David-I'd Like to Build a Temple

By Mary Vee
II Samuel 7

From David's Journal

courtesy of Christianimagesresource.com

The city of Jerusalem has been designated my home and the place where I will rule the Hebrew people as their king. 

With God's direction and power we've conquered the Philistines in two large battles. They've pretty much left us alone.

My home has been built and my men have settled comfortably into dwellings with their families. 

It took two attempts to bring the Ark of God to Jerusalem. That was my fault. I didn't respect God's commands the first time. Nonetheless, the Ark now rests in the Tabernacle, a temporary temple until one could be built. 

I wanted to show my love for God by building a grand temple. All of Israel would be able to come to it to worship the Almighty and bring their sacrifices. I must admit, though, many ideas pop in my head, but I've learned to ask God before I start. 

I sent for Nathan the prophet to discuss the temple. "Here I am, living in a palace made of exquisite cedar, and the Ark of God is placed in a tent of curtains. It's just not right. I'd like to build a temple for God."

Nathan rubbed his beard and I think I saw a glimmer in his eye. He said, "Okay, David. Whatever you have in mind, do it. The Lord God is with you."

But the same night, the Lord appeared to Nathan and talked to him about my idea. He gave the prophet a message to bring me. The next morning Nathan requested to speak with me.

"David, the Lord spoke with me last night about your idea to build a temple."

He looked a bit sad, like he was about to give bad news. I braced myself. "Yes?"

"He said these words: 'Are you the one to build me a house to dwell in? I have not dwelt in a house from the day I brought the Israelites up out of Egypt to this day. I have been moving from place to place with a tent as my dwelling. Wherever I have moved with all the Israelites did I ever say to any of their rulers whom I commanded to take care of my people Israel, "Build me a house of cedar?"'

"The Lord also said to tell you this, 'I took you from the pasture and from following the flock to be ruler over my people, Israel. I have been with you wherever you have gone, and fought off your enemies from before you. Now I will make you a great name, and I will provide a great place for my people Israel. The wicked won't oppress them anymore, and I will give you rest from all your enemies.'

"He also said to tell you this, 'When your days are over, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you. He is the one who will build a house for my Name. I will be his father, and he will be my son. When he does wrong I will punish him. But my love will never be taken away from him. Your house will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever.'"

I hardly knew what to say. He has blessed me so much! My son will be able to build a tempe for God. I had to go and thank the Lord myself. I will share that next time.

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1. What all had David completed with God's power to this date.
2. What did David want to do?
3. Who did he call to discuss the problem?
4. What did Nathan say?
5. That night who spoke with Nathan?
6. What did God tell Nathan to say to David?
7. How did David respond?

The Tabernacle-pt. 5 Putting the Pieces Together

By Mary Vee
Exodus 40

Moses

 
I met with the Lord soon after Bezalel and the others presented their work for the tabernacle.  He gave his approval and told me how and when to put the pieces together. After hearing the news the Israelites cheered. There hasn't been this much excitement in the camp since we crossed the  Red Sea.

I called some trustworthy men to help me assemble the pieces in the order the Lord commanded. The first instruction God gave: start the first day of the first month of the second year.  Imagine, it's been one year since the Lord helped us escape Egypt, already.


On that first day,  we raised the tabernacle walls, the top reached above my head.  We set the bars, boards, curtains, and pillars into place, and held it together at the sockets.

Once the walls stood firm, we spread a tent over the top then laid skin coverings.  The people watching us cheered when the walls and roof stood firm.  

Next, I put the stone tablets the Lord gave me inside the Ark of the Covenant, pushed poles through the rings to help us carry it, and set the Mercy seat on top. It looked magnificent. Four of us carried the Ark to the place farthest inside the Tabernacle. Before I took a break, I hung the veil over the doorway between the small room with the Ark and the rest of the Tabernacle. I took one last look at the Ark before letting the veil fall into place. This would be a memory I wouldn't forget.

Next, I put the golden table on the north side of the room and set the showbread as the Lord commanded. On the south side I placed the golden lampstand and lit each lamp.  My shadow stretched across the floor and up to the showbread on the other side. I couldn't help myself; I sang a praise to the Lord. 

