Exo 37:1-29  The Making of the Ark, the Table, the Lampstand and the Altar of Incense

[Study Aired February 13, 2023]

Exo 37:1  And Bezaleel made the ark of shittim wood: two cubits and a half was the length of it, and a cubit and a half the breadth of it, and a cubit and a half the height of it:
Exo 37:2  And he overlaid it with pure gold within and without, and made a crown of gold to it round about.
Exo 37:3  And he cast for it four rings of gold, to be set by the four corners of it; even two rings upon the one side of it, and two rings upon the other side of it. 
Exo 37:4  And he made staves of shittim wood, and overlaid them with gold. 
Exo 37:5  And he put the staves into the rings by the sides of the ark, to bear the ark. 
Exo 37:6  And he made the mercy seat of pure gold: two cubits and a half was the length thereof, and one cubit and a half the breadth thereof. 
Exo 37:7  And he made two cherubims of gold, beaten out of one piece made he them, on the two ends of the mercy seat; 
Exo 37:8  One cherub on the end on this side, and another cherub on the other end on that side: out of the mercy seat made he the cherubims on the two ends thereof. 
Exo 37:9  And the cherubims spread out their wings on high, and covered with their wings over the mercy seat, with their faces one to another; even to the mercy seatward were the faces of the cherubims. 
Exo 37:10  And he made the table of shittim wood: two cubits was the length thereof, and a cubit the breadth thereof, and a cubit and a half the height thereof: 
Exo 37:11  And he overlaid it with pure gold, and made thereunto a crown of gold round about. 
Exo 37:12  Also he made thereunto a border of an handbreadth round about; and made a crown of gold for the border thereof round about. 
Exo 37:13  And he cast for it four rings of gold, and put the rings upon the four corners that were in the four feet thereof. 
Exo 37:14  Over against the border were the rings, the places for the staves to bear the table. 
Exo 37:15  And he made the staves of shittim wood, and overlaid them with gold, to bear the table. 
Exo 37:16  And he made the vessels which were upon the table, his dishes, and his spoons, and his bowls, and his covers to cover withal, of pure gold. 
Exo 37:17  And he made the candlestick of pure gold: of beaten work made he the candlestick; his shaft, and his branch, his bowls, his knops, and his flowers, were of the same: 
Exo 37:18  And six branches going out of the sides thereof; three branches of the candlestick out of the one side thereof, and three branches of the candlestick out of the other side thereof: 
Exo 37:19  Three bowls made after the fashion of almonds in one branch, a knop and a flower; and three bowls made like almonds in another branch, a knop and a flower: so throughout the six branches going out of the candlestick. 
Exo 37:20  And in the candlestick were four bowls made like almonds, his knops, and his flowers: 
Exo 37:21  And a knop under two branches of the same, and a knop under two branches of the same, and a knop under two branches of the same, according to the six branches going out of it. 
Exo 37:22  Their knops and their branches were of the same: all of it was one beaten work of pure gold. 
Exo 37:23  And he made his seven lamps, and his snuffers, and his snuffdishes, of pure gold. 
Exo 37:24  Of a talent of pure gold made he it, and all the vessels thereof. 
Exo 37:25  And he made the incense altar of shittim wood: the length of it was a cubit, and the breadth of it a cubit; it was foursquare; and two cubits was the height of it; the horns thereof were of the same. 
Exo 37:26  And he overlaid it with pure gold, both the top of it, and the sides thereof round about, and the horns of it: also he made unto it a crown of gold round about. 
Exo 37:27  And he made two rings of gold for it under the crown thereof, by the two corners of it, upon the two sides thereof, to be places for the staves to bear it withal.
Exo 37:28  And he made the staves of shittim wood, and overlaid them with gold. 
Exo 37:29  And he made the holy anointing oil, and the pure incense of sweet spices, according to the work of the apothecary.

Today’s study focuses on the construction of the Ark, the Table, the Candlestick and the Altar of incense.  A closer look of the making of these items will give us insight into how to become like our Lord Jesus Christ who is our standard of measurement. As indicated in previous studies, Bezaleel represents our Lord Jesus Christ. It is through Him that all the items to be constructed within us are made.  

Exo 37:1  And Bezaleel made the ark of shittim wood: two cubits and a half was the length of it, and a cubit and a half the breadth of it, and a cubit and a half the height of it: 

The ark represents our Lord Jesus Christ. When we are in Him, we are delivered from the flood waters of false doctrines, carnality, traditions, human wisdom, etc. The ark was to be made of shittim wood from shittah tree, probably from acacia. They were found growing wild in the Sinai desert and the Jordan River valley. Growing wild means that it is not planted and taken care of by man. In other words, it is not the work of man. If we are to become like Christ, then we need to know that from the beginning to our maturity is all the work of Jesus Christ – not man. Even our sins are all part of the work of God. All we do to become like Christ is to believe in Him.

Joh 6:28  Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? 
Joh 6:29  Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.

The ark had the following dimensions: Two and half cubits in length and a cubit and half in breadth and height. What is significant about the measurements is that they are all in halves. This means that we cannot obtain the stature of Christ in this life. It is in resurrection that we become perfected like Jesus Christ.

1Co 13:9  For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. 
1Co 13:10  But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. 
1Co 13:11  When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 
1Co 13:12  For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

Another significant point to note in verse 1 is that to become like Christ means we are constantly being measured to see if we have obtained the standards of Christ. This means that we are constantly being judged to conform to the standard of Christ. All those who are not measured are not part of the commonwealth of Israel or His elect. They belong to the Gentiles!!

Rev 11:1  And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein.
Rev 11:2  But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months.

Exo 37:2  And he overlaid it with pure gold within and without, and made a crown of gold to it round about.

Overlaying the ark with gold means that to become like Christ, we must be refined just like gold refined in the fire. This is the judgment of our old man which brings us to learn righteousness.

Job 23:10  But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.

Rev 3:18  I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.

Exo 37:3  And he cast for it four rings of gold, to be set by the four corners of it; even two rings upon the one side of it, and two rings upon the other side of it. 
Exo 37:4  And he made staves of shittim wood, and overlaid them with gold. 
Exo 37:5  And he put the staves into the rings by the sides of the ark, to bear the ark.

In Ezekiel chapter 1, the living creatures who represent the elect have wheels, which are rings full of eyes. These living creatures represent the elect. The four cast rings of gold are therefore the elect who are placed in every corner of the earth even as the Lord fills the earth. The number four means the whole of all the elect scattered over the four corners of the earth. The fact that two are placed on one side and two on another is to let us know that we serve as witnesses of Christ on this earth.

Eze 1:15  Now as I beheld the living creatures, behold one wheel upon the earth by the living creatures, with his four faces.
Eze 1:16  The appearance of the wheels and their work was like unto the colour of a beryl: and they four had one likeness: and their appearance and their work was as it were a wheel in the middle of a wheel. 
Eze 1:17  When they went, they went upon their four sides: and they turned not when they went. 
Eze 1:18  As for their rings, they were so high that they were dreadful; and their rings were full of eyes round about them four.

Rev 7:1  And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree.

The staves are long rods of wood which pass through the rings to make it easier to carry the ark so that the ark is not touched. The function of the staves suggests that spiritually, they represent the spirit of the Lord which helps us bear Christ wherever we go. These staves are made from shittim wood and therefore are not of man’s origin, but by the Lord. In verse 5, the staves being in the rings means the promise of the comforter being within us to lead us into all truth so we can have the mind of Christ and therefore “carry” Christ wherever we go.

Joh 14:16  And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
Joh 14:17  Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
Joh 14:18  I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.

Exo 37:6  And he made the mercy seat of pure gold: two cubits and a half was the length thereof, and one cubit and a half the breadth thereof.
Exo 37:7  And he made two cherubims of gold, beaten out of one piece made he them, on the two ends of the mercy seat;

One of the significant aspects of the ark is the mercy seat. This is to make us aware that the heart of our Lord Jesus Christ is to show mercy to humanity.

Psa 145:8  The LORD is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy.

Psa 147:11  The LORD taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy.

Mat 9:13  But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

If we are to be like Christ (the ark), then the mercy we have received from the Lord should translate into us being merciful in all our dealings. This is what the Lord requires of us.

Rom 11:30  For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief: 
Rom 11:31  Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy. 
Rom 11:32  For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all. 
Rom 11:33  O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! 
Rom 11:34  For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor?

