Bible Glide

Exodus 25

Exodus 25 Summary, Context, and Full Chapter

Exodus 25 begins the tabernacle instructions. God calls for willing gifts from the people and gives Moses detailed plans for the holy place where He will meet with them. The chapter centers on His presence, His holiness, and the careful design of the ark, mercy seat, table, and lampstand.

Read in ReaderShare Passage

What happens in Exodus 25?

God tells Moses to receive offerings from those whose hearts are willing, then lists the materials needed for the sanctuary. The people are to build a tabernacle so God may dwell among them, following the pattern shown on the mountain. The chapter gives detailed instructions for the ark of the covenant, the mercy seat with cherubim, the table for the Bread of the Presence, and the gold lampstand with seven lamps. Every part is to be made with care and according to God's design.

This chapter follows the covenant scene in Exodus 24, where Moses went up the mountain with the leaders of Israel. Exodus 25 begins a long section of tabernacle instructions that continues through Exodus 31 and then into the building work later in the book. The focus shifts from covenant words to the place where God will dwell among His people.

Themes to notice

  • God's dwellingThe tabernacle is designed as the place where God will be present among Israel.
  • Willing offeringsThe materials for worship are to come from people who give freely and willingly.
  • Holy orderEvery object is made by God's pattern, showing reverence and careful obedience.

Questions for Exodus 25

  • What does it mean that the offerings were to come from a willing heart?
  • Why does this chapter stress that everything must follow God's pattern?
  • What do the ark, mercy seat, table, and lampstand show about God's presence with His people?

Read the full text of Exodus 25 below, then open it in the reader to highlight, take notes, or ask follow-up Bible questions. No account is required to read.

Exodus 25

Offerings for the Tabernacle

1Then the LORD said to Moses,2“Tell the Israelites to bring Me an offering. You are to receive My offering from every man whose heart compels him.

3This is the offering you are to accept from them:

gold, silver, and bronze;

4blue, purple, and scarlet yarn;

fine linen and goat hair;

5ram skins dyed red and fine leather;

acacia wood;

6olive oil for the light;

spices for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense;

7and onyx stones and gemstones to be mounted on the ephod and breastpiece.

8And they are to make a sanctuary for Me, so that I may dwell among them.9You must make the tabernacle and design all its furnishings according to the pattern I show you.

The Ark of the Covenant

10And they are to construct an ark of acacia wood, two and a half cubits long, a cubit and a half wide, and a cubit and a half high.11Overlay it with pure gold both inside and out, and make a gold molding around it.12Cast four gold rings for it and fasten them to its four feet, two rings on one side and two on the other.13And make poles of acacia wood and overlay them with gold.14Insert the poles into the rings on the sides of the ark, in order to carry it.15The poles are to remain in the rings of the ark; they must not be removed.16And place inside the ark the Testimony, which I will give you.

The Mercy Seat

17And you are to construct a mercy seat of pure gold, two and a half cubits long and a cubit and a half wide.18Make two cherubim of hammered gold at the ends of the mercy seat,19one cherub on one end and one on the other, all made from one piece of gold.20And the cherubim are to have wings that spread upward, overshadowing the mercy seat. The cherubim are to face each other, looking toward the mercy seat.21Set the mercy seat atop the ark, and put the Testimony that I will give you into the ark.22And I will meet with you there above the mercy seat, between the two cherubim that are over the ark of the Testimony; I will speak with you about all that I command you regarding the Israelites.

The Table of Showbread

23You are also to make a table of acacia wood two cubits long, a cubit wide, and a cubit and a half high.24Overlay it with pure gold and make a gold molding around it.25And make a rim around it a handbreadth wide and put a gold molding on the rim.26Make four gold rings for the table and fasten them to the four corners at its four legs.27The rings are to be close to the rim, to serve as holders for the poles used to carry the table.28Make the poles of acacia wood and overlay them with gold, so that the table may be carried with them.29You are also to make the plates and dishes, as well as the pitchers and bowls for pouring drink offerings. Make them out of pure gold.30And place the Bread of the Presence on the table before Me at all times.

The Lampstand

31Then you are to make a lampstand of pure, hammered gold. It shall be made of one piece, including its base and shaft, its cups, and its buds and petals.32Six branches are to extend from the sides of the lampstand—three on one side and three on the other.33There are to be three cups shaped like almond blossoms on the first branch, each with buds and petals, three on the next branch, and the same for all six branches that extend from the lampstand.34And on the lampstand there shall be four cups shaped like almond blossoms with buds and petals.35For the six branches that extend from the lampstand, a bud must be under the first pair of branches, a bud under the second pair, and a bud under the third pair.36The buds and branches are to be all of one piece with the lampstand, hammered out of pure gold.37Make seven lamps and set them up on the lampstand so that they illuminate the area in front of it.38The wick trimmers and their trays must be of pure gold.39The lampstand and all these utensils shall be made from a talent of pure gold.40See to it that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.

Keep studying

Save notes and ask about Exodus 25

Create a free account to keep highlights and notes across devices, or open Bible Glide Chat with this passage already attached.

Create Free AccountAsk About This Passage