Exo 25:22-30 | TNotes | STEP | 25:22 I will meet with you there: The Ark was located in the innermost part of the sanctuary (26:33 ), which was in effect God’s throne room (see study note on Lev 16:2). In a comparable pagan sanctuary, one would find an idol in this location. The Tabernacle had no idol, only a box that physically represented the covenant faithfulness and grace of God. God meets his people in that context, not in the context of idolatry. An idol reflects the belief that a deity is continuous with the created order and that it can be manipulated with the right ritual. It assumes that we can secure blessings from the deity without regard to our own character or commitment. But God is completely distinct from this world, and he cannot be manipulated in any way. He wants to bless us, but those blessings can only be given to those who receive his grace as a gift and surrender to him in trust.

c25:23-30►

‏ Exodus 25:22-30

25:22 ^a I will meet with you there: The Ark was located in the innermost part of the sanctuary (26:33 ^b), which was in effect God’s throne room (see study note on Lev 16:2). In a comparable pagan sanctuary, one would find an idol in this location. The Tabernacle had no idol, only a box that physically represented the covenant faithfulness and grace of God. God meets his people in that context, not in the context of idolatry. An idol reflects the belief that a deity is continuous with the created order and that it can be manipulated with the right ritual. It assumes that we can secure blessings from the deity without regard to our own character or commitment. But God is completely distinct from this world, and he cannot be manipulated in any way. He wants to bless us, but those blessings can only be given to those who receive his grace as a gift and surrender to him in trust.
Summary for Exod 25:23-30: 25:23-30 ^c The table of acacia wood stood on the north side of the main room of the sanctuary, the Holy Place (26:35 ^d). It reminded the people that God would provide sustenance for them. Above all, that sustenance was his presence (25:30 ^e).
25:29 ^f The liquid offerings included olive oil and wine (see 29:40 ^g).