The scriptures above show us that we have a significant role to play in showing mercy to humanity during the lake of fire age. The measurement of the mercy seat is to let us know that as His elect, we are being measured regarding our mercy attribute. What this means is that as we fall short of this measure, we are being disciplined to conform to our Lord’s mercy attribute. The fact that the measurement of the length and breadth of the mercy seat are given as two and half cubits and a cubit and half are to remind us that we cannot grasp the fullness of our Lord’s mercy in this age until we are perfected.

1Co 13:12  For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

We need to know what the Cherubims represent in order to understand what is being said here. The Cherubims are living creatures and it is in the midst of these Cherubims that the Lord dwells and speaks to His people.

Eze 10:20  This is the living creature that I saw under the God of Israel by the river of Chebar; and I knew that they were the cherubims.

1Sa 4:4  So the people sent to Shiloh, that they might bring from thence the ark of the covenant of the LORD of hosts, which dwelleth between the cherubims: and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God.

2Sa 6:2  And David arose, and went with all the people that were with him from Baale of Judah, to bring up from thence the ark of God, whose name is called by the name of the LORD of hosts that dwelleth between the cherubims.

This is what we know of where the dwelling place of God is – among His people. This means that the cherubims represent His people or His elect.

Exo 29:46  And they shall know that I am the LORD their God, that brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, that I may dwell among them: I am the LORD their God.

Rev 21:3  And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. 

2Co 6:16  And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

What verse 7 is therefore telling us is that in order to become like Christ, we  must be like the beaten work of gold. Gold can be beaten to assume any shape only when it is melted through heat. It is through our fiery trials (heat) that the Lord can make us become like Him.

Rev 3:18  I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.  

1Pe 4:12  Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: 
1Pe 4:13  But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

The fact that Moses was required to make two Cherubims suggests that, through the beaten work of gold, we become witnesses of Christ.

Exo 37:8  One cherub on the end on this side, and another cherub on the other end on that side: out of the mercy seat made he the cherubims on the two ends thereof. 
Exo 37:9  And the cherubims spread out their wings on high, and covered with their wings over the mercy seat, with their faces one to another; even to the mercy seatward were the faces of the cherubims. 

What these verses tell us is that the mercy seat is between the two Cherubims who cover it with their wings as they behold each other. The mercy seat is where the Lord dwells. Wings in the scriptures serve as a hiding place and also a place of protection.  

Psa 17:8  Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings,

Psa 57:1  To the chief Musician, Altaschith, Michtam of David, when he fled from Saul in the cave. Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast.

The wings of the Cherubims hide the mercy seat where the Lord dwells. This means that the Lord is hidden in the elect in this age. As we are aware, Christ is the word of God. The mercy seat sandwiched between the two Cherubims means that the two Cherubims protect the mercy seat. This means that the role of the elect is to protect the truth of the word of the Lord in this age. This role was made clear to us when the Lord was laying the foundations of the earth. We are the ones who are keeping the way of the tree of life, which is Christ and His words, through a flaming sword which turns in every way.

Gen 3:24  So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.

Exo 37:10  And he made the table of shittim wood: two cubits was the length thereof, and a cubit the breadth thereof, and a cubit and a half the height thereof: 
Exo 37:11  And he overlaid it with pure gold, and made thereunto a crown of gold round about.
Exo 37:12  Also he made thereunto a border of an handbreadth round about; and made a crown of gold for the border thereof round about.

A Table is used often in the Bible to indicate where people gather to eat as shown by the following verses: 

2Sa 9:11  Then said Ziba unto the king, According to all that my lord the king hath commanded his servant, so shall thy servant do. As for Mephibosheth, said the king, he shall eat at my table, as one of the king’s sons.

1Ki 2:7  But shew kindness unto the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, and let them be of those that eat at thy table: for so they came to me when I fled because of Absalom thy brother.

The Table of the Showbread is not different – it is where the priests eat the Showbread in the presence of the Lord. Aaron and his sons, representing the priesthood, were only those privileged to eat the bread in the presence of the Lord in a holy place every Sabbath day. Aaron and his sons symbolize the elect who are privileged to eat the bread of heaven, that is, the words of the Lord in the presence of the Lord. So, the making of the Table for Showbread is to show us how the Lord prepares us to be given eyes to see and ears to hear. 

Mat 13:16  But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear. 
Mat 13:17  For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.

The Lord dining with His disciples (called the Lord’s supper) when He was about to die, is a foreshadow of our being fed with the word of the Lord in His presence. The measurement given of the Table is to make us aware that to be given eyes to see and ears to hear entails being constantly measured to see if we have obtained the standards of Christ. This means that we are constantly being judged to conform to the standard of Christ. All those who are not measured are not part of the commonwealth of Israel or His elect. They belong to the Gentiles!!

Rev 11:1  And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein.
Rev 11:2  But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months.

Overlaying the Table with gold means that to be privileged to eat at the Lord’s Table requires us to be refined just like gold refined in the fire. This is the judgment of our old man which brings us to learn righteousness. 

Job 23:10  But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.

Rev 3:18  I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.

Isa 26:8  Yea, in the way of thy judgments, O LORD, have we waited for thee; the desire of our soul is to thy name, and to the remembrance of thee.
Isa 26:9  With my soul have I desired thee in the night; yea, with my spirit within me will I seek thee early: for when thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.

The molding of gold together with the rim round about the table was to support it so that nothing that is placed on the table would fall down. What was placed on the Table were the showbread and the vessels for frankincense and offering, which spiritually represent the word of the Lord and the elect. As our understanding is being enlightened and our eyes are seeing, we are kept by the word of His power through our fiery trials which are represented here by the gold molding and the rim roundabout the table.

Heb 1:3  He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,

Exo 37:13  And he cast for it four rings of gold, and put the rings upon the four corners that were in the four feet thereof. 
Exo 37:14  Over against the border were the rings, the places for the staves to bear the table. 
Exo 37:15  And he made the staves of shittim wood, and overlaid them with gold, to bear the table. 
Exo 37:16  And he made the vessels which were upon the table, his dishes, and his spoons, and his bowls, and his covers to cover withal, of pure gold. 

The four cast rings of gold represent the elect which are placed in every corner of the earth even as the Lord fills the earth. The number four means the whole of all the elect scattered over the four corners of the earth. 

Eze 1:18 As for their rings, they were so high that they were dreadful; and their rings were full of eyes round about them four.

Rev 7:1  And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree.

The staves are long rods of wood which pass through the rings to make it easier to carry the table so that it is preserved. The function of the staves suggests that spiritually, they represent the spirit of the Lord which helps us bear Christ wherever we go. These staves are made from shittim wood and therefore are not of man’s origin but the Lord. The staves placed in the rings means the promise of the comforter being within us to lead us into all truth so that we, His elect, can have the mind of Christ (showbread) and therefore continue the feasting wherever we go.

As indicated earlier, the dishes, spoons, covers, and bowls all represent the elect.

2Ti 2:20  Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable.
2Ti 2:21  Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.

The utensils were to be made of gold which means that they have to be refined as gold through the fire. This is the judgment of our old man.

Rev 3:18  I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see.

Isa 48:10  Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tried you in the furnace of affliction.

These utensils are used for holding frankincense and for offering. As we are aware, we are to offer our bodies as living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to the Lord. The prayers of the elect are signified by the frankincense. 

Rev 8:3  And another angel came and stood at the altar with a golden censer, and he was given much incense to offer with the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar before the throne,
Rev 8:4  and the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, rose before God from the hand of the angel. 

Rom 12:1  I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.
Rom 12:2  Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. 

Exo 37:17  And he made the candlestick of pure gold: of beaten work made he the candlestick; his shaft, and his branch, his bowls, his knops, and his flowers, were of the same: 
Exo 37:18  And six branches going out of the sides thereof; three branches of the candlestick out of the one side thereof, and three branches of the candlestick out of the other side thereof: 
Exo 37:19  Three bowls made after the fashion of almonds in one branch, a knop and a flower; and three bowls made like almonds in another branch, a knop and a flower: so throughout the six branches going out of the candlestick.

The candlestick must be made of pure gold and of beaten work. What this is telling us is that the church of Christ consists of those who are like gold beaten to assume any shape through the process of melting through heat. This means that it is through our fiery trials (heat) that the Lord can make us become part of the church of the firstborn like Him.

Rev 3:18  I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.

1Pe 4:12  Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:
1Pe 4:13  But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

The shaft represents Christ, and the branches symbolize the elect, and they are all beaten works of gold. There are three branches on each side of the shaft, and for each branch there are three decorative almond blossoms (bowls). Where each pair of branches come out from the shaft or stem, there must also be a decorative almond blossom. 

