EXODUS 25

OFFERINGS FOR THE TABERNACLE 

God gives a list of things that are appropriate for sacrifices, which includes primarily valuable or luxury items. 

God gives specific instructions for building the ark of the covenant, a place for the stone tablets to dwell. The ark of the covenant is very valuable, made of gold, and covered with images of cherubim, an angelic creature who also guarded the Garden of Eden in Genesis 3. Cherubim are described as having four heads, one in each direction, and wings covered in eyes, making them worthy protectors of holy places. 

The Israelites are to use gold poles to carry the ark in order to not touch it, similar to how they could not touch Mount Sinai because the presence of God is too powerful.  

God also gives specific instructions on building a table and a lampstand for the tabernacle. 

Normally, the Israelites would not have gold and valuable objects to make these things for God, but earlier in Exodus 12, God prepared them by having them plunder the Egyptians. God is involved in every detail and uses it for His glory!