Lesson 52.3-53.4 Tuesday 11-3 Speed Digging

Tues 11-3      52.3-53.4         Exodus 26-30         

Lesson 52: Exodus 25–27; 30

Old Testament Seminary Teacher Manual, 2014

https://www.lds.org/manual/old-testament-seminary-teacher-manual/introduction-to-the-book-of-exodus/lesson-52-exodus-25-27-30?lang=eng

Introduction

Through the prophet Moses, the Lord commanded the children of Israel to build a tabernacle that would be a sanctuary where the Lord could dwell among His people. He gave detailed instructions for the building of each item that would furnish the tabernacle (see Bible Dictionary, "Tabernacle").

III. Exodus 25:23–27:21; 30 The Lord reveals the pattern for building and furnishing the tabernacle

Show the picture Temple Baptismal Font (Gospel Art Book [2009], no. 121; see also LDS.org).

• What do you think the 12 oxen around the baptismal font represent? What do you think is the purpose of the symbols used in the temple?

---Invite students to ponder the possible meaning of the symbolism of the tabernacle as they continue to study Exodus 25–27; 30.
---On the board, draw only the outline of the tabernacle (in blue) as shown in the accompanying diagram.

---Explain that in Exodus 26 we read that the Lord commanded Israel to build the tent of the tabernacle with boards and curtains. He also commanded them to make a curtain called a veil to divide the tabernacle into two rooms.
---On the board, draw and label the Veil to create two rooms as shown in the diagram.
---Then invite a student to read Exodus 26:33–34 aloud looking for what the two rooms were called.

• What were the two rooms called? (Label The Holy Place and The Most Holy Place as shown in the diagram. Explain that the Most Holy Place is often called the Holy of Holies.)
• Which room was to house the ark? (The most holy place. Choose one of the student pictures of the ark and place it in the area of the board labeled The Most Holy Place.)

---Explain that the ark (sometimes called the ark of the covenant or ark of the testimony) was the central feature of the tabernacle. It was placed in the Holy of Holies, which represented the presence of the Lord.

---Explain that Exodus 27:9–18 contains the Lord’s instructions that linen curtains be placed between pillars to create a courtyard with a gate around the tabernacle.
---Draw the boundary of the outer courtyard on the board.

---Assign students to read about and draw one of the following items found in the tabernacle. (You may want to write this list on the board.) Ask them to notice where each item was to be located. They could work in pairs or small groups.

• Candlestick (with seven lamps): Exodus 25:31–32, 37–40; 26:35
• Table of shewbread: Exodus 25:23, 29–30; 26:35
• Altar of sacrifice: Exodus 27:1–8; 30:18
• Altar of incense: Exodus 30:1–8
• Laver (basin of water): Exodus 30:17–21

---After sufficient time, invite each student or group to report on the item they studied by showing their drawings and explaining anything they found about the item’s purpose and location in the tabernacle.
---Place one student picture of each item on the diagram on the board in the correct location. You may also want to label each item.

---Point out that the sacred items of the tabernacle lead from the gate to the most holy place, where the ark is. Explain that these items and the ordinances performed with them were symbolic and were meant to teach Israel how to journey through life back to God.
---Invite students to suggest aspects of our journey back to God that each item in the tabernacle might represent. Students might suggest the following possible symbolic meanings. (If students have difficulty thinking of meanings, consider listing some of the following items on the board and letting students suggest matches between the meanings and the items in the tabernacle.)

• Candlestick (with seven lamps): The Light of Christ and the Holy Ghost
• Table of shewbread: The Savior’s body (similar to the symbolic meaning of the sacrament)
• Altar of sacrifice: Giving ourselves completely to God, giving up sin, and relying on the great and last sacrifice of the Atonement of Jesus Christ
• Altar of incense: Prayer (we can approach God through prayer)
• Laver (basin of water): Cleansing, such as through repentance and baptism

---Explain that although temples today look different and operate differently than the tabernacle, they still contain ordinances and symbols that help us prepare to walk back into the presence of God.

