The framework of the tabernacle was built of boards of acacia (shittim) wood overlaid with gold, standing on a foundation of silver. These boards were ten cubits in length and one-and-a-half cubits in breadth. They had two tenons, which fitted into the silver sockets, twenty boards to each side of the tabernacle, whose length was […]
The directions concerning the construction of the tabernacle, and the institution of priesthood–without which there could be no presentation to God of sacrifice at the brazen altar, or worship at the golden altar–are the subjects of seven chapters in Exodus 25-31. How cheerfully and abundantly the “willing hearted”–both of men and woman–contributed to their substance, […]
God’s purpose in giving instructions for building the tabernacle in the wilderness is stated plainly in Exodus 25:8, “Let them make Me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them.” From the earliest time, God has sought to have communion with man, as evidenced in His walk in the garden of Eden (Gen. 3:8), in […]
We are often told that right doctrine should have a practical effect. Henry William Soltau (1805-1875) lived to show us how that is done. He was the second son of George Soltau, a prosperous merchant of England’s port city Plymouth. His father was a godly Anglican, and an energetic civic leader. He worked to establish […]
Israel made a golden calf while Moses was getting the plans for all the holy vessels for them. It is afflicting, but withal exceedingly beautiful, the intercourse of God with Moses, consequent upon the people making the golden calf–how, in the midst of all the ruin, faith, under grace, can have closer fellowship than when […]
The method by which Christians interpret the Bible will immeasurably determine the richness with which we understand the Scriptures. Entrance to the vast storehouses of the Word of God will be thrown open to us by our approach to Scripture. Our method of interpretation will dictate our theology, and our theology will mold our hearts […]
It has been my lot in life to celebrate my birthday just three days into the new year. That means I have little time to recover from the painful exercise of assessing my performance in the last year of the 1900s. I try to soothe my forlorn heart with the hope of a better year […]
I hesitated to write about Samuel Rutherford (1600-1661) because I thought no one would believe me. In this frivolous day, when a preacher tells an obligatory joke at the opening of every sermon, is there anyone left who can understand a man like Samuel Rutherford? His letters were flights into heaven, his pastoral labors daunting, […]
Sin had interposed such a barrier between God and man that to man, in the condition in which he is found by nature, God is not only unseen but unknown. Hence at Athens, the very center of human wisdom, an altar was erected “to the unknown God” (Acts 17:23). To know God is the highest […]