Explore the Bible Sunday School Lesson for Feb. 2

Here’s the Explore the Bible Sunday School lesson commentary for Feb. 2, written by Douglas K. Wilson, Ph.D., professor of Biblical Studies, University of Mobile.

Explore the Bible Sunday School Lesson for Feb. 2

By Douglas K. Wilson, Ph. D.
Professor of Biblical Studies, University of Mobile

INHABITED

Exodus 40:16–21, 34–38

The previous lesson focused on an overview of the tabernacle and the artisans who created its holy contents. Exodus 40 records the organization of these contents into a unified whole.

In the intervening chapters, several significant events occurred. Israel created and worshipped a golden calf idol in chapter 32, and Moses broke the first set of stone tablets out of anger.

The descendants of Levi were chosen to be the priestly tribe. In chapter 33, God revealed His glory while Moses was protected in the cleft of a rock.

God also introduced Himself to Moses as being compassionate, gracious, patient, faithful, forgiving, just and punitive (34:6–7). This introduction is quoted or alluded to multiple times throughout the Old Testament and exemplified in the life of Jesus.

Instructions Followed (16–21)

Moses demonstrated his faith in God by following His instructions. Jesus provided related counsel to us: “If you love me, you will keep my commands” (John 14:15).

On the first anniversary of their escape from Egypt, Moses focused Israel’s attention upon this sacred meeting place.

Rather than following the idolatrous practices of their past in Egypt, they were to turn their faith upon the God who had led them to Mount Sinai.

Moses assembled all the materials as he had previously seen in a vision. The outer courtyard was established and arranged, then the Holy Place — also known as the Tent of Meeting — was assembled with its contents.

Finally, the Ark of the Covenant was placed with the Ten Commandment tablets inside.

No words from Moses are recorded in this final chapter; rather, actions were necessary to demonstrate Moses’ faith.

Tabernacle Inhabited (34–35)

God communicated His acceptance of the tabernacle by manifesting His glory within and a cloud above the Tent of Meeting. Moses was unable to enter the tent because of the weight of the manifest glory of God.

Guidance Given (36–38)

God-led movement. Israel was to follow God’s direction.

If the manifest glory lifted off the Tent of Meeting, the Levites knew that it was time to pack up, and the rest of the tribes were to prepare to move. God’s people had to pay attention to what God was doing and follow Him.

Human-led movement. Today, we often change to please ourselves or others, not because we are consciously following the leadership of the Holy Spirit.

We switch jobs, schools, homes and even churches out of personal preferences or better benefits. We treat church as if we are consumers choosing from a menu instead of a family of Christ-followers. We focus on which Bible translation, which style of music and which style of clothing are used in worship. We ask how entertained our children and grandchildren are.

Technology-led movement. Due to technology, many people today have a difficult time discerning between reality and virtual reality and between online friends and actual friends. Breakthroughs in artificial intelligence technology make it difficult for many people to communicate for themselves. This is one further step removed from being led by the Spirit of God.

What if we built our lives upon the teachings of Jesus and the apostles with the commitment that Moses showed in building the tabernacle? We do not labor in vain when the Lord builds up our lives and as we walk in humble faith and obedience (Ps. 127:1).

EDITOR’S NOTE — The Sunday School lesson outlines are provided by Lifeway.