Time for the last piece of furniture, the golden altar of incense.  I placed the table in front of the veil then lit the incense.  It smelled sweet.  At the doorway between the large room and the outside, I hung a screen as the Lord commanded.

On the outside, we set the altar near the door but left some room for the Laver. Once the altar stood in place, I offered a burnt offering and a grain offering to the Lord.  I put the laver between the altar and the door for Aaron and the other priests to wash before entering the Tabernacle then filled it with water.


Last, we hurried to raise the court walls before the sun set. We took the curtains and hung them in a rectangle around the tabernacle, laver and altar to form a court.  To close off the court we hung a screen at the doorway.  I anointed everything in the tabernacle, the court, and all the priests. 


There.  

The tabernacle was finished.

Everyone stood in silence and stared.  Moments later the cloud came down and covered the tabernacle and the glory of the Lord filled the whole place.  Every eye watched in awe. How great is our God.


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1.  The children of Israel took seven months to make _______________.
2.  Why did Moses put the Ark of the Covenant in the tabernacle first?
3.  What order did the Lord tell Moses to put the pieces of the tabernacle together?
4.  What happened after Moses put the screen in the doorway of the court?
5.  What would you have done if you would have been in the crowd when the cloud came on the tabernacle?

The Tabernacle-pt, 4-Look at What We Made!

By Mary Vee
Exodus 39:32-40:38

Moses

Each day of the last seven months I stopped by Bezalel's shop to watch him work. The Lord has truly blessed his mind and hands.  The Ark of the Covenant (you can read his story here) and the other furniture he made had lines and pictures carved in such a way only a gifted artist with years of study could master. And the priestly clothes he made for Aaron and his sons had threads of gold mixed in with other fine threads to form a design worthy of a high ranking official.  Everything he made amazed me.

Late last night, Joshua reported the last project for the tabernacle had been completed. I got up early and instructed my helpers not to let anyone in to see me; I would only meet with Bezalel. Any other problems would have to wait for another time.


Not long after breakfast a crowd of people gathered outside my tent.  I had to laugh because they hushed each other as little children do before giving a wonderful gift.  Before my helpers had a chance to announce them, I stepped out my tent.  Those in the crowd tried not to show their great excitement, but they didn't succeed. They giggled, smiled, and bounced in their sandals.


Bazalel stood in front.  His smile spread wide across his face.  "Moses, we, all of us, wish to present you with the makings of the tabernacle. May our work please the Lord."  He bowed in respect to me then stepped to the side.  One by one the people brought the curtains, boards, bars, pillars, sockets, clasps, coverings, veil, Ark of the Covenant and its poles, Mercy Seat, table, utensils, showbread, golden Lampstand and lamps, oil, golden Altar, sweet incense, screen, bronze altar, grate, laver and base, hangings of the court, cords, pegs, and the priestly garments. Each one gazed at my eyes after presenting their work. My insides burst with happiness.


I could barely breathe. I held each piece presented for the Lord's tabernacle and indeed it had been made as the Lord commanded.  I ran my hand over the carvings and found no slivers. The clothing and curtains had no flaws.  I took a deep breathe and struggle to find words strong enough to reward Bazalel and the other Israelites for their excellent work.


"My people. You have indeed followed the Lord's command in every respect.  You have proven yourselves faithful workers of the great God of Israel." The crowd burst into cheers.  


After their voices calmed somewhat, I raised my hand to speak.  "And now I wish to bless you." They quieted and bowed.  "The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you. The Lord give you peace."


Those who worked to make the tabernacle celebrated the rest of the day with song and dance. They certainly deserved it. 


After the problem with the golden calf (you can read that story here) I hoped with all my heart that the people would enjoy this project and put their best into making the tabernacle piece.  I guess they proved me wrong, for they excelled far above my hopes.  I'm so proud of their work and dedication to the Lord's tabernacle.


And now, I shall meet with the Lord to get his approval to start putting the tabernacle together.   


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Sure feels good when others like your work, doesn't it?


1. Who lead the Israelite workers to make the tabernacle pieces?
2. Who did they present their work to?
3. What made Moses happy?
4. How had this group of Israelites changed since the golden calf problem?
5. What did you learn?