The fact that there must be three decorative almond blossoms on each branch is to make us aware that it is through judgment that we blossom or mature to produce fruits (almond). In other words, being given to partake of the Lord’s words (showbread) is through our fiery trials, which cause us to produce fruits (almond). That is when our light will shine before men so that they see our good works and therefore glorify our Father in Heaven.  

Num 17:8  And it came to pass, that on the morrow Moses went into the tabernacle of witness; and, behold, the rod of Aaron for the house of Levi was budded, and brought forth buds, and bloomed blossoms, and yielded almonds. 

Mat 5:14  Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
Mat 5:15  Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
Mat 5:16  Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Exo 37:20  And in the candlestick were four bowls made like almonds, his knops, and his flowers:
Exo 37:21  And a knop under two branches of the same, and a knop under two branches of the same, and a knop under two branches of the same, according to the six branches going out of it. 
Exo 37:22  Their knops and their branches were of the same: all of it was one beaten work of pure gold.

As we have indicated, the shaft or the stem is Christ who has four of the decorative almond blossoms. This is to demonstrate that it is through Christ that the whole (the meaning of the number four) of the elect becomes mature. The pairing of the branches together with a blossom on each pair is to show us that we become witnesses of Christ as we mature. The lampstand, its branches and the decorative flowers being all made from one beaten work of pure gold is to bring to our attention that even as our Jesus Christ matured through the things He suffered, we are also to mature through our fiery trials in order to become the light of the world.

Heb 5:5  So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, today have I begotten thee.
Heb 5:6  As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. 
Heb 5:7  Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; 
Heb 5:8  Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; 
Heb 5:9  And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; 
Heb 5:10  Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec.

Exo 37:23  And he made his seven lamps, and his snuffers, and his snuffdishes, of pure gold. 
Exo 37:24  Of a talent of pure gold made he it, and all the vessels thereof.

The seven lamps refer to the complete number of the elect from every generation. The candlestick is to give light to the space in front of it in the Holy place. What is insightful to note is the fact that the light given by the candlestick is not seen outside the Holy place. It is to give light for the priest to perform his duty. In this dispensation, although we are the light of the world, we are not seen that way by many (the world). It is only the elect who see our light and use it to perform their duty – that is, live a life worthy of the Lord. This light is the word of the Lord, which is the light for our path. Paul sums up our being beaten like the work of gold in order to give light as follows:

2Co 4:7  But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. 
2Co 4:8  We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; 
2Co 4:9  persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; 
2Co 4:10  always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies (providing light for the priest to function).
2Co 4:11  For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.

Exo 37:25  And he made the incense altar of shittim wood: the length of it was a cubit, and the breadth of it a cubit; it was foursquare; and two cubits was the height of it; the horns thereof were of the same. 

The altar of incense then, can be seen as a symbol of the prayers of God’s people. Our prayers ascend to God as the smoke of the incense ascends to God in the sanctuary.

Psa 141:2  Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice. 

Rev 5:8  And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints. 

Rev 8:3  And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.

Luk 1:9  According to the custom of the priest’s office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord.
Luk 1:10  And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense.

So, the making of an altar of incense is basically to show us how we can communicate with the Lord. The altar of incense is required to be made of shittim wood, which comes from acacia. What this means is that to be effective in communicating with the Lord, we must know that it is all the work of the Lord and that we do not contribute anything to this. Since we do not bring anything to the table, our prayers before the Lord must be accompanied with a heart that is humble and grateful for being counted worthy to come before His presence. That is what the story of the two gentlemen who went to pray teaches us.

Luk 18:9  And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:
Luk 18:10  Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. 
Luk 18:11  The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. 
Luk 18:12  I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.
Luk 18:13  And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.
Luk 18:14  I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbled himself shall be exalted.

The shape of the altar of incense is to be a square. This implies that from whatever situation we find ourselves as priests of the Lord, we must offer prayers to the Lord. That is another way of saying that men must always pray and not faint.

Luk 18:1  And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;

There is a horn at each of the four corners of the square-shaped altar of incense. Horns symbolize strength. This is to let us know that our strength to resist the devil is through prayers. As He is, so are we. Jesus was strengthened when He prayed. In the same way, we are also strengthened to overcome temptation when we pray.

Luk 22:40  And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation.
Luk 22:41  And he was withdrawn from them about a stone’s cast, and kneeled down, and prayed,
Luk 22:42  Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.
Luk 22:43  And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.

Mat 26:41  Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

Eph 3:14  For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Eph 3:15  Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, 
Eph 3:16  That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;

Exo 37:26  And he overlaid it with pure gold, both the top of it, and the sides thereof round about, and the horns of it: also he made unto it a crown of gold round about. 
Exo 37:27  And he made two rings of gold for it under the crown thereof, by the two corners of it, upon the two sides thereof, to be places for the staves to bear it withal.
Exo 37:28  And he made the staves of shittim wood, and overlaid them with gold. 
Exo 37:29  And he made the holy anointing oil, and the pure incense of sweet spices, according to the work of the apothecary.

The fact that the altar of incense must be overlaid means that to become a house of prayer, we must be refined just like gold refined in the fire. As we are aware, if we are to become a house of prayer, then Jesus has to come into our temple to drive away all that offends with a scourge of small cords. The scourging signifies our fiery trials or the refining process of gold which cleanses us to become a house of prayer. 

Mat 21:12  And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves,
Mat 21:13  And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.

Job 23:10  But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.

Rings of gold were attached to the altar so that it could be carried about with acacia wood poles which were slipped through the rings. The altar of incense was placed before the veil that separated the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies. As indicated earlier, the two rings of gold are the elect who serve as witness of Christ. The staves being in the rings means the promise of the comforter being within us to lead us into all truth so that we can have the mind of Christ and therefore “carry” Christ wherever we go.  The anointing oil also represents the Holy Spirit. The work of the apothecary is the work of Christ in sending us the Holy Spirit and to make us become the sweet fragrance of Him. Amen!!

Exo 25:10-22  Building the Ark of the Covenant

[Study Aired October 10, 2022]

Exo 25:10  And they shall make an ark of shittim wood: two cubits and a half shall be the length thereof, and a cubit and a half the breadth thereof, and a cubit and a half the height thereof.
Exo 25:11  And thou shalt overlay it with pure gold, within and without shalt thou overlay it, and shalt make upon it a crown of gold round about. 
Exo 25:12  And thou shalt cast four rings of gold for it, and put them in the four corners thereof; and two rings shall be in the one side of it, and two rings in the other side of it. 
Exo 25:13  And thou shalt make staves of shittim wood, and overlay them with gold.
Exo 25:14  And thou shalt put the staves into the rings by the sides of the ark, that the ark may be borne with them.
Exo 25:15  The staves shall be in the rings of the ark: they shall not be taken from it. 
Exo 25:16  And thou shalt put into the ark the testimony which I shall give thee. 
Exo 25:17  And thou shalt make a mercy seat of pure gold: two cubits and a half shall be the length thereof, and a cubit and a half the breadth thereof. 
Exo 25:18  And thou shalt make two cherubims of gold, of beaten work shalt thou make them, in the two ends of the mercy seat.
Exo 25:19  And make one cherub on the one end, and the other cherub on the other end: even of the mercy seat shall ye make the cherubims on the two ends thereof. 
Exo 25:20  And the cherubims shall stretch forth their wings on high, covering the mercy seat with their wings, and their faces shall look one to another; toward the mercy seat shall the faces of the cherubims be. 
Exo 25:21  And thou shalt put the mercy seat above upon the ark; and in the ark thou shalt put the testimony that I shall give thee. 
Exo 25:22  And there I will meet with thee, and I will commune with thee from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubims which are upon the ark of the testimony, of all things which I will give thee in commandment unto the children of Israel. 

Introduction – What Does the Ark Signify?

This section of Exodus chapter 25 deals with how to build an ark. In order to understand the passage of scripture we are reviewing today, we need to understand spiritually what an ark signifies. The first time the word “ark” appeared in the Bible was when the Lord commanded Noah to build an ark.

Gen 6:13  And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth.
Gen 6:14  Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch.

This ark is a prototype of the ark Moses was required to build by the Lord in this chapter we are reviewing. There are many similarities between these two arks. The following verses of scriptures bring our what the ark stands for spiritually:

Num 10:33  And they departed from the mount of the LORD three days’ journey: and the ark of the covenant of the LORD went before them in the three days’ journey, to search out a resting place for them.

