THE TABERNACLE DESCRIBED.
THE Court of the congregation, the tabernacle, and ali the vessels connected with it, having been ordered to be constructed after a Divine model, which was shewn to Moses on the Mount; the Lord commanded him to inform the Israelites that they were at liberty to give whatever was needed for that important work; and accordingly we are told, that multitudes, both of men and women, were so anxious to contribute, that Moses was obliged to restrain their liberality. But when God intends a work, he also provides persons qualified to execute it: hence Bezaleel, the son of Uri, of the tribe of Judah, and Aholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, are mentioned as having been eminently skilled to devise cunning work, and works in gold, in silver, and in brass; in cutting stones to set them, carving of wood, weaving and embroidery; and as well qualified to teach and superintend others in these departments: for we may easily suppose, that a number of persons of both sexes would be requisite for preparing the materials, and making them up into the different articles.
Let us proceed, then, to consider the various parts of this divinely-contrived tabernacle in their order.
* Ex. xx. 40; xxvi. 30.
Ex. xxxv. 20-29; xxxvi, 4–7.
b Ex. xxv. 1-8; xxxv. 4-9.
dEx. xxxi. 1-6; xxxv. 30-35; xxxvi. 1-3; xxxviii. 22, 23.