Matthew Henry’s Modern English CommentaryExodus 37

Exodus 37:1-9: The Tabernacle and Its Furniture This passage starts the detailed account of how the tabernacle and its furniture were actually made. Even though the instructions had already been given, Moses records the making of each item in detail. This repetition is important for several reasons: it helped the Israelites understand and remember these special objects, it showed how carefully Moses and the workers followed God’s commands, and it reminds us that God notices and values every act of obedience. God keeps an exact record of sincere service, and we should also think often about the spiritual meaning and beauty found in God’s ways (; ; ).v. 1-9: These verses describe how the ark, the mercy seat, and the cherubim were made. The ark represents the presence and glory of God, who is worshipped by the angels, shown here as cherubim facing each other ( ). The ark also points to the kind of heart God wants—a heart that keeps His law inside. The mercy seat on top of the ark shows how, through Jesus Christ, we can have peace and fellowship with God. He covers our sins and invites us to draw near, teaching and accepting us, and keeping us safe under His mercy ( ).

Exodus 37:10-24: The Table and the Candlestick This section tells how the workers made the table for the showbread and the golden candlestick for the tabernacle. These two pieces of furniture had special meaning. The table with bread showed that God provides for His people, both in the world and in the church. The candlestick represented how God gives light and guidance to His people through His word and presence. These objects also help us understand how much greater God’s blessings are under the gospel of Jesus Christ.v. 10-16: The table was made to hold the showbread, which was always to be placed before God ( ). This showed that God is generous and always provides what is needed. In the Old Testament, only the priests could eat this bread, but in the New Testament, Jesus invites all believers to enjoy fellowship with Him and to receive the bread of life (; ).

v. 17-24: The candlestick was made from pure, beaten gold, not wood covered with gold ( ). It gave light inside the tabernacle, showing that God’s people are guided by His word, which is like a lamp or a golden candlestick (; ). The candlestick had bowls for oil, and it was decorated with shapes like buds and flowers. This reminds us that God’s word is not only useful, but also beautiful and precious. The light from the candlestick comes from God, and we should be thankful for it and never take it for granted ( ).

Exodus 37:25-29: The Golden Altar, Incense, and Anointing Oil This passage describes how the golden altar of incense was made, along with the special incense and anointing oil. These items were used in the holy place of the tabernacle and had important spiritual meanings. The incense represented the prayers of God’s people and Christ’s intercession for them. Everything used here was covered in gold, showing that we should give our best to God. The making of the incense and oil also showed the special wisdom and skill that God gave to the workers.v. 25-28: The golden altar was made for burning incense every day ( ). The altar, rings, and carrying poles were all covered with gold, just like the other holy vessels. This teaches us to honor God with our best. However, even our best efforts on earth are nothing compared to the perfect service we will give God in heaven ( ).

v. 29: Bezaleel also made the holy anointing oil and the special incense, following God’s instructions exactly (; ). God gave him the wisdom and skill to do this, even though it was a new kind of work for him. When God gives us knowledge and grace, He helps us do every good thing He asks of us ( ).