After reading chapter 25:
*While Moses was on the mountain, Yahweh told him that the Israelites were to make offerings of rich materials that would be used to construct an ephod, a breast-piece, a tabernacle and furnishings.
*Then, instructions were given in how to make a fancy golden chest, with a lid that has one cherub at each end. This chest is called an ark in English, but it just means chest. Inside the chest, something called "The Testimony" was to be placed. When it was closed, Yahweh would be hovering over the top, between the cherubim. So, when God was there, does that mean he was not anywhere else?
* Instructions were also given for the construction of a special golden table and dishes of pure gold. Something called "the bread of the presence" was to be on the table, set in front of Yahweh, who would be over the ark.
*Next, we have instructions for a fancy lamp stand of pure gold, seven oil lamps to put on the stand, and golden wick trimmers and trays, all to be made according to a specific pattern. Pure gold, being a very soft metal, would be very impractical for these uses. but maybe God is more into aesthetics and an appearance of wealth than practicality.
*The question I have is, why? All this stuff seems to be needless, and needlessly complicating god's relationship with the people. An all powerful God certainly wouldn't need these things. If it is just as a test of obedience, that seems rather petty and controlling. It would make more sense if such a display of wealth were the priests' idea. Plus, other ancient gods had similar implements used in their service.
No comments:
Post a Comment