It is the Lord who meets with the people of Israel, dwells among the people of Israel, and sanctifies the people of Israel. 

Here in the book of Exodus, the Lord is communicating laws and stipulations for the office of the priesthood. The people of Israel have been given detailed instruction on how to construct the tabernacle, or the tent of meeting, at a later time. This is the place where the people of Israel will encounter the lord in a unique and powerful way. 

In Chapter 29, we read that Aaron and his sons are to be consecrated to serve the Lord as priests (this will not happen until Leviticus, when the tabernacle is built). A detailed set of instructions is given to the priests by the Lord on how they are to practice their regular priestly services on behalf of the people of Israel.  

Verses 38-46 describe a morning and evening daily offering to be performed by the priests in a regular ceremony. The Lord gives a preview of how the tabernacle will alter the daily lives of the priests, community leaders and the people of Israel. 

The Lord declares that in the tabernacle — there, he will meet with the people of Israel and the tabernacle and the people will be sanctified by his glory. The Lord will dwell among his people, and he will be their God. The people will know that the Lord is the Lord their God, who brought them from Egypt.  

It is an astounding truth the Lord comes to meet with us. Wherever we are, or are not, the Lord will meet us there. 

Catherine Rybicki, M.Div., Charlotte, N.C.

Extended Scripture: Exodus 28–30 (ESV)