• How would you summarize what the ordinances and symbols of the temple teach us? (After students respond, write the following truth on the board: The ordinances and symbols of the temple teach us how to proceed faithfully through this life and eventually enter God’s presence.)

To help students understand some of the symbolism of the tabernacle, you may want to show the video "The Tabernacle" (7:18), in which a narrator walks viewers through a representation of how the tabernacle may have appeared. You may want to use this video as a review or in place of students discussing the symbolism of the tabernacle. This video can be found on Old Testament Visual Resource DVDs or on LDS.org.

---Ask students to share how the temple has helped them draw closer to their Father in Heaven and the Savior.

---Conclude by encouraging students to think about the symbolism of the ancient tabernacle the next time they attend the temple. You may want to share your testimony of temple worship.

Commentary and Background Information

Exodus 25–27; 40:34. Temples and the Tabernacle

From the beginning, the Lord has commanded His people to build temples—sacred structures where He can teach, guide, and bless them (see Bible Dictionary, “Temple”). The Lord told the Israelites to build a portable tabernacle that would be their temple while they traveled in the wilderness (see Exodus 25–27; 40:34; Bible Dictionary, “Tabernacle”). For additional information on modern temples, visit the Temples section of LDS.org.

Exodus 25:10–22; 37:1–9. The ark of the covenant

     “The ark of the covenant was a chest, or box, of shittim wood overlaid with gold. It was approximately three feet nine inches long, two feet three inches wide, and two feet three inches high. Staves, or poles, on both sides allowed the priests to carry it without actually touching the ark itself. Inside, the tablets of the law given to Moses on Mount Sinai were placed (see v. 16). Hence, it was called the ark of the testimony or ark of the covenant. Later, a pot of manna and Aaron’s rod, which miraculously bloomed, were also placed inside the ark (see Hebrews 9:4). The ark was placed inside the inner room of the tabernacle known as the most holy place, or Holy of Holies. The ark was viewed with the greatest reverence by the Israelites, and prayers were recited before it was moved or placed in position (see Numbers 10:35–36).
      “The lid, or covering, for the ark is described in Exodus 25:17–22. The King James Version translates the Hebrew word kapporeth (which means ‘seat of atonement’) as ‘mercy seat.’ The covering was made of solid gold and on it were formed two cherubim with wings which came up and overshadowed the lid or mercy seat.

      “The word cherubim usually refers to guardians of sacred things. While the exact meaning of the word is not known, most scholars agree that these cherubim represented ‘redeemed and glorified manhood’ or ‘glorified saints and angels’ (Wilson, Old Testament Word Studies, s.v. ‘cherubim,’ p. 75). Since Latter-day Saints do not believe that angels have wings, as they are often shown in religious art, the commandment to form wings on the cherubim may raise some questions. Another revelation indicates, however, that wings symbolically represent the power to move and to act (see D&C 77:4). Between these cherubim on the mercy seat, God told Moses, He would meet with him and commune with him. Latter-day revelations state that angels stand as sentinels guarding the presence of God (see D&C 132:19).

     “The blood of the lamb of Jehovah was sprinkled upon the mercy seat during the sacred day of Atonement. … Paul and John both spoke of Jesus as being ‘the propitiation’ for our sins (see 1 John 2:2; 4:10; Romans 3:25). …

     “Clearly, then, the ark of the covenant was one of the most significant features of the tabernacle, both in its importance to ancient Israel and also in its symbolic significance” (Old Testament Student Manual: Genesis–2 Samuel, 3rd ed. [Church Educational System manual, 2003], 148).

Exodus 25–27, 30. The symbols of the temple teach us truth

Sister Silvia H. Allred of the Relief Society general presidency testified that we learn in the temple through symbols and the power of the Spirit:

     “The temple is a house of learning. Much of the instruction imparted in the temple is symbolic and learned by the Spirit. This means we are taught from on high. Temple covenants and ordinances are a powerful symbol of Christ and His Atonement. We all receive the same instruction, but our understanding of the meaning of the ordinances and covenants will increase as we return to the temple often with the attitude of learning and contemplating the eternal truths taught” (“Holy Temples, Sacred Covenants,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2008, 113).

