Day 43: The Ark of the Covenant

 Today's readings: Exodus 25-26, Leviticus 19, and Psalm 119:1-56.

I. In Exodus chapter 25, God commands Moses to collect from the Israelites offerings for the Tabernacle that He will instruct him to build. Then a description of the Ark of the Covenant, containing the Ten Commandments or covenant within, the Table for the Bread of the Presence, and finally, the Lampstand.

What stands out to me is the following:

• The Israelites are essentially nomadic at this time, which is why each item is described as having poles to carry it when they move around. 
• They had no Temple at that time, so the Tabernacle stood in for what they would build later.
• The descriptions of the Tabernacle and furnishings probably sounded a bit familiar to the Israelites, coming from the pagan practices they were used to. Only, all this is to take what may seem familiar and redirect them to the One True God.
• God has no need of gold or fine furnishings; all this is to take what man considers worthy of precious value and use it to honor the One True God as well as redirect them to Him. As beautiful as the Tabernacle may have seemed to them, the Temple later, and even our finest cathedrals and churches today, pale in comparison to the majesty of God's own handiwork in Creation (Mt 6:28-30).
• The mercy seat on the Ark sounds almost like a throne to me for the Most High God.

In chapter 26, God gives specific details on how the Israelites are to construct the Tabernacle and install a curtain or veil, shielding the Holy of Holies where the Ark resides, from the rest of the tent.

II. In Leviticus chapter 19, God gives instructions to Moses on how the Israelites are to live in holiness in their daily lives. In their relations with their families and neighbors, as well as their relations with God. Then, a shortened version of the Ten Commandments and instructions previously given to Moses are recalled. As the Ignatius Bible notes:

In these ways, Israel is called to "love" others - not only their kin (19:18) but also non-Israelites who dwell among them. (p. 207)

III. Psalm 119:1-56, we are given the first third of a very long psalm that is one of wisdom and praise for God's law. 

That's it for this Holy Saturday and tomorrow is Easter or Pascha - Christ is truly Risen!