Exodus 25:9

KJV

According to all that I shew thee, [after] the pattern of the tabernacle, and the pattern of all the instruments thereof, even so shall ye make [it].

KJV (with Strong's)

According to all that I shew {H7200} thee, after the pattern {H8403} of the tabernacle {H4908}, and the pattern {H8403} of all the instruments {H3627} thereof, even so shall ye make {H6213} it.

Complete Jewish Bible

You are to make it according to everything I show you -the design of the tabernacle and the design of its furnishings. This is how you are to make it.

Berean Standard Bible

You must make the tabernacle and design all its furnishings according to the pattern I show you.

American Standard Version

According to all that I show thee, the pattern of the tabernacle, and the pattern of all the furniture thereof, even so shall ye make it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 25:9 lays down the foundational divine imperative for the Tabernacle's construction, asserting God's absolute sovereignty over its design. This verse mandates that every element, from the overarching structure of the sanctuary to the intricate details of its furnishings, must be meticulously crafted in precise adherence to the exact "pattern" revealed by God to Moses. It profoundly underscores that the Tabernacle was not to be a product of human ingenuity but a perfect earthly replica of a heavenly prototype, thereby ensuring its sanctity and its indispensable role as the consecrated dwelling place of a holy God among His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically positioned at the very commencement of God's extensive and detailed instructions for the Tabernacle's construction. It immediately follows the dramatic covenant ratification at [Mount Sinai](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - God's Presence on Sinai") and the giving of the [Ten Commandments](/exodus/20 "Exodus 20 - The Ten Commandments"). After the people affirmed their commitment to the covenant in [Exodus 24](/exodus/24 "Exodus 24 - The Covenant Ratified"), Moses ascended the mountain for forty days and nights to receive further divine revelation ([Exodus 24:18](/exodus/24-18 "Exodus 24:18 - Moses on Mount Sinai")). Crucially, just prior to verse 9, God declares His overarching purpose in [Exodus 25:8](/exodus/25-8 "Exodus 25:8 - Command to build the sanctuary"): "And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them." Thus, [Exodus 25-31](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Tabernacle Instructions Begin") establishes the non-negotiable principle of divine design that governs the extensive architectural and furnishing specifications detailed in the subsequent chapters, setting the stage for a sanctuary whose form and function are entirely God-ordained.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The divine command to construct the Tabernacle emerged during Israel's formative wilderness journey, a pivotal period for the nascent nation. Having been miraculously delivered from Egyptian bondage, they were now being constituted as God's unique covenant people. In the broader ancient Near East, the construction of temples was common, but their designs were typically human-conceived, often reflecting the power of the king, the aesthetic preferences of the builders, or human perceptions of the deity. In stark contrast, the Tabernacle's design was entirely revealed by God, setting Israel apart and emphasizing God's unique transcendence and immanence. This portable sanctuary was essential for a nomadic people, symbolizing God's continuous presence, guidance, and faithfulness as they journeyed towards the Promised Land. It served as the central point of worship, sacrifice, and divine communication, a tangible manifestation of God's commitment to dwell among His chosen people, a concept profoundly significant for a people who had just experienced direct divine intervention in their liberation ([Exodus 12](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The Passover and Exodus")).
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 25:9 powerfully contributes to several major theological and narrative themes within the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost among these is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Revelation**, emphasizing that God alone is the architect of His dwelling place and the terms of worship. This verse also highlights the theme of **Holiness and Consecration**, as the Tabernacle's precise design ensured its sanctity and separation from common use, reflecting the holy character of the God who would dwell within it. Furthermore, it introduces the theme of **God's Dwelling Among His People**, a central motif that begins with the Tabernacle, continues through the Temple, and ultimately finds its zenith in Christ and the Church. The meticulous instructions also underscore the theme of **Obedience to Divine Command**, portraying obedience as the necessary response to God's revealed will, a principle foundational to Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh, as seen throughout the giving of the [Law in Exodus](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19-24 - The Giving of the Law").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **shew (Hebrew, _râʼâh'_):** The Hebrew verb רָאָה (_râʼâh_), meaning "to see," "to show," or "to appear," indicates a direct, visual revelation from God to Moses. This was not merely an abstract verbal instruction but a concrete demonstration, implying that Moses literally saw a divine blueprint or a three-dimensional model of the Tabernacle and its components. This direct visual encounter underscores the divine origin and authoritative nature of the design, ensuring Moses's full comprehension and ability to accurately convey God's will to the craftsmen.
