Exodus Chapter 25

Exodus 25 — “God Chooses to Dwell Among His Redeemed People”

“Let them make Me a sanctuary, that I may dwell in their midst.” (Ex 25:8)

Exodus 25 begins a new phase in the book of Exodus.

The people have been redeemed from slavery.
The covenant has been sealed in blood (Exodus 24).
Now God reveals the purpose of redemption:

Communion.

God does not save Israel merely to give them laws —
He saves them so that He may live among them.

The tabernacle is not architecture.
It is theology in visible form.

1. God Asks for a Free Offering

“Tell the people of Israel to take for Me a contribution… from every man whose heart moves him.” (v. 2)

The tabernacle is built not from taxes, but from love.

God does not force worship.
He invites generosity.

This reveals a Catholic truth:

True worship begins with a willing heart.

St Gregory the Great writes:

“God accepts not the size of the gift, but the freedom of the giver.”
(Moralia on Job)

2. God Dwells Among a Redeemed People

“Let them make Me a sanctuary, that I may dwell in their midst.” (v. 8)

This is the goal of the entire Exodus.

God does not merely visit Israel.
He dwells with them.

Sin expelled humanity from Eden.
The tabernacle is God returning to His people.

St Irenaeus explains:

“The glory of God is man alive — and God living with man.”
(Against Heresies)

This is fulfilled in Christ, Emmanuel — God with us.

3. The Tabernacle Is Revealed, Not Invented

“According to all that I show you…” (v. 9)

The design comes from God Himself.

Worship is not a human project.
It is received.

This principle remains in the Church:

Liturgy is a gift, not a performance.

4. The Ark of the Covenant: God’s Throne

“They shall make an ark…” (vv. 10–16)

The Ark is the holiest object in Israel.

It holds:

  • The tablets of the Law
  • The covenant
  • God’s presence

It is God’s throne on earth.

The Fathers saw the Ark as a figure of Christ — and of Mary.

St Athanasius writes:

“As the Ark bore the Law, so Mary bore the Lawgiver.”
(Homilies)

5. The Mercy Seat: Where God Meets Blood

“You shall make a mercy seat of pure gold.” (v. 17)

The mercy seat is the lid of the Ark.

This is where sacrificial blood will be placed on the Day of Atonement.

It is the meeting place between:

Sin and mercy

St Augustine writes:

“God reigns not from judgment alone, but from mercy.”
(Sermons)

This foreshadows the Cross — where Christ’s blood is poured out before God.

6. The Cherubim: Heaven Surrounds God’s Throne

“The cherubim shall spread out their wings…” (v. 20)

These angels recall Eden.

In Genesis, cherubim guarded the way back to God.
Now they surround God as He returns to dwell with His people.

Heaven and earth are touching again.

7. God Speaks from Between Mercy and Law

“There I will meet with you.” (v. 22)

God chooses to speak from above the mercy seat — above the Law, covered by blood.

This is profound:

God governs His people not by raw power,
but by mercy joined to truth.

8. The Table of the Bread of the Presence

“You shall make a table…” (vv. 23–30)

The twelve loaves represent the twelve tribes.

Israel is continually present before God in bread.

This foreshadows the Eucharist.

St Cyril of Jerusalem teaches:

“The bread placed before God becomes the bread that gives life.”
(Catechetical Lectures)

God’s house is not only a throne — it is a table.

9. The Lampstand: God’s Light Never Goes Out

“You shall make a lampstand of pure gold…” (vv. 31–40)

This menorah symbolizes:

  • God’s presence
  • divine wisdom
  • life

God’s dwelling is never dark.

Christ will later declare:

“I am the light of the world.”

10. The Sanctuary Is a New Eden

Everything in Exodus 25 points back to Eden:

EdenTabernacle
Tree of LifeLampstand
God walking with manGod dwelling with Israel
CherubimCherubim
God’s presenceGod’s presence

Redemption is not only escape from slavery.
It is restoration of communion.

Key Catholic Themes in Exodus 25

ThemeMeaning
SanctuaryGod with His people
ArkChrist and Mary
Mercy SeatAtonement
BreadEucharist
LightChrist
CherubimHeaven touching earth

Christ at the Centre of Exodus 25

The Fathers saw this chapter fulfilled in Christ:

  • Ark → Christ bearing God’s Word
  • Mercy Seat → the Cross
  • Bread → the Eucharist
  • Light → Christ
  • Dwelling → the Incarnation

St Augustine says:

“God who once dwelt in a tent now dwells in flesh.”
(Sermons)

Spiritual Application

  • God desires to dwell with you.
  • Give Him not leftovers, but willing gifts.
  • Let Christ be enthroned in your heart.
  • Feed on His Bread.
  • Walk in His Light.
  • Become a living tabernacle.

Closing Prayer

Lord God,
You commanded a sanctuary so that You might dwell among Your redeemed people.
Fulfil this dwelling in us through Jesus Christ,
the true Ark, the living Bread, and the eternal Light.
Make our hearts a holy place for Your presence,
that we may live in communion with You now
and forever in Your heavenly dwelling.
Amen.