Num 10:35  And it came to pass, when the ark set forward, that Moses said, Rise up, LORD, and let thine enemies be scattered; and let them that hate thee flee before thee.

2Sa 6:2  And David arose, and went with all the people that were with him from Baale of Judah, to bring up from thence the ark of God, whose name is called by the name of the LORD of hosts that dwelleth between the cherubims.

Jdg 20:27  And the children of Israel enquired of the LORD, (for the ark of the covenant of God was there in those days,

From these verses, it becomes obvious that the ark of the covenant represents our Lord Jesus Christ, just like the ark the Lord commanded Noah to build is also Christ. When we are in Him, we are delivered from the flood waters of false doctrines, carnality, traditions, human wisdom, etc.

Gen 6:17  And, behold, I, even I, do bring a flood of waters upon the earth, to destroy all flesh, wherein is the breath of life, from under heaven; and every thing that is in the earth shall die.
Gen 6:18  But with thee will I establish my covenant; and thou shalt come into the ark, thou, and thy sons, and thy wife, and thy sons’ wives with thee.

Noah, his wife and sons, and his son’s wives represent the elect who have fled to take refuge in our Lord Jesus Christ. We need to note that it is through the Lord’s judgment of the flood that Noah and all those saved took refuge in the ark. Our Lord’s judgment of our old man is what facilitates our being found in Christ. Noah’s ark resting on the seventh month is another way of saying that the Lord rested on the seventh day from all His work. All of these are to confirm to us that the ark represents the Lord Jesus Christ.

Gen 8:4  And the ark rested in the seventh month, on the seventeenth day of the month, upon the mountains of Ararat. 

Gen 2:2  And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.

Inside the ark of the covenant, we have three items – the golden pot holding the manna, Aaron’s rod that budded and the tables of the covenant.

Heb 9:3  And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all; 
Heb 9:4  Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron’s rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant;
Heb 9:5  And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercyseat; of which we cannot now speak particularly.

On a positive note, the golden pot containing the manna represents the Lord’s words. It is through the word that we find ourselves in Him as He is in us. The Lord commanding Noah to bring food into the ark emphasizes the point that it is through the word of the Lord that we find ourselves in Him.

Joh 14:20  At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.

As we are aware, a rod signifies discipline or judgment. Thus, Aaron’s rod refers to the judgment we must go through in order to be found in Christ. As we know, the flood was the catalyst that resulted in Noah and his family being found in the ark in (Christ).

Psa 89:32  Then will I visit their transgression with the rod, and their iniquity with stripes.

Pro 13:24  He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.

1Pe 4:17  For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?

The third item in the ark is the tables of stones on which were written the commandments of the Lord. The tables of stones remind us of our spiritual poverty state as we were not able to obey the Lord’s commandments as our hearts were hardened like the tables of stones. To be in Christ therefore, we must first acknowledge that we were spiritually bankrupt as our hearts were hardened like stones, but through the grace of God, we now have a heart of flesh.

2Co 3:3  Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.

Similarly, the Lord commanding Noah to bring into the ark beasts (both clean and unclean) and the fowls of the air are to remind us that a prerequisite to being in Christ is to recognize our beastly nature and the devil’s influence (fowls of the air) on our live, that is our spiritual poverty. This is what the tables of stones in the ark remind us of.

Gen 7:2  Of every clean beast thou shalt take to thee by sevens, the male and his female: and of beasts that are not clean by two, the male and his female. 
Gen 7:3  Of fowls also of the air by sevens, the male and the female; to keep seed alive upon the face of all the earth.

Today’s study focuses on the construction of the ark, which therefore symbolizes how we become like Jesus Christ. Let us therefore take a closer look at what the Lord commanded Moses regarding the building of the ark.

Exo 25:10  And they shall make an ark of shittim wood: two cubits and a half shall be the length thereof, and a cubit and a half the breadth thereof, and a cubit and a half the height thereof.

The ark was to be made of shittim wood from shittah tree, probably from acacia. They were found growing wild in the Sinai desert and the Jordan River valley. Growing wild means that it is not planted and taken care of by man. In other words, it is not the work of man. If we are to become like Christ, then we need to know that from the beginning until our maturity, it is all the work of God – not man. Even our sins are all part of the work of God. All we do to become like Christ is to believe in Him.

Joh 6:28  Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? 
Joh 6:29  Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.

The ark of the covenant in the tabernacle (Exo 37:1) had the following dimensions: Two and half cubits in length and a cubit and half in breadth and height. What is significant about the measurements are that they are all in halves. This means that we cannot obtain the stature of Christ in this life. It is in resurrection that we become perfected like Jesus Christ.

1Co 13:9  For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
1Co 13:10  But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.
1Co 13:11  When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
1Co 13:12  For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

Another significant point to note in verse 10 is that to become like Christ means we are constantly being measured to see if we have obtained the standards of Christ. This means that we are constantly being judged to conform to the standards of Christ. All those who are not measured are not part of the commonwealth of Israel or His elect. They belong to the Gentiles!!

Rev 11:1  And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein.
Rev 11:2  But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months.

Exo 25:11  And thou shalt overlay it with pure gold, within and without shalt thou overlay it, and shalt make upon it a crown of gold round about.

Overlaying the ark with gold means that to become like Christ, we must be refined just like gold refined in the fire. This is the judgment of our old man which brings us to learn righteousness. That is what will qualify us to be crowned with gold just as our Lord Jesus Christ overcame and is wearing a crown of gold.

Rev 3:18  I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.

Exo 25:12  And thou shalt cast four rings of gold for it, and put four rings of gold that  them in the four corners thereof; and two rings shall be in the one side of it, and two rings in the other side of it. 

In Ezekiel chapter 1, the living creatures who represent the elect have wheels which are rings full of eyes. These living creatures represent the elect. The four cast rings of gold are therefore the elect which are placed in every corner of the earth even as the Lord fills the earth. The number four means the whole of all the elect scattered over the four corners of the earth. The fact that two are placed on one side and two on another is to let us know that we serve as witnesses of Christ on this earth.

Eze 1:15  Now as I beheld the living creatures, behold one wheel upon the earth by the living creatures, with his four faces. 
Eze 1:16  The appearance of the wheels and their work was like unto the colour of a beryl: and they four had one likeness: and their appearance and their work was as it were a wheel in the middle of a wheel.
Eze 1:17  When they went, they went upon their four sides: and they turned not when they went. 
Eze 1:18  As for their rings, they were so high that they were dreadful; and their rings were full of eyes round about them four.

Rev 7:1  And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree.

Exo 25:13  And thou shalt make staves of shittim wood, and overlay them with gold.
Exo 25:14  And thou shalt put the staves into the rings by the sides of the ark, that the ark may be borne with them.
Exo 25:15  The staves shall be in the rings of the ark: they shall not be taken from it.

The staves are long rods of wood which pass through the rings to make it easier to carry the ark so that the ark is not touched. The function of the staves suggests that spiritually, they represent the spirit of the Lord which helps us bear Christ wherever we go. These staves are made from shittim wood and therefore are not of man’s origin but the Lord. In verse 15, the staves being in the rings means the promise of the comforter being within us to lead us into all truth so that we can have the mind of Christ and therefore “carry” Christ wherever we go.  The commandment that the staves shall not be taken from the rings in verse 15 is to assure us that the spirit of the Lord or the Comforter has come to stay in the elect.

Joh 14:16  And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
Joh 14:17  Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
Joh 14:18  I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.

Exo 25:16  And thou shalt put into the ark the testimony which I shall give thee.

The testimony is the two tables of stone upon which the commandments of the Lord had been written.

Exo 31:18  And he gave unto Moses, when he had made an end of communing with him upon mount Sinai, two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God.

Exo 32:15  And Moses turned, and went down from the mount, and the two tables of the testimony were in his hand: the tables were written on both their sides; on the one side and on the other were they written.

The placing of the two tables of stones bearing the commandments into the ark is why the ark is later called the ark of the testimony as shown in the following verses:

Exo 30:26  And thou shalt anoint the tabernacle of the congregation therewith, and the ark of the testimony,

Exo 31:7  The tabernacle of the congregation, and the ark of the testimony, and the mercy seat that is thereupon, and all the furniture of the tabernacle,

The question is, “Why are the two tablets of stones called the testimony?” Testimony is evidence or proof of something. What this means is that the two tablets of stones upon which the commandments of the Lord were written provide proof or testify that we are really sinners who have been saved by grace before God. This is to affirm to us that in order to be in Christ, we must acknowledge that we are sinners or spiritually poor. The difference between the elect and those in Babylon is that the elect are aware of their spiritual poverty while those in Babylon do not even know that they are spiritually poor. The law of Moses written on the tablet of stones is what brings us to acknowledge our sinful state.

