to overlook the many chapters in the Books of Moses devoted to the tabernacle, assuming they are irrelevant or uninteresting. After all, how could detailed instructions from the 15th century B.C. be meaningful to Christians today?
Yet, just as Jesus used parables to illustrate His teachings, the visual elements of the Old Testament serve to illuminate spiritual truths revealed in the New Testament.
Many scholars have noted that the language used to describe the tabernacle is also used in reference to heaven. This is because the earthly tabernacle was patterned after the one in heaven (Exodus 25:9, 40; 26:30; 27:8; Numbers 8:4; Acts 7:44; Hebrews 8:1-5; 9:11-12).
To truly understand the Ark of the Covenant, we must first understand the tabernacle that Moses set up in the wilderness according to God’s instruction. If we leave out the Tabernacle of
Moses, we miss a powerful and necessary picture God gave to help us understand the work of Christ on the cross.
Within the tabernacle, God revealed what was required for man to be made right with Him. The detailed instructions given to the Israelites demonstrate God’s holiness. In order for sinful man to approach a holy God, he must come in the way God has prescribed—no other way.
The Tabernacle of Moses was the first dwelling place for the Ark of the Covenant.
EXODUS 25:1–22
Plans for the Tabernacle
And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying:“Speak to the children of Israel, that they bring Me an offering. From everyone who gives it willingly with his heart, you shall take My offering.
This is the offering which you shall receive from them: gold, silver, and bronze; blue, purple, and scarlet thread; fine linen and goat’s hair; ram skins dyed red, badger skins, and acacia wood; oil for the light, and spices for the anointing oil and for the sweet incense; onyx stones, and stones to be set in the ephod and in the breastplate.
And let them make Me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them. According to all that I show you—that is, the pattern of the tabernacle and the pattern of all its furnishings—just so you shall make it.”
New Testament Insight
Hebrews 8:5— “Who serve the copy and shadow of the heavenly things, as Moses was divinely instructed when he was about to make the tabernacle. For He said, ‘See that you make all things according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.’”
A Willing Heart
God did not command the people to give out of obligation, but out of willingness. The offering for the tabernacle was to come from those whose hearts were stirred to give. This reveals something powerful about God—He desires a relationship, not forced religion.
A willing heart reflects love, gratitude, and devotion. In the same way today, God is not seeking what we can give out of pressure, but what we offer freely from the heart (2 Corinthians 9:7). True worship always begins inwardly before it is expressed outwardly.
“That I May Dwell Among Them”
This is the heart of it all.
God’s desire has always been to dwell with His people. The tabernacle was not just a structure—it was a meeting place between a holy God and His people. Before this, God met individuals. Now, He was establishing a way to dwell in the midst of the entire nation.
This points forward to an even greater truth:
- In the New Testament, God dwells within believers through His Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19)
- Ultimately, His desire is fulfilled completely in eternity—God dwelling with His people forever (Revelation 21:3)
The Ark of the Covenant, placed in the Most Holy Place, would become the very symbol of God’s presence among them.
Connection to the Ark
Understanding the willing heart, the materials, and God’s desire to dwell among His people prepares us to understand the Ark of the Covenant.
The Ark was not just a sacred object—it represented the very presence of God. Everything in the tabernacle led toward it.
And just as the tabernacle pointed to heaven, the Ark points us to Christ—the ultimate meeting place between God and man.
EXODUS 31
The Craftsmen
Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying:
The LORD said to Moses, “Look, I have specifically chosen Bezaleel son of Uri, grandson of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. I have filled him with the Spirit of God, giving him great wisdom, understanding, and knowledge in all manner of workmanship, to devise special talent in working with gold, silver, and brass. He is skilled in the cutting and setting of stones, in carving wood, and all manner of workmanship.
“And with him I have given Aholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, to be his assistant. And I have put in the heart of the wise hearted wisdom so they can make all the things I have commanded you to make:
§ The Tabernacle
§ The Ark of the Covenant
§ The Mercy Seat
§ All the furnishings of the Tabernacle
§ The table and its furniture
§ The pure gold candlestick with all its furniture
§ The altar of incense
§ The Altar of burnt offering with all its furniture
§ The washbasin with its stand
§ The cloths of service, the holy garments for Aaron the priest, and the garments for his sons to wear as they minister as priests
§ The anointing oil;
§ The sweet incense for the Holy Place.
The craftsmen must make everything as I have commanded you.”
Chosen and Called by Name
God did not randomly assign this work—He called Bezaleel by name. This shows us that God is personal and intentional. He knows exactly who He chooses and equips for His purposes.
In the same way, God knows each of us personally and calls us for specific purposes within His kingdom.
