Then the LORD said to Moses,This phrase marks the beginning of a divine communication, emphasizing the direct relationship between God and Moses. In the context of the Exodus narrative, Moses serves as the mediator between God and the Israelites. This communication underscores the covenant relationship established at Mount Sinai, where God gave the Law to His people. The phrase "the LORD" refers to Yahweh, the personal name of God revealed to Moses at the burning bush (
Exodus 3:14). This name signifies God's eternal, self-existent nature and His faithfulness to His promises.
The setting of this communication is significant. It occurs after the Israelites have been delivered from Egypt and are encamped at Mount Sinai. This location is pivotal in Israel's history as the place where they receive the Law and instructions for the Tabernacle, which will serve as the dwelling place of God's presence among His people.
Moses, as the leader chosen by God, is a type of Christ. Just as Moses mediates the covenant between God and Israel, Jesus mediates the New Covenant between God and humanity (
Hebrews 9:15). Moses' role as a prophet, leader, and intercessor prefigures the ultimate work of Christ.
The phrase also introduces the instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle, which will follow in the subsequent verses. The Tabernacle is a type of Christ, symbolizing God's presence with His people. It foreshadows the incarnation of Jesus, who "tabernacled" among us (
John 1:14). The detailed instructions for the Tabernacle highlight the importance of worship and the holiness required to approach God, themes that are fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal existence and faithfulness. In this context, He is the divine authority giving instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle.
2.
MosesThe chosen leader of the Israelites, serving as the mediator between God and His people. He receives the divine instructions for the Tabernacle, which will be a central place of worship.
3.
Mount SinaiAlthough not mentioned directly in this verse, the context of
Exodus 25 is that Moses is on Mount Sinai, where he receives the laws and instructions from God.
4.
The IsraelitesThe people of God, who are to follow the instructions given to Moses for building the Tabernacle, a place where God's presence will dwell among them.
5.
The TabernacleThe portable sanctuary that God commands Moses to build, symbolizing His presence with the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness.
Teaching Points
Divine CommunicationGod speaks to His people through chosen leaders. Just as He spoke to Moses, God continues to communicate His will through Scripture and spiritual leaders today.
Obedience to God's InstructionsThe detailed instructions for the Tabernacle highlight the importance of obedience to God's commands. Believers are called to follow God's Word with precision and reverence.
God's PresenceThe Tabernacle symbolizes God's desire to dwell among His people. Today, believers are the temple of the Holy Spirit, emphasizing the personal and communal presence of God in our lives.
Preparation for WorshipThe construction of the Tabernacle required preparation and dedication. Similarly, believers should prepare their hearts and lives for worship, ensuring that they are a suitable dwelling place for God's presence.
Community InvolvementThe building of the Tabernacle involved the entire community of Israel. In the same way, the church today is called to work together in unity to fulfill God's purposes.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Exodus 25:1?
2.How does Exodus 25:1 demonstrate God's desire for a dwelling among His people?
3.What can we learn about obedience from God's instructions in Exodus 25:1?
4.How does Exodus 25:1 connect to the New Testament concept of God's presence?
5.In what ways can we contribute to God's work, as seen in Exodus 25:1?
6.How does God's command in Exodus 25:1 inspire our worship and service today?
7.What is the significance of God speaking directly to Moses in Exodus 25:1?
8.How does Exodus 25:1 reflect God's desire for a relationship with His people?
9.Why is the instruction in Exodus 25:1 important for understanding the Tabernacle's purpose?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Exodus 25?
11.Why do Christian leaders claim to hear from God, yet often contradict each other?
12.What does the Bible say about church fundraising?
13.What does 'The Lord is My Banner' mean?
14.If Exodus 33:11 says Moses spoke with God 'face to face,' how do we reconcile this with Exodus 33:20 where God says no one can see His face and live?What Does Exodus 25:1 Mean
Then• “Then the LORD said to Moses” (Exodus 25:1) opens with “Then,” connecting the verse directly to the scene just completed on Mount Sinai inExodus 24.
