This is an inventory of the materials used in building the Tabernacle of the Covenant. The Levites compiled the figures, as Moses directed, and Ithamar son of Aaron the priest served as recorder. [Exodus 38.21]
This "inventory" of the Tabernacle that follows this verse is pretty impressive. Particularly when considering the value of the gold and silver used in the Tabernacle, it is easy to see that God is not necessarily opposed to extravagance!
So, the conclusion one might draw from the extravagant value of the Tabernacle is this: God's holiness is extravagant. It is over and above. God's holiness is without equal.
What we should understand about the extravagant value of the Tabernacle and its furnishings is that God's holiness requires our best and most extravagant loyalty. Anything less is cheap and common and just worldly.
The 2,193 pounds of gold detailed in today's OYCB reading, in today's market, would be valued at just over 64 million dollars. That does not take into account the additional value of crafting of that gold into useful and ornate objects. And, mind you, this was all collected from people just coming out of slavery!
I wonder what value God would instruct a Tabernacle to be made of today?
Father, help me to have the proper perspective on wealth. Help me understand that it does have significance because You chose wealth to reflect Your glory in the Tabernacle.
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