Filled with the Spirit for Skill
One of the most beautiful truths in this passage is that God filled Bezaleel with the Spirit—not just for preaching or leadership, but for craftsmanship.
This reminds us that:
- God values creativity and skill
- Everyday work can be Spirit-filled
- Gifts like building, designing, and creating are just as important in God’s plan
Whatever God calls us to do, He also equips us to do it.
Wisdom in the Heart
God says He placed wisdom in the hearts of those who were willing and gifted.
This ties back to the willing heart we saw earlier—God not only desires willing hearts, but He also fills those hearts with what is needed to accomplish His work.
Excellence in God’s Work
Every detail of the tabernacle mattered. The craftsmen were instructed to make everything exactly as God commanded.
This teaches us:
- God cares about details
- Excellence honors Him
- Obedience is just as important as ability
Connection to the Ark
These craftsmen were responsible for creating the Ark of the Covenant—the very place where God’s presence would dwell.
This shows us that:
- God uses human hands to accomplish divine purposes
- What they built physically points to spiritual realities
- The Ark, though crafted by men, represented the presence of God Himself
EXODUS 37 (1-9)
BEZALEEL MADE ALL THE THINGS ACCORDING TO MOSES’ INSTRUCTIONS.
EXODUS 39
MOSES INSPECTS THE WORK
At last all the work on the Tabernacle and all its furnishings was finished. The children of Israel had done everything just as the LORD had commanded Moses.
And they brought the entire Tabernacle to Moses.
Then Moses inspected all their work. When he found it had been done just as the LORD had commanded him, he blessed them.
Finished According to God’s Command
The work was not just completed—it was completed exactly as the LORD had commanded. This shows a beautiful picture of obedience.
God is not only concerned that something is done, but how it is done. The people followed His instructions with care and reverence.
Faithfulness in Every Detail
Every piece, every stitch, every element of the tabernacle mattered. The people worked together in unity, faithfully carrying out what God had given them.
This reminds us that:
- Faithfulness in small things matters
- God sees the details others may overlook
- Obedience is an act of worship
Inspection and Approval
Moses inspected the work before blessing it. This reflects accountability and alignment with God’s instructions.
Nothing was rushed or assumed—it was examined. In the same way, our lives are to be aligned with God’s Word, not just our intentions.
The Blessing Follows Obedience
After Moses saw that everything was done according to God’s command, he blessed the people.
This is a powerful principle:
- Obedience leads to blessing
- Faithfulness invites God’s favor
- When we honor God’s ways, He responds with His presence and approval
Connection to the Ark
All of this work led to one central purpose—the dwelling place of God, where the Ark of the Covenant would rest. Everything pointed toward His presence.
The care, obedience, and faithfulness in building the tabernacle reflect the importance of what it would hold—the Ark, representing God’s presence among His people.
EXODUS 40
THE PLACING OF ALL THINGS IN THE TABERNACLE
Then the LORD said to Moses, “Set up the Tabernacle on the first day of the new year.
· Place the Ark of the Covenant inside, and cover the Ark with a veil.
· Then bring in the table, and arrange the utensils on it. And bring in the candlesticks, and light up the lamps.
· Place the gold incense altar in front of the Ark of the Covenant. Then hang the curtain at the door of the Tabernacle.
· Place the altar of burnt offering before the door of the Tabernacle.
· Set the washbasin between the Tabernacle and the altar, and fill it with water.
· Then set up the courtyard around the outside of the tent, and hang the curtain for the courtyard entrance.
· Take the anointing oil and anoint the Tabernacle, all its furnishings, and all its vessels to consecrate them, and they shall be holy.
· Anoint the altar of burnt offering and all its vessels, and sanctify the altar, and it shall be an altar most holy.
· Next anoint the washbasin and its stand, and sanctify it.
· Present Aaron and his sons at the entrance of the Tabernacle, and wash them with water. Dress Aaron with the sacred garments and anoint him, and sanctify him that he may minister to me in the priest’s office.
· Then present his sons and dress them in their coats. Anoint them as you did their father, so they may also serve me as priests. With their anointing, Aaron’s descendants are set apart for the priesthood forever, throughout their generations.
Moses proceeded to do everything just as the LORD had commanded him. So the Tabernacle was set up on the first day of the first month of the second year.
· Moses erected the Tabernacle by setting down its bases, inserting the frames, attaching the crossbars, and setting up the posts.
· Then he spread the coverings over the Tabernacle framework and put on the protective layers, just as the LORD had commanded him.
· He took the stone tablets inscribed with the terms of the covenant (the Ten Commandments) and placed them inside the Ark. Then he attached the carrying poles to the Ark, and he set the Mercy Seat on top of it.