* **pattern (Hebrew, _tabnîyth'_):** The Hebrew word תַּבְנִית (_tabnîyth_), derived from the root בָּנָה (_bānāh_), meaning "to build," refers to a structure, a model, a likeness, or a blueprint. Its repeated use in this verse ("the pattern of the tabernacle, and the pattern of all the instruments thereof") profoundly emphasizes that what Moses was shown was not a vague concept but a precise, detailed, and tangible architectural rendering. This term conveys exactness and precision, reinforcing that the Tabernacle was to be an earthly replica of a divine, heavenly reality, leaving no room for human improvisation or aesthetic preference. It signifies a divinely revealed archetype.
* **tabernacle (Hebrew, _mishkân'_):** The Hebrew word מִשְׁכָּן (_mishkân_), derived from the root שָׁכַן (_shākan_), meaning "to dwell," refers specifically to a residence or dwelling place. In this context, it designates the portable sanctuary, the central structure where God's presence would reside among the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings. The term itself highlights the primary purpose of the structure: to be the earthly dwelling place for the Holy One, a tangible sign of His immanence among His chosen people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"According to all that I shew thee,"**: This opening clause unequivocally establishes the absolute authority and divine origin of the Tabernacle's design. God Himself is the supreme architect, and Moses is merely the recipient and faithful conduit of this revelation. The phrase "all that I shew thee" implies a comprehensive and exhaustive display, leaving no detail to human discretion or modification. It underscores the precision and completeness required in the construction, as every aspect originated from God.
* **"after the pattern of the tabernacle,"**: This specifies the primary object of the divine blueprint – the Tabernacle itself, the sacred dwelling place. The repetition of "pattern" (תַּבְנִית, _tabnîyth_) highlights the critical importance of exact replication. The Tabernacle was not to be an arbitrary structure but a precise copy of a divine original, serving as the earthly manifestation of God's glory and presence. This clause emphasizes the structural integrity and overall form.
* **"and the pattern of all the instruments thereof,"**: This extends the requirement for precise adherence to every single item within the Tabernacle. This includes the Ark of the Covenant, the Table of Showbread, the Lampstand, the Altars, and all their associated utensils and furnishings. No part, however seemingly minor or decorative, was left to human design; each instrument had its specific purpose and profound symbolic meaning, derived directly from its divine prototype. This clause ensures meticulous detail even in the smallest components.
* **"even so shall ye make [it]."**: This concluding imperative is a direct, non-negotiable command for strict obedience. "Even so" (כֵּן, _kēn_) means "exactly so" or "in this manner," leaving no room for deviation, personal interpretation, or creative embellishment. It is a powerful call to faithful execution of the divine will, emphasizing that the Tabernacle's efficacy, sanctity, and its ability to truly function as God's dwelling place depended entirely on its perfect conformity to God's revealed plan.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device prominently featured in Exodus 25:9 is **Repetition**, specifically the emphatic reiteration of the word "pattern" (תַּבְנִית, _tabnîyth_). This repetition serves to underscore the absolute necessity of precise adherence to God's revealed design, emphasizing that both the Tabernacle's overall structure and every individual instrument within it were to be exact replicas of a divine blueprint. This creates a powerful sense of **Emphasis** on divine authority and the meticulous nature of God's instructions, leaving no ambiguity regarding the required exactitude. Furthermore, the verse employs **Imperative Language** ("even so shall ye make it"), which functions as a direct and authoritative command, highlighting the non-negotiable demand for obedience. This direct address reinforces the covenantal relationship between God and Israel, where fidelity to divine instruction is paramount. The very concept of a "pattern" also introduces **Typology**, as the earthly Tabernacle is understood to be a shadow or copy of a heavenly reality, a profound theological concept later fully developed in the New Testament.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 25:9 profoundly establishes the foundational principle of divine revelation and the absolute necessity of obedience to God's precise will in matters of worship and sacred space. It teaches that true worship is not human-invented or culturally adapted but God-ordained, with every detail reflecting His holy character, His redemptive purposes, and His demand for purity. The meticulousness required in the Tabernacle's construction underscores God's sovereignty, His demand for holiness, and His desire for a consecrated dwelling place among His people. This divine blueprint ensured that the Tabernacle was not merely an architectural marvel but a profound theological statement, a tangible representation of God's presence and the divinely appointed means by which sinful humanity could approach a holy God on His terms, foreshadowing the ultimate meeting place between God and humanity.