The Tabernacle-pt.3 Aaron's Special Clothes

By Mary Vee
Exodus 38:9-39:31

Bezalel-
chosen by God
and given wisdom and understanding in every kind of workmanship

My work on the tabernacle has lasted several months. I've never enjoyed a project more.  

Each time I held gold or acacia wood in my hands, I wondered: what would God help me make?  Well, I knew what the furniture was supposed to be, but I didn't know what it would look like in the end.

When I started making the cherubim, you know--the angels on the lid of the Ark of the Covenant, I had no idea they would be such a work of art.  I look at my hands and laugh because God used these hands of mine to make the magnificent furniture for His Tabernacle.

Moses seemed quite pleased with my work.  He peeked into my shop each day to look at the progress. After finishing the Altar, the last piece of furniture, Moses told me to make the Court of the Tabernacle.  Oh, yes! This would keep me busy for quite a while. 

I trained workers to help me make sixty pillars, the curtains, and basically everything needed to form the Court.  We set the completed pieces in organized piles for the day Moses would let us put the Tabernacle together.  This part of the project lasted quite awhile.

Moses called me to his tent after a messenger reported we'd finished the Court.  "Bezalel, your work surpasses my imagination.  The Lord truly has blessed your hands and mind."


I never thought I'd receive such a compliment.  "Thank you, Moses."

"And now, I have another project.  You are to make the priestly garments.  Start with my brother Aaron's garments since he is the high priest."  

He gave me the Lord's instructions and had me repeat the information until I understood.  No wonder this garment would belong to the high priest.  Look at this picture!


I gathered fine woven linen, blue, purple and scarlet thread. Next, the workers and I beat gold into thin sheets and cut it into threads.  We took all the threads and wove a fancy design into an apron called an ephod to be worn over the main garment.  We added special jewels, engraved with each tribe's name and set in gold. 

Next we made a breastplate to go over the apron with the same design and a blue robe with a binding strong enough to keep it from tearing. We made pomegranates and bells to hand from the hem of the blue robe. Last we made the white tunic to wear under the blue robe and a turban for the priest's head.


When we finished the Lord's instructions I looked at our work.  This  garment would make even the Pharaoh jealous. 


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1. Who was the high priest?
2. What is another word for the apron the priest wore?
3. Who did God want to make the priest's clothes?
4. What all did the priest need to wear?

The Tabernacle-pt. 2-Willing Worker

By Mary Vee

Exodus 36:3-38-31

Bezalel-
chosen by God 

and given wisdom and understanding in every kind of workmanship

Last night, I fell asleep the second my head hit  my mat.  It had been a long time since my muscles did a solid days work.  It felt so good.

Aholiab and I planned to get up early this morning to continue setting up the work stations for the Tabernacle.  We need more yarn spun, fabric woven, the furniture, utensils, there's enough work to keep all the willing workers busy for months. 

The Lord blessed many of the people with specific skills. Today, I plan to group the people and finish sorting the offerings from the people.  You should see the piles of threads, skins, metals, why it's unbelievable!  Each morning the people bring more offerings. I barely know what to do with what we have.

I toured the first work stations a little while ago. The workers talked and laughed as they worked.  I haven't seen the people this happy in a long time.

Aholiab and I went over the Lord's directions for making the Tabernacle this morning.  The design is perfect.  God thought of everything!  We have all the supplies, the design will house all the people who come to worship, and it's portable which will allow us to break it down easily for transporting to new locations.

A few of the workers came to me earlier today.  "Bezalel, the people need to stop bringing offerings.  We have more than we need."  

I went with them to Moses to deliver the report. I wish you could have seen Moses' face.  He smiled as wide as the desert and slapped his knee in delight.  He looked toward the sky, nodded, then looked back at us. "Guess I'll have to ask the people to stop bringing offerings for now."

The people sang more at night.  They praised the Lord throughout the day. No one wanted to take a break from their work. What joy filled the camp.

Ten curtains made of fine linen, blue, purple, and scarlet thread with cherubim designed into the fabric had been completed first. Next curtains to go over the top of the tabernacle had been made of goat's hair and others from ram skins. We used acacia for the boards inside the tabernacle.