· Then he brought the Ark of the Covenant into the Tabernacle and hung the inner curtain to shield it from view, just as the LORD had commanded him.
· Next Moses placed the table in the Tabernacle, along the north side without the veil. And he arranged the Bread on the table before the Lord, just as the LORD had commanded him.
· He set the candlestick in the Tabernacle across from the table on the south side. Then he lit the lamps before the Lord, just as the LORD had commanded him.
· He also placed the gold incense altar in the Tabernacle, before the veil. On it he burned the sweet incense, just as the LORD had commanded him.
· He hung the curtain at the door of the Tabernacle, and he placed the altar of burnt offering near the Tabernacle door. On it he offered a burnt offering and the meat offering, just as the LORD had commanded him.
· Next Moses placed the washbasin between the Tabernacle and the altar. He filled it with water so the priests could wash themselves. Moses and Aaron and Aaron’s sons used water from it to wash their hands and feet. Whenever they entered the Tabernacle and approached the altar, they washed themselves, just as the LORD had commanded Moses.
· Then he hung the curtains forming the courtyard around the Tabernacle and the altar. And he set up the curtain at the entrance of the courtyard.
So at last Moses finished the work.
Everything in Its Place
God was very specific—not only about how the tabernacle was built, but how everything was arranged. Each item had a place and a purpose.
This shows us that God is a God of order. Nothing in His plan is random.
The Ark at the Center
The first item placed inside the tabernacle was the Ark of the Covenant, hidden behind the veil in the Most Holy Place.
This reveals a powerful truth: God’s presence is central.
Everything else in the tabernacle was arranged around this one reality—the presence of God among His people.
Consecrated and Set Apart
The tabernacle and everything in it was anointed with oil and set apart as holy. This reminds us that what belongs to God is to be treated as sacred. In the New Testament, believers themselves are set apart as God’s dwelling place (1 Corinthians 6:19).
Obedience Once Again
“So Moses did everything just as the LORD commanded.”
This repeated phrase shows a pattern:
- God gives instruction
- The people obey
- God responds
THE GLORY OF THE LORD FILLED THE TABERNACLE
Then a cloud covered the tabernacle of meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. Moses was not able to enter the tent because the cloud rested upon it, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.
Whenever the cloud was taken up from above the tabernacle, the children of Israel would set out on their journeys. But if the cloud was not taken up, they did not move until the day it was taken up.
For the cloud of the LORD was above the tabernacle by day, and fire was over it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel throughout all their journeys.
The Manifest Presence of God
This is the moment everything had been leading to—God’s glory filling the tabernacle. This was not symbolic—it was visible, tangible evidence that God was dwelling among His people.
The same God who spoke from the mountain was now resting in their midst.
God’s Holiness Revealed
The glory of the LORD was so powerful that even Moses could not enter. This reminds us that God is holy beyond what we can approach in our own strength. His presence is not casual—it is sacred, powerful, and overwhelming.
Led by His Presence
The movement of Israel was completely dependent on God’s presence.
- When the cloud stayed, they stayed
- When the cloud moved, they moved
They did not rely on their own timing, plans, or understanding—they followed God completely.
A Constant Reminder
The cloud by day and fire by night meant that God’s presence was always visible.
- In the light of day
- In the darkness of night
There was never a moment when His people were without His presence.
Connection to Us Today
What was once external is now internal. Through Christ, God no longer dwells in a tabernacle made with hands—He dwells within His people.
- We are now the temple (1 Corinthians 6:19)
- His Spirit lives within us
- His presence still leads, guides, and directs
Connection to the Ark
Inside that tabernacle, behind the veil, rested the Ark of the Covenant—the very center of God’s presence.
Everything pointed to this truth: God desires to be with His people.
And ultimately, this points to Jesus—the One through whom we now have direct access to God’s presence.
THE BLOOD SACRIFICES — A PICTURE OF CHRIST’S SACRIFICE
The tabernacle powerfully reveals God’s forgiveness and grace. Through the sacrifices of sheep and goats, God allowed the blood to cover the sins of His people until the coming of Christ—the ultimate and perfect sacrifice.
To fully understand Christ’s sacrifice, we must first understand the sacrificial system established in the tabernacle. When John the Baptist declared, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” (John 1:29), it carried deep meaning rooted in this system.
Without this understanding, it may seem unusual that the Messiah would be compared to a lamb—an animal that appears weak and defenseless. Yet within the tabernacle, the lamb represented innocence, substitution, and atonement.
It was no coincidence that Jesus Christ was crucified at the very time lambs were being sacrificed at the temple in Jerusalem. This connection reveals the fulfillment of what the sacrifices had pointed to all along.
What took place on the brazen altar in the tabernacle provides a clear picture of what was accomplished on the cross.
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