Exodus chapter 25 starts with God telling Moses to ask the people for contributions to build a tabernacle for Him.  “The LORD said to Moses, “Speak to the people of Israel, that they take for me a contribution. From every man whose heart moves him you shall receive the contribution for me.” (Exodus 25:1-2)  The following verses down thru chapter 28 are very specific instructions on how God wanted this tabernacle and everything in it to be built.  The details included sizes, types of wood and other materials, even the color of the garments to be worn by the priests.  He also let them know that He would dwell there.  “And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them.” (Exodus 25:8)   So why did God include this level of detail to be preserved in the Bible for us to read today?  One reason may be that He wanted us to know the importance of worshiping and honoring Him by following specific details from His word.  He probably also wanted them to see the respect that was to be given to the place that He dwelled with them.  We can compare this to what we read about His dwelling place with us today.  “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?  If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.” (1 Corinthians 3:16-17)

Today’s reading: Exodus 25-27