Rev 3:17  Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:
Rev 3:18  I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.

Rev 18:7  How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much torment and sorrow give her: for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow.

Exo 25:17  And thou shalt make a mercy seat of pure gold: two cubits and a half shall be the length thereof, and a cubit and a half the breadth thereof. 

One of the significant aspects of the ark is the mercy seat. This is to make us aware that the heart of our Lord Jesus Christ is to show mercy to humanity.

Psa 145:8  The LORD is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy.

Psa 147:11  The LORD taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy.

Mat 9:13  But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

If we are to be like Christ (the ark), then the mercy we have received from the Lord should translate into us being merciful in all our dealings. This is what the Lord requires of us.

Rom 11:30  For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief: 
Rom 11:31  Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy.
Rom 11:32  For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.
Rom 11:33  O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! 
Rom 11:34  For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor?

The scriptures above show us that we have a significant role to play in showing mercy to humanity during the lake of fire age. The measurement of the mercy seat is to let us know that as His elect, we are being measured regarding our mercy attribute. What this means is that as we fall short of this measure, we are being disciplined to conform to Christ.

The fact that the measurement of the length and breadth of the mercy seat are given as two and half cubits and a cubit and half are to remind us that we cannot grasp the fullness of our Lord’s mercy in this age until we are perfected.

1Co 13:12  For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

Exo 25:18  And thou shalt make two cherubims of gold, of beaten work shalt thou make them, in the two ends of the mercy seat.

We need to know what the Cherubims represent in order to understand what is being said here. The Cherubims are living creatures, and it is in the midst of these Cherubims that the Lord dwells and speaks to His people.

Eze 10:20  This is the living creature that I saw under the God of Israel by the river of Chebar; and I knew that they were the cherubims.

1Sa 4:4  So the people sent to Shiloh, that they might bring from thence the ark of the covenant of the LORD of hosts, which dwelleth between the cherubims: and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God.

2Sa 6:2  And David arose, and went with all the people that were with him from Baale of Judah, to bring up from thence the ark of God, whose name is called by the name of the LORD of hosts that dwelleth between the cherubims.

This is what we know about where the dwelling place of God is – among His people. This means that the cherubims represent His people or His elect.

Exo 29:46  And they shall know that I am the LORD their God, that brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, that I may dwell among them: I am the LORD their God.

Rev 21:3  And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.

2Co 6:16  And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

What verse 18 is therefore telling us is that in order to become like Christ, we must be like the beaten work of gold. Gold can be beaten to assume any shape only when it is melted through heat. It is through our fiery trials (heat) that the Lord can make us become like Him.

Rev 3:18  I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.

1Pe 4:12  Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:
1Pe 4:13  But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

The fact that Moses was required to make two cherubims suggests that through the beaten work of gold, we become witnesses of Christ.

Exo 25:19  And make one cherub on the one end, and the other cherub on the other end: even of the mercy seat shall ye make the cherubims on the two ends thereof. 
Exo 25:20  And the cherubims shall stretch forth their wings on high, covering the mercy seat with their wings, and their faces shall look one to another; toward the mercy seat shall the faces of the cherubims be.

What these verses tell us is that the mercy seat is between the two Cherubims who cover it with their wings as they behold each other. The mercy seat is where the Lord dwells. Wings in the scriptures serve as a hiding place and also a place of protection.

Psa 17:8  Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings,

Psa 57:1  To the chief Musician, Altaschith, Michtam of David, when he fled from Saul in the cave. Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast.

The wings of the Cherubims hide the mercy seat where the Lord dwells. This means that the Lord is hidden in the elect in this age.

As we are aware, Christ is the word of God. The mercy seat sandwiched  between the two Cherubims means that the two Cherubims protect the mercy seat. This means that the role of the elect is to protect the truth of the word of the Lord in this age. This role was made clear to us when the Lord was laying the foundations of the earth. We are the ones who are keeping the way of the tree of life, which is Christ and His words, through a flaming sword which turns in every way.

Gen 3:24  So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.

Exo 25:21  And thou shalt put the mercy seat above upon the ark; and in the ark thou shalt put the testimony that I shall give thee.

Putting the mercy seat above upon the ark is not to say that mercy is greater than our Lord Jesus Christ who occupies the mercy seat. What is being said here is that to the elect, represented by the two Cherubims beholding the mercy seat, the Lord has elevated His mercy for them to see clearly. In other words, mercy is one of the key characteristics of the Lord which He wants His elect to appreciate. In a later age, all humanity will also see His mercy.

Psa 89:14  Justice and judgment are the habitation of thy throne: mercy and truth shall go before thy face.

Psa 57:10  For thy mercy is great unto the heavens, and thy truth unto the clouds (the elect).

Psa 86:15  But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.

As indicated earlier, the first step toward being found in Christ is to acknowledge our spiritual poverty. This is the work of the testimony that is put into the ark to remind us of the law which was our schoolmaster until Christ came.

Gal 3:23  But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.
Gal 3:24  Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 
Gal 3:25  But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.
Gal 3:26  For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. 
Gal 3:27  For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

Exo 25:22  And there I will meet with thee, and I will commune with thee from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubims which are upon the ark of the testimony, of all things which I will give thee in commandment unto the children of Israel.

It is between the two Cherubims which are upon the ark that the Lord meets us to commune with us. In other words, the Lord speaks in our midst. It is in the assembly of the elect that the Lord speaks to us through what every joint supplies.

Eph 4:15  But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
Eph 4:16  From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

May the Lord avail to us more of His mercy to be able to know Him more as He gathers us under His wings just as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings. Amen!!

Audio Links

Awesome Hands – part 96

“Straight gate”

February 3, 2016

Acacia wood is a very intriguing wood with interesting attributes especially when we evaluate them in spiritual terms. In the study today, we are going to look at how the boards and bars of the tabernacle were used as a spiritual witness to who we are in the Lord and one of the many functions, as boards and bars, we serve as being members of His one body.

Eph 4:1  I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,
Eph 4:2  With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;
Eph 4:3  Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Eph 4:4  There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;
Eph 4:5  One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
Eph 4:6  One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
Eph 4:7  But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.
Eph 4:8  Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.

To and Fro

As we covered in briefly in the last study, the word “shittim” or “acacia” has a root in the English phrase “to and fro” comes from the Hebrew word H7751.

Exo 26:15  And thou shalt makeH6213 (H853) boardsH7175 for the tabernacleH4908 of shittimH7848 woodH6086 standing up.H5975

H7848

shiṭṭâh    shiṭṭı̂ym
shit-taw’, shit-teem’
Feminine of a derivative (the second form being only in the plural, meaning the sticks of wood) from the same as H7850; the acacia (from its scourging thorns): – shittah, shittim. See also H1029.
Total KJV occurrences: 28
==================

H7850

shôṭêṭ
sho-tate’
Active participle of an otherwise unused root meaning (properly to pierce; but only as a denominative from H7752) to flog; a goad: – scourge.
Total KJV occurrences: 1
==================

H7752
shôṭ
shote
From H7751; a lash (literally or figuratively): – scourge, whip.
Total KJV occurrences: 11
==================

H7751

shûṭ
shoot
A primitive root; properly to push forth; (but used only figuratively) to lash, that is, (the sea with oars) to row; by implication to travel: – go (about, through, to and fro), mariner, rower, run to and fro.
Total KJV occurrences: 13

H7751
shûṭ
Total KJV Occurrences: 23
fro, 8
2Ch_16:9, Job_1:7, Job_2:2, Jer_5:1, Dan_12:3-4 (2), Amo_8:12, Zec_4:10
run, 6
2Ch_16:9, Jer_5:1, Dan_12:3-4 (2), Amo_8:12, Zec_4:10
going, 2
Job_1:7, Job_2:2
about, 1
Num_11:8
go, 1
2Sa_24:2
gone, 1
2Sa_24:8
mariners, 1
Eze_27:8 (2)
rowers, 1
Eze_27:26
through, 1
2Sa_24:2
went, 1
Num_11:8

A few of the verses this Hebrew root word of “acacia” is found in are:

2Ch 16:9  For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars.

Dan 12:4  But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.

