Exodus 25:8
And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them.
Original Language Analysis
וְעָ֥שׂוּ
And let them make
H6213
וְעָ֥שׂוּ
And let them make
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
1 of 5
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
מִקְדָּ֑שׁ
me a sanctuary
H4720
מִקְדָּ֑שׁ
me a sanctuary
Strong's:
H4720
Word #:
3 of 5
a consecrated thing or place, especially, a palace, sanctuary (whether of jehovah or of idols) or asylum
Cross References
2 Corinthians 6:16And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.1 Kings 6:13And I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will not forsake my people Israel.Revelation 21:3And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.Exodus 29:45And I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will be their God.Zechariah 2:10Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion: for, lo, I come, and I will dwell in the midst of thee, saith the LORD.Hebrews 3:6But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.Zechariah 8:3Thus saith the LORD; I am returned unto Zion, and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and Jerusalem shall be called a city of truth; and the mountain of the LORD of hosts the holy mountain.Isaiah 12:6Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion: for great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee.Numbers 5:3Both male and female shall ye put out, without the camp shall ye put them; that they defile not their camps, in the midst whereof I dwell.
Historical Context
Unlike pagan temples that served as divine residences, Israel's tabernacle facilitated God's presence among His people during their wilderness journey. It was portable, traveling with them, demonstrating God's commitment to be with His people wherever they went.
Questions for Reflection
- What does it mean that God desires to 'dwell among' His people rather than simply rule over them?
- How has Christ's incarnation ('tabernacling among us') transformed your understanding of God's accessibility?
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Analysis & Commentary
The purpose statement: 'Let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them.' The Hebrew מִקְדָּשׁ (miqdash, sanctuary) means 'holy place,' emphasizing separation unto God. The goal is not merely a building but God's dwelling presence—'I may dwell (שָׁכַן, shakan) among them.' This prefigures the incarnation: 'The Word became flesh and dwelt (ἐσκήνωσεν, 'tabernacled') among us' (John 1:14).