While the workers spent time making curtains, and cutting the boards, I made the Ark of the Covenant. I formed the box with acacia wood, lined it with pure gold on the inside and out, formed rings of gold and set them on the corners, and formed two acacia rods dipped in pure gold to slide inside the rings.

I spent the most time crafting two cherubims to sit facing each other on the lid.  Their wings reached above them to cover the mercy seat.  Next I made the Table for the Showbread, the Gold Lampstand, the Altar of Incense, the Altar, Bronze Laver, and the Court of the Tabernacle.

I went to bed exhausted each night, and rose excited to work on the tabernacle the next morning. This has been the best time of my life.

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God gives all willing workers an opportunity to serve Him...including you and me:)

1.  Who are the two men God chose to lead the project for making the Tabernacle?

2.  Why was Bezalel and many of the people in the camp happy?

3.  What items did Bezalel make by himself? (hint there are 7)

4.  Why did Bezalel go to bed tired each night?

5.  How could you be happy like the children of Israel?

The Tabernacle-pt. 1-Chosen

By Mary Vee

Exodus 35:4-36:3

Bezalel-
chosen by God 

and given wisdom and understanding in every kind of workmanship

A little while back, Moses called a meeting.  Everyone gathered outside the camp to a place we could see Moses at the same time.  Since he invited everyone and not just the elders, I knew it had to be an announcement for everyone. He told us about the commandments and showed us the tablets the Lord wrote.  It was good to hear God's laws, but to tell you the truth many of us had become bored.

There was nothing to do. We couldn't plant crops in the desert soil, besides we didn't know when the Lord would tell us to pack our things and move to a new place.  It'd been more than three months since we left Egypt.

If only we had some project to do, maybe the people would get along better.

After he finished teaching the commandments and talking about the feasts, Moses told us to bring an offering to the Lord. He said, "Whoever had a willing heart should bring an offering of gold, silver, or bronze; blue, purple, scarlet thread, fine linen, or goat's hair; ram skins dyed red, badger skins, or acacia wood; oil for the light, or spices for the anointing oil; onyx stones, or other precious stones."

Actually, we all had plenty of the things Moses wanted.  The Egyptians gave us so many gifts the night before we left we had to stack them high in our carts.  Masters and ladies of houses, Egyptian workers, even Egyptian slaves threw metal, threads, skins, wood, and oil at us then shouted, "Leave. Never come back."

That was before they changed their minds and sent the army after us, but your can read about that adventure here:  Egyptian Wealth

Anyway, after Moses' announcement to bring offerings he asked for gifted artisans to make whatever the Lord commanded for the tabernacle.  I can't believe it, we finally had a project!

I liked to work with my hands so I volunteered right away.  Just think, me, a builder of the tabernacle for the Lord. Something to do!

Of course, many others volunteered to help, both men and women. Moses didn't push anyone into helping. He always said, "Those who are willing..." each time he asked for something.  No one was forced to work or give at any time.

The next morning a large group of women gathered in one area of the camp. They talked and laughed as they spun yarn by hand.  When they finished making a large bundle, they took the blue, purple, scarlet and fine linen to those who would weave fabric.

The offerings grew.  It looked fantastic.  This Tabernacle will be great.

A few days later, Moses gathered everyone together for more instruction.  I ran to the front of the group, anxious to hear what we'd do next.  He silenced the people then looked at me. "People of Israel, the Lord has called by name Bezalel, the..."

Wait a moment, what did Moses say? The Lord named me? Out of all the Israelites, the Lord picked me?  A deep breath later I could listen to more.

"He has filled Bezalel with the Spirit of God, in wisdom and understanding, in knowledge and all manner of workmanship, to design artistic works, to work in gold and silver and bronze, in cutting jewels for setting , in carving wood, to teach and to work in all manner of artistic workmanship."

The Lord chose me for this job? I'm not gifted.  I'm not special.  Before I thought another work, ideas filled my mind; I couldn't wait to get to work!