Zec 4:10  For who hath despised the day of small things? for they shall rejoice, and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel with those seven; they are the eyes of the LORD, which run to and fro through the whole earth.

I took the time to briefly recap these points of the last study so that I could connect these points to the next point we are going to cover which we did not have enough time to cover in the last study.

Acacia wood is rooted in “those who run to and fro”. This phrase, as can be seen in the brief reading of the verses above, is very informative of WHO it is that “runs to and fro”. There is a positive and negative to this running of to and fro.

Eph 4:14  That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

To help us understand that this is us at various parts of our walk with being dragged to the Lord, I am going to use another part of scripture to support this idea.

Eze 1:1  Now it came to pass in the thirtieth year, in the fourth month, in the fifth day of the month, as I was among the captives by the river of Chebar, that the heavens were opened, and I saw visions of God.
Eze 1:2  In the fifth day of the month, which was the fifth year of king Jehoiachin’s captivity,
Eze 1:3  The word of the LORD came expressly unto Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, in the land of the Chaldeans by the river Chebar; and the hand of the LORD was there upon him.
Eze 1:4  And I looked, and, behold, a whirlwind came out of the north, a great cloud, and a fire infolding itself, and a brightness was about it, and out of the midst thereof as the colour of amber, out of the midst of the fire.

We start of in Ezekiel with the capture of the Israelites by king Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon. Upon giving us the location (BDB says this means “far-off”), Ezekiel tells us the timing of when his visitation by the Lord’s awesome hands was upon him.

It was the thirtieth year (3 x 10 being the completeness of the flesh meeting the start of the process for spiritual completeness), in the fourth month (grace), in the fifth day of the month. For me, being a captive to Babylon during these named time periods reveals the spiritual reality of where we are all when the Lord places His hands upon us. He comes in a great whirlwind (spirit of God) with judgment while sitting on His clouds of great witnesses who are all comfortable in the fire!

While in this moment, Ezekiel sees “the likeness of a man”.

Eze 1:5  Also out of the midst thereof came the likeness of four living creatures. And this was their appearance; they had the likeness of a man.
Eze 1:6  And every one had four faces, and every one had four wings.
Eze 1:7  And their feet were STRAIGHT feet; and the sole of their feet was like the sole of a calf’s foot: and they sparkled like the colour of burnished brass.
Eze 1:8  And they had the hands of a man under their wings on their four sides; and they four had their faces and their wings.
Eze 1:9  Their wings were joined one to another; they turned not when they went; they went every one straight forward.

Jesus Christ was every bit the son of man as He was the Son of God. He was the likeness of a man but had all power of the Father save the throne. We know that Jesus comes upon a cloud of great witnesses to those He comes to … the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

How then is Ezekiel connected to acacia wood and the tabernacle being built in Exodus? In order to answer that question and fully connect the two together, I will continue to read from Ezekiel 1 and 2 and then also from Ezekiel 10.

Eze 1:11  Thus were their faces: and their wings were stretched upward; two wings of every one were joined one to another, and two covered their bodies.
Eze 1:12  And they went every one straight forward: whither the spirit was to go, they went; and they turned not when they went.
Eze 1:13  As for the likeness of the living creatures, their appearance was like burning coals of fire, and like the appearance of lamps: it went up and down among the living creatures; and the fire was bright, and out of the fire went forth lightning.
Eze 1:14  And the living creatures ran and returned as the appearance of a flash of lightning.

Isn’t it interesting that “lucifer” falls from heaven, Jesus says He saw satan as lightning fall from heaven, and we also read that the living creatures have the appearance of a flash of lightning?

How are they all connected?

Luk 10:16  He that HEARETH YOUR HEARETH ME; and he that despiseth you DESPISETH ME; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me.
Luk 10:17  And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the DEVILS are subject unto us through thy name.
Luk 10:18  And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.
Luk 10:19  Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the POWER of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

Unlike what orthodox Christianity teaches, lucifer is a reference to Nebuchadnezzar and NOT satan! What does connect lucifer and satan is that the beast is given power by the dragon, but BOTH are FALLEN from HEAVEN.

Isa 14:12  How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!
Isa 14:13  For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:
Isa 14:14  I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.

The enemy that shall be destroyed is DEATH, and satan has the POWER of the air!

Eph 2:1  And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;
Eph 2:2  Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
Eph 2:3  Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

The SPIRIT that is DEAD in trespasses and sins is … WALKING according to the course of this world, fulfilling the lusts and desires of the FLESH and of the MIND.

In the head you have the mind/brain, eyes, ears, nose, mouth and tongue. This is also the ENTRANCE for the air that sustains you. This is where LIGHT enters your mind. This is where HEARING happens. Our sense of HUNGER is fulfilled by TASTE in the head via the tongue and mouth with the tongue ALSO having the sense of TOUCH. In other words, the 5 senses are all in the head and obviously some are located in other parts of the body like touch.

The senses are things that our flesh understand. So, when I make spiritual connections to these throughout the study, they should be fairly easy to grasp given that they are something we can all relate to by nature.

We just read that anyone that hears us hears the Lord, the spirit that works in the world is working because it appeals to our flesh, so what is the contrast to that? The contrast to that is the same contrast we find throughout all of the bible. It is the contrast between the old and the new man.

Wheels and “living” creatures

We briefly covered in the last study that there is a positive and negative to acacia wood and connected that positive and negative nature to the root Hebrew word/phrase “run to and fro”.

We have wheels being talked about in Ezekiel so now I am going to attempt to show the connection the wheels and the “living creatures” have with acacia wood.

Eze 1:19  And when the living creatures went, the wheels went by them: and when the living creatures were lifted up from the earth, the wheels were lifted up.
Eze 1:20  Whithersoever the spirit was to go, they went, thither was their spirit to go; and the wheels were lifted up over against them: for the spirit of the living creature was in the wheels.
Eze 1:21  When those went, these went; and when those stood, these stood; and when those were lifted up from the earth, the wheels were lifted up over against them: for the spirit of the living creature was in the wheels.
Eze 1:22  And the likeness of the firmament upon the heads of the living creature was as the colour of the terrible crystal, stretched forth over their heads above.

When the spirit moved, the living creatures moved. Which way did they move?

Eze 1:28  As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness round about. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw it, I fell upon my face, and I heard a voice of one that spake.

Eze 2:1  And he said unto me, Son of man, STAND UPON THY FEET, and I will speak unto thee.
Eze 2:2  And the spirit entered into me when he spake unto me, and set me upon my feet, that I heard him that spake unto me.
Eze 2:3  And he said unto me, Son of man, I send thee to the children of Israel, to a rebellious nation that hath rebelled against me: they and their fathers have transgressed against me, even unto this very day.
Eze 2:4  For they are impudent children and stiffhearted. I do send thee unto them; and thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD.
Eze 2:5  And they, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear, (for they are a rebellious house,) yet shall know that there hath been a prophet among them.
Eze 2:6  And thou, son of man, be not afraid of them, neither be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns be with thee, and thou dost dwell among scorpions: be not afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks, though they be a rebellious house.
Eze 2:7  And thou shalt speak my words unto them, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear: for they are most rebellious.
Eze 2:8  But thou, son of man, hear what I say unto thee; Be not thou rebellious like that rebellious house: open thy mouth, and eat that I give thee.
Eze 2:9  And when I looked, behold, an hand was sent unto me; and, lo, A ROLL OF A BOOK WAS THEREIN;
Eze 2:10  And he spread it before me; and it was written within and without: and there was written therein lamentations, and mourning, and woe.

Eze 10:10  And as for their appearances, they four had one likeness, as if a wheel had been in the midst of a wheel.
Eze 10:11  When they went, they went upon their four sides; they turned not as they went, but to the place whither the head looked they followed it; they turned not as they went.
Eze 10:12  And their whole body, and their backs, and their hands, and their wings, and the wheels, were full of eyes round about, even the wheels that they four had.
Eze 10:13  As for the wheels, it was cried unto them in my hearing, O wheel.

“Stand on your feet …. Move straight ahead …. I am sending you to the stiffnecked and rebellious children of Israel …. they will know there has been a prophet among them ….. speak MY WORDS unto them …. open your mouth and EAT the WORDS I give you, a roll of a book therein…a book of LAMENTATIONS, MOURNING AND WOE.”

If it still hasn’t click for you, what does Daniel say about those who “run to and fro” that we quoted for earlier?

Dan 12:1  And at that time shall Michael STAND UP, the great prince which STANDETH for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.
Dan 12:2  And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.
Dan 12:3  And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.
Dan 12:4  But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.