Supplemental Teaching Idea

Exodus 25–27, 30. Video presentation—“Temples”

To help students understand the difference between chapels and temples, and to help them understand the blessings we receive from building temples, you may want to show the video “Temples” (5:41) at the beginning of the lesson. Alternatively, you could show it at the end of class to help students feel the truth and importance of the principles taught in the lesson. This video can be found on LDS.org.

Lesson 53: Exodus 28–29; 31

Old Testament Seminary Teacher Manual, 2014

 https://www.lds.org/manual/old-testament-seminary-teacher-manual/introduction-to-the-book-of-exodus/lesson-53-exodus-28-29-31?lang=eng

Introduction

While Moses was on Mount Sinai for 40 days, the Lord revealed how Aaron and the priests were to be consecrated, clothed, and anointed to serve in the tabernacle. The Lord promised that His presence would be with the Israelites if they kept His laws and ordinances. He also reiterated the importance of keeping the Sabbath day holy and gave Moses two stone tables containing the law.

Suggestions for Teaching

I. Exodus 28:1–43The Lord explains the clothing that Aaron and the priests are to wear for their service

---Ask students if they ever wear clothing that has some type of symbol on it (such as brand or sports team logos).
---Invite them to examine the exterior of their clothing, looking for symbols. Ask a few students to show the class any symbols they discovered and explain their meanings if they know them.

---Remind students that the Lord often uses symbols to teach or remind us of gospel truths. Items of clothing are sometimes used as symbols for this purpose.
 ---Explain that sacred religious clothing has been used symbolically since the Lord made “coats of skins” for Adam and Eve before they were cast out of the Garden of Eden (see Genesis 3:21). When Moses was on Mount Sinai for 40 days, the Lord revealed to him details concerning the tabernacle as well as the sacred clothing that was to be worn by the priests who would serve in the tabernacle.

Invite a student to read Exodus 28:1–3 aloud. Ask the class to follow along, looking for a blessing the Lord said would come from Aaron wearing special clothing. (It may be helpful to explain that the word consecrate means to dedicate for a holy purpose, such as the service of God.)

• According to verse 3, what was the purpose of Aaron’s garments? (To consecrate him.)

---Display the picture Moses Gives Aaron the Priesthood (Gospel Art Book [2009], no. 15; see also LDS.org).
---Read Exodus 28:4 aloud. Locate and mark the part of the verse that mentions the different articles of clothing. Ask a few students to see if they can identify the various articles of clothing in the picture. (You may need to point out that the ephod is an apron, depicted by the blue portion of Aaron’s clothing in the picture, and the mitre is the cap in Aaron’s hands.)

---Explain that the rest of Exodus 28 describes the details of this clothing and some of the symbolism associated with it. To show an example, point to the breastplate in the picture.

• How many precious stones do you see?
• What do you think the twelve stones represented?

---Read Exodus 28:21, 29 aloud. Ask the class to look for what the twelve stones represented.

      ---Invite students to report what they find. (The twelve stones represented the twelve tribes of Israel.)

---Explain that we also wear special symbolic clothing for temple ordinances today. Such clothing, including the garments we receive in the temple, is sacred and should be treated and spoken of with reverence.

II. Exodus 29:1–21 Aaron and the priests are to be washed, anointed, and clothed in holy garments

---Bring a dirty spoon or other utensil to class. Show it to the students, and ask who would like to use it to eat their next meal.

• What ought to be done to this utensil before it is used?
• How does the utensil relate to the priests who were to help the Lord in His work? (Help students understand that the processes of becoming physically clean and ceremonially clean were different. While God wanted the priests to be physically clean, their spiritual cleanliness was more important. You might consider inviting students to read the entry “Clean and unclean” in the Bible Dictionary or Guide to the Scriptures [scriptures.lds.org].)