• The sequence matters: God never speaks at random. He had just confirmed the covenant with Israel through blood and a shared meal (Exodus 24:4–11). Only after that covenant ceremony does He reveal the pattern for the tabernacle.
• This orderly progression mirrors other moments where God first establishes relationship, then unfolds instruction—just as He rescued Israel from Egypt before giving the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1–2).
the LORD• “the LORD” capitalized points to Yahweh, the covenant name revealed inExodus 3:14–15.
• Every detail that follows flows from His unchanging character (Malachi 3:6); what He commands is righteous, holy, and good (Psalm 19:7–9).
• By speaking personally, He shows that Israel’s worship is directed to a living, present God—not an abstract force (Deuteronomy 6:4–5).
• His covenant faithfulness guarantees the tabernacle plans will enable His dwelling among the people, fulfilling His promise inExodus 29:45–46.
said• God “said”—divine speech initiates everything that matters, echoingGenesis 1 where God spoke creation into existence.
• When God speaks, His word is authoritative and effective (Isaiah 55:10–11). Moses is not brainstorming a worship center; he is receiving precise revelation (Hebrews 8:5).
• The command to build a sanctuary (Exodus 25:8) stems from this speech, setting apart Israel’s worship from the idolatrous ideas of surrounding nations (Leviticus 18:3–4).
to Moses• God addresses Moses personally, affirming him as mediator (Numbers 12:6–8).
• Moses represents the people before God and God before the people, foreshadowing the ultimate Mediator, Jesus Christ (1 Timothy 2:5;Hebrews 3:1–6).
• Through Moses, Israel will receive exact instructions—dimensions, materials, and order—underscoring that acceptable worship is revealed, not invented (John 4:23–24).
• This relational chain (God → Moses → Israel) highlights accountability: Moses must faithfully relay God’s words (Deuteronomy 4:1–2).
summaryExodus 25:1 may appear brief, yet each word is loaded with meaning. “Then” ties God’s instructions to His just-sealed covenant. “the LORD” reminds us that the covenant-keeping God is the source of every command. “said” underscores the creative, authoritative power of His spoken word. “to Moses” reveals the chosen mediator through whom God’s detailed plan for His dwelling place will reach the people. Together these elements affirm that true worship arises from God’s initiative, is grounded in covenant relationship, and must be carried out exactly as He reveals.
Verses 1-7. - THE TABERNACLE AND THE GIFTS FOR IT. The great principles of the moral law had been given in the Ten Commandments uttered by God amid the thunders of Sinai. The "Book of the Covenant," or short summary of the main laws, civil, political, and social, had been communicated to Moses, and by him reduced to a written form (
Exodus 24:4). A solemn league and covenant had been entered into between God and his people, the people undertaking to keep all the words of the Lord, and God to be their Protector, Guide, and King. But no form of worship had been set up. Abstract monotheism had been inculcated; and worship had been so far touched upon that an "altar" had been mentioned, and certain directions, chiefly negative, had been given with respect to it (
Exodus 20:24-26). It remained that the abstract monotheism should be enshrined in forms, obtain a local habitation, and be set forth before the eyes, and so fixed in the heart and affections of the people. God was now about to declare to Moses what the character of the habitation should be, its size, form, and materials. But before doing this, as a first and fitting, if not necessary, preliminary, he required of the people to bring of the best of their possessions for the service which he was about to institute, enumerating the substances which he would condescend to receive at their hands, and especially enjoining upon them that all should be offered willingly and from the heart (ver. 2).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Then the LORDיְהוָ֖ה(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israelsaidוַיְדַבֵּ֥ר(way·ḏab·bêr)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1696:To arrange, to speak, to subduetoאֶל־(’el-)Preposition
Strong's 413:Near, with, among, toMoses,מֹשֶׁ֥ה(mō·šeh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4872:Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgiver
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OT Law: Exodus 25:1 Yahweh spoke to Moses saying (Exo. Ex) 