The prophet Ezekiel was told to STAND upon his feet and the Lord would speak with him. Daniel says that Michael STANDS up for the children of thy people. When this standing takes place there is a GREAT time of trouble due to the book that is SEALED UP and SWOLLOWED. This is Jesus Christ WITHIN those prophets who have His testimony.

Rev 19:10  And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.

I have emphasized throughout this study both standing and going straight and there is a reason why.

When we FALL we are told to STAND because a “JUST MAN falls seven times” but RISES each time to stand.

Pro 24:16  For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.

Those living creatures move straight. The wheel within a wheel turns and moves straight but does not go to side, and Jesus tells us that “strait is the gate and narrow is the way” that WE must ENTER into the kingdom of God.

So, it becomes very important that we understand what this straight gate is all about.

Mat 7:12  Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.
Mat 7:13  Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
Mat 7:14  Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

The “strait” gate is G4728.

G4728

stenos
sten-os’
Probably from the base of G2476; narrow (from obstacles standing close about): – strait.
Total KJV occurrences: 3

This is only used a handful of times, but is from the base of G2476.

G2476

histēmi
his’-tay-mee
A prolonged form of a primary word στάω staō (of the same meaning, and used for it in certain tenses); to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively): – abide, appoint, bring, continue, covenant, establish, hold up, lay, present, set (up), stanch, stand (by, forth, still, up). Compare G5087.
Total KJV occurrences: 156

G2576 means to STAND and is used 156 times in scripture with the majority being “stood”, “stand” or “standing”.

Here are a few of those verses:

Gal 5:1  Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

Luk 21:36  Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.

Eph 6:11  Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
Eph 6:12  For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Eph 6:13  Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Eph 6:14  Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

The “strait” gate is one that is a narrow standing. We are called to STAND in the Truth of the Word of God and we are FREE because of it. However, that does not mean we are not slaves/prisoners to our Master Jesus

Eph 3:1  For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,

Eph 4:1  I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,

We are all called to be witnessed to the work the Lord has started in us all and will eventually work in all of mankind.

Look at what Jesus immediately says after telling us to enter in at the straight gate:

Mat 7:14  Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
Mat 7:15  Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
Mat 7:16  Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
Mat 7:17  Even so every GOOD TREE bringeth forth good fruit; but a CORRUPT TREE bringeth forth evil fruit.
Mat 7:18  A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
Mat 7:19  Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
Mat 7:20  Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
Mat 7:21  Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
Mat 7:22  Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
Mat 7:23  And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Eph 4:14  That we HENCEFORTH be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

False prophets have false doctrines. False doctrines are for and about another Jesus. Jesus tells us that these false prophets are trees which are known by their fruit. Therefore, prophets of the Lord, are also trees and will ALSO be known by their fruit.

As the body of Christ and those who have the testimony of Jesus, we are the acacia wood of the temple which is coupled together to form the frame of the tabernacle of God. However, we are used to carry the WORDS of the book WITHIN US as we carry the weight of the covering of the tabernacle on us, the frame of the tabernacle.

In the next study, we are going to cover how the boards and bars are placed together in order to form the “oneness” that is needed in order to form the structure of the tabernacle.

When we are coupled together by two tenons, we will see how we are just like the cherubim who have their wings connected together in order to move as one. We are One body entering into the kingdom together.

The two “hands” or “tenons” H3027, are indeed the hands of the Lord which keep us all connected together.

Exo 26:17  Two tenons shall there be in one board, set in order one against another: thus shalt thou make for all the boards of the tabernacle.

Exo 26:24  And they shall be coupled together beneath, and they shall be coupled together above the head of it unto one ring: thus shall it be for them both; they shall be for the two corners.

Eze 1:9  Their wings were joined one to another; they turned not when they went; they went every one straight forward.

Audio Links

Awesome Hands – part 95

“Adorned with gold”

January 27, 2016

In today’s study we are going to cover Exodus 26:15 and the various characteristics of shittim wood mentioned in the verses we read about concerning the tabernacle.

As with all items pertaining to the tabernacle of Israel, the boards, bars and sockets all have spiritual significance for what the Lord is telling us about Himself, the body in Jesus Christ and the relationship we all have with one another.

Shittim wood

In the last study we did a recap of the items leading up to the topic being covered today. The most immediate items recently covered were the covering layers of the tabernacle consisting of the fine linen, goats, rams and badger skins.

So, we are continuing from the covering with the support structure that those coverings will lie atop and specifically what that support structure is made of.

Exo 26:15  And thou shalt make boards for the tabernacle of shittim wood standing up.

The first thing we see mentioned here is that the boards themselves will be made out of shittim or acacia (uh-kay-sha) wood.

Up until this point, there have been other wood items mentioned which were also made out of shittim wood but I have not expounded on the characteristics and spiritual types and shadows of shittim wood in particular. I will now do that in this study.

Some of the attributes of acacia wood are quite revealing as to what possible reasons there are for the Lord choosing this wood to be the only wood used in the construction of the tabernacle. This will not be an exhaustive list but will simply be what the Lord has given me to understand and share about this wood.

Strong’s concordance lists “shittim” as:

H7848

shiṭṭâh    shiṭṭı̂ym
shit-taw’, shit-teem’
Feminine of a derivative (the second form being only in the plural, meaning the sticks of wood) from the same as H7850; the acacia (from its scourging thorns): – shittah, shittim. See also H1029.
Total KJV occurrences: 28

From the same masculine form we see H7850 is listed in Strong’s as:

H7848
shiṭṭâh  /  shiṭṭı̂ym
Total KJV Occurrences: 28
shittim, 27
Exo_25:5, Exo_25:10, Exo_25:13, Exo_25:23, Exo_25:28, Exo_26:15, Exo_26:26, Exo_26:32, Exo_26:37, Exo_27:1, Exo_27:6, Exo_30:1, Exo_30:5, Exo_35:7, Exo_35:24, Exo_36:20, Exo_36:31, Exo_36:36, Exo_37:1, Exo_37:4, Exo_37:10, Exo_37:15, Exo_37:25, Exo_37:28, Exo_38:1, Exo_38:6, Deu_10:3
shittah, 1
Isa_41:19

 

H7850

shôṭêṭ
sho-tate’
Active participle of an otherwise unused root meaning (properly to pierce; but only as a denominative from H7752) to flog; a goad: – scourge.
Total KJV occurrences: 1

On the surface, those definitions don’t seem to mean very much in Strong’s. We just read it as “sticks” of wood meaning to pierce and we also read that acacia wood refers to the scourging of the thorns, but that is not all there is to it.

From H7850 we see H7752.

H7752

shôṭ
shote
From H7751; a lash (literally or figuratively): – scourge, whip.
Total KJV occurrences: 11

H7752
shôṭ
Total KJV Occurrences: 10
scourge, 4
Job_5:21, Job_9:23, Isa_10:26, Isa_28:18
whips, 4
1Ki_12:11, 1Ki_12:14, 2Ch_10:11, 2Ch_10:14
whip, 2
Pro_26:3, Nah_3:2

Digging a little deeper we see that H7752 roots in H7751 which is the root of acacia wood.

H7751

shûṭ
shoot
A primitive root; properly to push forth; (but used only figuratively) to lash, that is, (the sea with oars) to row; by implication to travel: – go (about, through, to and fro), mariner, rower, run to and fro.
Total KJV occurrences: 13

H7751
shûṭ
Total KJV Occurrences: 23
fro, 8
2Ch_16:9, Job_1:7, Job_2:2, Jer_5:1, Dan_12:3-4 (2), Amo_8:12, Zec_4:10
run, 6
2Ch_16:9, Jer_5:1, Dan_12:3-4 (2), Amo_8:12, Zec_4:10
going, 2
Job_1:7, Job_2:2
about, 1
Num_11:8
go, 1
2Sa_24:2
gone, 1
2Sa_24:8
mariners, 1
Eze_27:8 (2)
rowers, 1
Eze_27:26
through, 1
2Sa_24:2
went, 1
Num_11:8

I know there are a lot of layers to what we just read so here is the basic breakdown.

We have the feminine form of the word “acacia” being a derivative (it derives from, comes from, is based upon) H7850.

H7850 means “flog, goad” but also is a denominative form (adjective like destruct from destruction) of H7752 which means whip or scourge. The root of them all is “shoot”, H7751, meaning to push forward, shoot to or from, to lash out or whip.

