September 2025

Read Ellen G. White, “The Tabernacle and Its Services,” pp. 353–358, in Patriarchs and Prophets.

Read John 1:14. How is Christ’s incarnation compared to the tabernacle?

The incarnation of Jesus is a mystery as well as an exclusive science that the redeemed will study throughout eternity. The apostle John states that Christ, by taking upon Himself our body, revealed that He dwells with us in a tangible way. Jesus here in the flesh resembles the God of the Old Testament, who dwelt with the Israelites in the tabernacle at Sinai and in the wilderness as they journeyed to the Promised Land.

Read Exodus 40:1–38. How did the Israelites discern God’s presence?

The final chapter of Exodus (Exodus 40) describes the dedication of the tabernacle and the gift of the Decalogue. The tabernacle’s dedication was the culminating event of Israel at Sinai.

Skim through Exodus 36:8–39:31. Why do you think such explicit instructions were given? What does this teach us about how God cares about every detail?

However much those opposed to the seventh-day Sabbath argue, falsely, that it was for the Jews only (the seventh day was set apart and sanctified in Eden [see Gen. 2:1–3]); or they argue, falsely, that the Jews first heard about it at Sinai (the Jews were keeping the Sabbath before Sinai [see Exod. 16:22–29])—there is no question that the Sabbath was very much a part of the life of the Hebrew people from the start.

Read Exodus 35:1–3. What truth was reiterated to the people here in the context of the building of the sanctuary?

Read for This Week’s Study

Exod. 35:1–36:7, Gen. 1:1, Exod. 36:8–39:31, Heb. 7:25, Exod. 40:1–38, John 1:14.

Memory Text:

Carefully read Ellen G. White, “Idolatry at Sinai,” pp. 327–330, in Patriarchs and Prophets.

Read Exodus 34:29–35. What was the cause of Moses’ radiant face?

After God revealed His character of love to Moses, Moses descended to Israel’s camp with a radiant face. Did Moses know at first that his face was radiant? Not at all. The closer one is to the Lord, the more keenly aware the person is of his or her imperfections compared to God’s holiness.

Read Exodus 34:1–28. How did God reveal His glory to Moses?

Moses had to take with him two stone tablets like the first ones, which he had broken (Exod. 32:19). He was going to meet with the Lord on Mount Sinai for the seventh time. His previous climbs are mentioned in the following texts: (1) Exod. 19:3, 7; (2) Exod. 19:8, 14; (3) Exod. 19:20, 25; (4) Exod. 20:21, Exod. 24:3; (5) Exod. 24:9, 12–18; Exod. 32:15; (6) Exod. 32:30, 31. Moses started his climb early in the morning.

After the golden calf apostasy, Moses interceded for God’s people and wanted to be assured that the Lord would continue leading them to the Promised Land. Deep down within his being, he also wanted to know the Lord better.

Read Exodus 33:18–23. How did God answer Moses’ request to see His glory?