* [Hebrews 8:5](/hebrews/8-5 "Hebrews 8:5 - The Earthly Sanctuary as a Copy of Heavenly Things")
* [1 Chronicles 28:11-19](/1_chronicles/28-11-19 "1 Chronicles 28:11-19 - David's Pattern for the Temple")
* [John 4:24](/john/4-24 "John 4:24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 25:9, while detailing the construction of an ancient sanctuary, carries enduring spiritual significance for believers today, serving as a powerful reminder that God is a God of order, precision, and intentionality, and that His revealed will is the ultimate guide for our lives and our worship. Just as the Tabernacle's efficacy and sanctity depended on its exact conformity to the divine pattern, our spiritual vitality and effectiveness are profoundly contingent upon our faithful adherence to God's Word. This verse challenges us to move beyond superficial or self-devised forms of spirituality, calling us instead to a deep reverence for Scripture, trusting that God's design for our individual lives, our families, and the collective body of the Church is perfect and sufficient. It encourages us to diligently seek His blueprint in all things, understanding that true blessing, genuine flourishing, and authentic worship flow from faithful obedience to His revealed truth, rather than from human innovation, cultural trends, or personal preference. Our lives, like the Tabernacle, are intended to be dwelling places for God, built and lived according to His divine specifications.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to deviate from God's revealed "pattern" in Scripture in favor of my own plans, cultural norms, or personal preferences?**
* **How does the meticulous detail of God's instructions for the Tabernacle inform my understanding of His profound care and intentionality for my own life and spiritual formation?**
* **What does it truly mean to "make it" (my life, my church, my worship) "even so" today, according to God's divine blueprint and revealed will?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper reverence for God's Word as the ultimate "pattern" for all aspects of my faith, practice, and daily walk with Him?**

### FAQ
**Why was it so crucial for the Tabernacle to be built according to an exact "pattern"?**

Answer: It was crucial for several profound and interconnected reasons. Firstly, it underscored God's absolute sovereignty as the divine architect; the Tabernacle was not a human invention or a product of Israelite ingenuity but a divinely revealed sanctuary, ensuring its inherent holiness and separation from pagan practices. Secondly, the precise pattern ensured that the Tabernacle served as an accurate "copy and shadow of heavenly things" ([Hebrews 8:5](/hebrews/8-5 "Hebrews 8:5 - The Earthly Sanctuary as a Copy of Heavenly Things")), making it a tangible representation of spiritual realities and God's overarching plan of redemption. Any deviation would compromise its symbolic integrity and its ability to accurately point to the ultimate fulfillment in Christ. Thirdly, it emphasized the necessity of obedience in approaching a holy God; the Tabernacle was the divinely appointed means for fellowship, atonement, and divine communication, and its efficacy depended on strict adherence to God's instructions. It taught Israel that God dictates the terms of their relationship with Him, not vice versa.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 25:9, with its insistent demand for adherence to a divine "pattern," finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The earthly Tabernacle, meticulously built according to God's precise blueprint, was always a temporary shadow, a "copy and shadow of the heavenly things" ([Hebrews 8:5](/hebrews/8-5 "Hebrews 8:5 - The Earthly Sanctuary as a Copy of Heavenly Things")). Christ is the true and eternal Tabernacle, the perfect dwelling place of God among humanity. [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh and Dwelt Among Us") profoundly declares, "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us," using the Greek word _skenoo_ (ἐσκήνωσεν), which literally means "tabernacled" or "pitched His tent." Jesus perfectly embodies the divine pattern, being "the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature" ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ, the Radiance of God's Glory")). He is the ultimate meeting place where God and humanity are reconciled, the true High Priest who entered the true sanctuary "not made with hands" ([Hebrews 9:11-12](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-12 - Christ, the High Priest of Good Things to Come")). All the intricate details and symbolic furnishings of the earthly Tabernacle, from the Ark of the Covenant to the Altar of Sacrifice, find their meaning, purpose, and completion in Him, the perfect embodiment of God's eternal plan for redemption, built "according to the pattern" of God's sovereign and redemptive will.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 25:40

And look that thou make [them] after their pattern, which was shewed thee in the mount.

Hebrews 8:5

Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, [that] thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount.

Acts 7:44

Our fathers had the tabernacle of witness in the wilderness, as he had appointed, speaking unto Moses, that he should make it according to the fashion that he had seen.

Hebrews 9:9

Which [was] a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience;

1 Chronicles 28:11

¶ Then David gave to Solomon his son the pattern of the porch, and of the houses thereof, and of the treasuries thereof, and of the upper chambers thereof, and of the inner parlours thereof, and of the place of the mercy seat,

1 Chronicles 28:19

All [this, said David], the LORD made me understand in writing by [his] hand upon me, [even] all the works of this pattern.