Exodus 25: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Exodus 25 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Yahweh commands Moses to ask the children of Israel for offerings to build a sanctuary (vv. 1-2). The materials for the sanctuary include gold, silver, brass, various fabrics, and precious stones (vv. 3-9). Instructions follow for constructing the ark of the covenant, which must be made of acacia wood and overlaid with pure gold (vv. 10-22). The ark should include a mercy seat with two cherubim at its ends, where Yahweh will meet with Moses.

Key verse

“Let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them.”
Exodus 25:8 (WEB)

Outline

Exodus 25:1–2 God's Command for Offerings
Exodus 25:3–9 Materials for the Sanctuary
Exodus 25:10–22 Instructions for the Ark
Exodus 25:23–30 Design of the Table
Exodus 25:31–40 Creation of the Lampstand

Discussion questions

In v8, what is the purpose of the sanctuary that is to be made?
What specific materials are listed in v3 that the children of Israel are to bring?
The phrase 'according to all that I show you' in v9: how does this guide the construction of the tabernacle?
In v22, what does it mean for God to meet with Moses 'above the mercy seat'?
When have you felt the need for a mediator in your life, as the Ark represents in v16?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Exodus 25: Exodus 26, Hebrews 9, Exodus 37.

Before next time: read Exodus 26.