Moses then said:  "And the Lord called Aholiab from the tribe of Dan. He has filled them with skill to do all manner of work as the engraver, designer, and tapestry maker, those who do every work and those who design artistic works.  You, Bezalel and Aholiab, along with every gifted artisan in who the Lord has put wisdom and understanding to know how to do all manner of work for the service of the sanctuary shall do according to all He has commanded."

Moses took Aholiab and me to where the offerings had been gathered.  "Here are the offerings which the Israelites brought for making the tabernacle."

I looked at Aholiab smile and nodded. He did the same back. We both started talking at once, sharing our thoughts how to start the project.  We talked for several hours after supper. We never disagreed or argued.

I couldn't sleep....it was like the night before we left Egypt.

Aholiab and I were chosen to lead the building of the Tabernacle!

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1. Who all volunteered to help build the Tabernacle?
2. Who did the Lord chose to lead the building of the Tabernacle?
3. Where did the building supplies come from?
4. Why do you think the Lord chose Bezalel and Aholiab to lead the building of the Tabernacle?
5. If you had been there, would you have brought offerings? If yes, what would you have brought?
6. If you had been there, would you have volunteered to help? If yes, what would you have wanted to do?
7. If you had been there, would you have to give an offering or volunteer to help?  Why or why not?

What God Taught Moses on Mt. Sinai

By Mary Vee
Exodus 25 - 31


My name is Moses. In recent days, I've been to the top of Mount Sinai several times to speak with God. He's patiently taught His rules, commands, and expectations.  I wasn't the only one He allowed up the mountain. The Lord invited Aaron, his sons Nadab and Abihu, the seventy elders of Israel, and Joshua to come part of the way on different occasions.

God called me to meet him on the mountain again today. He said He would give me tables of stone which He wrote His laws and commandments.  Not knowing how long I'd be gone, I left Aaron and Hur in charge.

I went into the cloud that sat on the mountain, and climbed to the top.  I looked forward to learning something new from Him.  He already taught me about the three celebration feasts we should hold, rules about justice and Sabbaths, and etc. I wondered what He'd teach this time.

I went to the same place I'd met with Him before.  He gave me time to rest then said we should make a tabernacle.  I agreed. Having a place to worship the Lord wold help us think of Him more often. 

He told me to ask the people to bring offerings of gold; silver; bronze; blue, purple, and scarlet thread; fine linen; goats hair; ram skins dyed red; spices; and onyx stones to be used for the Tabernacle. The people received all these things from the Egyptians three months ago. They only needed to be willing to give. He also gave me a pattern for the furniture and the tabernacle.


As God taught, I gave Him my full attention. When I didn't understand His instructions, He explained the information again. 

The pattern for the tabernacle had specific details like how many hooks should be in each curtain, the number of curtains to be hung on each side, the type of wood, how big each area should be, what to separate each area with, and who would be in charge of taking care of it.

The Lord assigned Aaron and his sons as priests then gave instructions how to make their priestly clothes. When we finished the garments, Aaron and his sons needed to follow God's ceremony preparing them to serve Him.  This would take seven days.

Next God gave me instructions how to make the furniture. Each piece had a purpose and a specific place in the tabernacle.  He told me the names of men from the camp whom He gave the Spirit of God in wisdom and understanding in knowledge and in all manner of workmanship to make what was needed.

I'm not sure exactly how long I'd been on the mountain. Quite truthfully, I hadn't noticed. Time dashed by each time I sat and listened to God.  He said He had one more instruction for me.  He talked about the importance of resting and worshiping Him on the Sabbath. The Lord reminded me He rested on the seventh day after creating the earth in six days, therefore we need to do the same.

I stood to go back down the mountain.  As I prepared to return to the Israelites, the Lord gave me two stone tablets of the Testimony, written with His own finger.  I hugged the tablets close to my body with one arm and used my staff with the other.

I enjoyed my visit with God and, in a way, wished I didn't have to leave.  On the other hand, I also enjoyed leading the Israelites and looked forward to sharing God's word with them.


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1. God wanted the people to make a building to worship Him. The building would be called a ________________________.
2.  What is the name of the day of rest?
3.  Since the people had been slaves, where did they get the material for the new building?
4.  What did God give Moses to take back down the mountain?
5.  If God spent time teaching Moses, what do you think He is willing to do for you?