Acacia in the physical and spiritual

Given all of that, what can we derive as the spiritual significance of shittim wood represented by its physical attributes? As with all words in scripture, there are positive and negative meanings to these words.

What are some of the characteristics of acacia wood?

First off, acacia wood would be one of the only sources of wood available to Israel when they were given these commands to construct the tabernacle. It is the prevalent wood in the area.

The color of acacia and the flowers it produces is very interesting. Wictionary lists the color as “a light to moderate greenish yellow with a hint of red” https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/acacia. Wikipedia lists the flowers as yellow or creamy white depending on the particular tree, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acacia.

If you are familiar with colors in scripture and the study Mike did then you’ll recognize some of the following things concerning colors. Naturally, yellow and red are primary colors and green is mixture of blue and yellow.

With the last study we covered that blue is the color of heavenly things or the mindset of the new man. Yellow represents the dying condition of our flesh. Green then is the movement from yellow to blue, moving from the dying flesh and the things that feed it to the things that feed our new man.

There are over 800 varieties of acacia trees found all over the world. The wood from these trees has a very well-known attribute in that they are impenetrable to insects due to how dense they form.

Acacia trees also only live 30-40 years but grow to be very tall.

All of these attributes are intriguing when you connect them to the spiritual types they represent.

Once we start connecting the way this word “shittim” has been inspired to be used in scripture, we start to see a very revealing pattern immerge about why this is the wood of choice for the tabernacle.

We briefly read through the times that “shittim” was used in scripture and then we looked at the root of this word in Hebrew.

Most of the time, it is used right here in Exodus and then once in Deuteronomy which also mentions the tabernacle. However, it is used only once outside of describing the tabernacle but it is intimately connected with the tabernacle still!

Isa 41:19  I will plant in the wilderness the cedar, the shittah tree, and the myrtle, and the oil tree; I will set in the desert the fir tree, and the pine, and the box tree together:
Isa 41:20  That they may see, and know, and consider, and understand together, that the hand of the LORD hath done this, and the Holy One of Israel hath created it.
Isa 41:21  Produce your cause, saith the LORD; bring forth your strong reasons, saith the King of Jacob.
Isa 41:22  Let them bring them forth, and shew us what shall happen: let them shew the former things, what they be, that we may consider them, and know the latter end of them; or declare us things for to come.
Isa 41:23  Shew the things that are to come hereafter, that we may know that ye are gods: yea, do good, or do evil, that we may be dismayed, and behold it together.

The verses above are in context of Isaiah 41 and chapters 41 and 42 are speaking about the contrast in the people of God versus everyone else and specifically who the “God of Israel” is all about.

When we consider that acacia wood is the wood of choice for the tabernacle items and everything in the tabernacle, then we must consider that the Lord was very particular in this choice.

Trees are used throughout scripture to describe mankind, but each has positive and negative applciations. A few examples of trees as men mentioned in scripture are:

Psa 52:8  But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God: I trust in the mercy of God for ever and ever.

Psa 92:12  The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.

Rev 11:3  And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth.
Rev 11:4  These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth.

Hos 14:5  I will be as the dew unto Israel: he shall grow as the lily, and cast forth his roots as Lebanon.
Hos 14:6  His branches shall spread, and his beauty shall be as the olive tree, and his smell as Lebanon.

Mat 3:10  And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

Mar 8:23  And he took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town; and when he had spit on his eyes, and put his hands upon him, he asked him if he saw ought.
Mar 8:24  And he looked up, and said, I see men as trees, walking.

There are many examples as men being likened as trees in scripture. Therefore, the Lord has chosen this particular tree to be used in His temple due to certain attributes.

Acacia trees thrive and grow in dry and desert like conditions. They live a short life but grow tall in stature. They are “naturally beautiful”. They are very DENSE and sturdy and this is both positive and negative.

I have joked with Mike and others before that a man or woman of God has to have a spine in order to be used of God. When we are carnally minded and stiff necked “having a spine” can be negative because we tend to be set in our ways and not easily persuaded outside of our own thinking.

However, when the Lord gets a hold of us and uses us for His kingdom and work, He then takes that attribute of our personality which He has given us and applies it to our unwillingness to compromise with the world on how it is we should follow the commandments of God.

God takes what He alone as caused to thrive in the desert, i.e. the WORLD, and then covers it with His gold. As we mentioned in the previous studies on the tabernacle, this overlaying of gold represents the watchmen who are appointed to watch the gates.

When we look at the root of acacia we see this concept:

H7751

A primitive root; properly to push forth; (but used only figuratively) to lash, that is, (the sea with oars) to row; by implication to travel: – go (about, through, to and fro), mariner, rower, run to and fro.

The root means “To push forth” by implication to travel. Here are a few verses where this verse is used:

2Ch 16:9  For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars.

Zec 4:10  For who hath despised the day of small things? for they shall rejoice, and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel with those seven; they are the eyes of the LORD, which run to and fro through the whole earth.

Contrast that with the SAME ROOT WORD being used here:

Job 1:6  Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them.
Job 1:7  And the LORD said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.
Job 1:8  And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?

Do we consider that we have been JUST LIKE Job? No? Then are we Israel? If we are Israel, then are we grouped together at some point in this mindset?

Amo 8:1  Thus hath the Lord GOD shewed unto me: and behold a basket of summer fruit.
Amo 8:2  And he said, Amos, what seest thou? And I said, A basket of summer fruit. Then said the LORD unto me, The end is come upon my people of Israel; I will not again pass by them any more.
Amo 8:3  And the songs of the temple shall be howlings in that day, saith the Lord GOD: there shall be many dead bodies in every place; they shall cast them forth with silence.
Amo 8:4  Hear this, O ye that swallow up the needy, even to make the poor of the land to fail,

A few verses later talking about this same Israel:

Amo 8:10  And I will turn your feasts into mourning, and all your songs into lamentation; and I will bring up sackcloth upon all loins, and baldness upon every head; and I will make it as the mourning of an only son, and the end thereof as a bitter day.
Amo 8:11  Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, BUT OF HEARING THE WORDS OF THE LORD:
Amo 8:12  And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, THEY shall run to and fro to seek the word of the LORD, and shall not find it.

See, we are the acacia tree. We are those who have been REDEEMED of the Lord. We are they who have loved Jesus Christ but who have also LEFT our first love. We are those who have been freed from Egypt as slaves only to go on and tempt the Lord 40 years in the wilderness.

However, while IN THE WILDERNESS, the Lord takes some of those acacia trees, shapes and molds them for His purposes and then covers them with His gold. This isn’t a chronological explanation of Israel’s walk in the wilderness but a spiritual one.

Now, when the world looks on the outside of the tabernacle they see badgers skins. They do not and CANNOT see the precious metals and fine linens lining the ENTIRE tabernacle.

The very construction of the temple is made from items which have very telling attributes.

Who then are you acacia tree? You are the thorny, piercing, scourging wood that is dense and impenetrable. You are the goad and whip used to punish and torture our Lord causing Him to be crucified, but you are also the redeemed and forgiven of the Lord who need to say so!

Psa 107:2  Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy;

You have been delivered from YOURSELF, the enemy of the LORD. Don’t you know that ye are gods who have been delivered from sitting on the throne of God to being a part of the very temple of God itself?

Who then are you acacia tree? You are who the Lord has setup in this world to be the VERY structure the rest of the temple sets upon and you sit upon the foundation which has already been laid.

Jesus Christ was not a person whom the world looked on and desired, yet in the spirit and with the new man living in us, we are looked upon by the creator of the universe as being the very structure or frame which His temple is built.

In type, we wander from sea to sea, (ways of the world to more ways of the world) from the north (judgment) to the east, (RISING of the Sun, but not the maturity needed to survive) running to and fro seeking the Word of the Lord (LIFE, TRUTH and a WAY to LIVE) but we are unable to find it.

We go from that to being plucked up as dead by the Lord and made a mighty backbone in His temple. Praise the Lord!

The Lord does not shy away from telling us who we are in Israel. Just like Jesus Christ was the son of man and the Son of God, we too SHARE in His afflictions

Col 1:24  Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the church:

1Pe 5:9  Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

We are Israel, the faithless people of God in the flesh, but given to be the spiritually minded called, chosen and faithful people of God situated around His thrown just like the acacia wood surrounding the mercy seat of God in His tabernacle.

In the next study, we are going to see how the boards and bars of acacia wood, covered in gold, are used in the making of the tabernacle and just how connected we all are with the temple of God. We are also going to look at a few more attributes of acacia wood.