---Explain that the Lord described how priests were to be purified, consecrated, and set apart in a special ceremony before they began their service in the tabernacle. Invite students, as they study the Lord’s instructions in Exodus 29, to look for principles concerning how they can be clean and live more fully set apart from sin.

---If possible, provide a copy of the following handout to each student. Invite students to read the scripture reference in the first column and, in the space provided, write a brief description of the Lord’s instructions. Then have them write the number of the Lord’s instruction in the second column, next to what they think the symbolic meaning may be. An example has been done for them.

(click to view larger)

The Lord’s Instruction                                                        Symbolic Meaning

Exodus 29:4 Aaron and his sons are washed with water.    ____ Symbolic of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ     Exodus 29:5–6 ________________________________        1   Symbolic of being cleansed     Exodus 29:7 __________________________________    ____ Symbolic of the Holy Ghost (this substance was used as                                     fuel to provide light)     Exodus 29:15–16 ______________________________    ____ Symbolic of being set apart from the world and prepared                                     for sacred responsibilities

---After a few minutes, invite students to compare their answers. Then discuss the answers as a class. (The order of answers in the symbolic meaning column is 4, 1, 3, 2.)

---Explain that after the ram was sacrificed, the next part of the cleansing ceremony symbolized that the priests could apply or access the cleansing power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ.
---Invite a student to read Exodus 29:20–21.

• What did the Lord instruct the priests to do with the ram’s blood after they sacrificed the ram?

---To help students understand the symbolism of putting the ram’s blood on the right ear, thumb, and toe as described in verses 20–21, write the words hearing, acting, and walking on the board.
---Ask students which part of the body mentioned in verses 20–21 may be associated with each of the words on the board (hearing = ear, acting = thumb, walking = toe).

• What might the placement of a symbol of Jesus Christ on a priest’s ear, thumb, and toe show the Lord the priest was willing to do? (The priest would listen to and follow Him.)
• According to verse 21, what effect would this ceremony have on the priests? (They would be “hallowed,” or made holy.)
• What do you think we can learn from this symbolic ceremony? (Students may identify a variety of principles, including something similar to the following: If we will apply the atoning blood of Jesus Christ by listening to the word of the Lord, acting upon it, and walking in His paths, we will be sanctified. Write this principle on the board.)

---Invite students to ponder how they can show the Lord that they are dedicated and consecrated to following Him.

III. Exodus 29:22–46 The Lord reveals sacrificial rites to prepare and sanctify Israel for His presence

---Summary of Exodus 29:22–42: These verses further describe some of the sacrifices and procedures that consecrated and sanctified the tabernacle, the priests, and the children of Israel.

---Remind students about the Lord’s instructions to build a tabernacle and its furnishings, which they learned about in their study of Exodus 25–27; 30. Point out that now students have learned that priests were to be set apart to perform their duties in the temple.

---Read Exodus 29:43–46 aloud looking for what the Lord said He would do if the Israelites faithfully followed His instructions in building the tabernacle and performing the ordinances therein.

• According to verses 43–46, what blessings were promised to the Israelites? (God would meet with the children of Israel in the tabernacle, He would sanctify the tabernacle and the priests, He would dwell among the Israelites, He would be their God, and they would know that He is the Lord their God.)
• What can we learn about the purpose of temples and ordinances from these chapters and verses? (Students may identify a variety of doctrines and principles, including the following truth: The temple and its ordinances prepare us to be in God’s presence.)
• How can the preparation of Aaron and his sons to work in the tabernacle relate to our own preparation to participate in temple ordinances?
  
  
  

  IV. Exodus 31:1–11The Lord inspires artisans to create the tabernacle and its furnishings and the priests’ clothing

  ---Summary of  Exodus 31:1–11: The Lord had prepared certain individuals to be able to construct the tabernacle and its furnishings and make the priests’ clothing. The Lord told Moses that he had filled these people with the Spirit of God so that they would be able to perform these tasks.