And let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell in their midst.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse highlights that this "sanctuary" is not just a building, but God's chosen dwelling place among His people, signifying His intimate presence and a unique opportunity for them to encounter Him. This wasn't about confining God, but about establishing a tangible point of connection for His people.
And let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell in their midst.
English Standard Version (ESV)
God has just instructed the Israelites to bring freewill offerings of gold, silver, fine linen, and other precious materials. Now, God reveals the purpose of these offerings: to construct a sacred dwelling place for Himself. This holy sanctuary, the tabernacle, will be the place where God promises to meet and commune with His people.
God, who is everywhere, specifically asks for a 'sanctuary' where He can 'dwell' among His people. Why the need for a special place?
This command for a sanctuary isn't about God being limited. He is infinite and present everywhere. Instead, it's about His grace and desire to connect with humanity in a tangible way.
A Visible Sign of God's Presence:
The sanctuary, and later the Temple, served as a special, visible sign of God's presence with Israel. It was a place where His
The physical sanctuary was more than just a building; it pointed to something greater. What did it foreshadow?
The earthly tabernacle was a beautiful, yet temporary, picture of a much grander reality. It served as a 'type' – a symbolic representation – of Jesus Christ.
Pointing to the True Sanctuary:
Ask a follow-up
The entire system was designed to prepare people for the coming of Christ, who would fulfill its deepest meaning.
If the physical tabernacle pointed to Christ, does God's desire to dwell with us end there? What about us today?
The New Testament expands on the concept of God's dwelling. It's no longer confined to a physical building, but extends to believers individually and collectively.
God's Indwelling Presence:
This shift from a physical structure to living people signifies a deeper, more personal relationship God desires with humanity. He doesn't just want to be near us; He wants to be in us and among us through His Spirit.
Understand the original words
miqdash · Hebrew Noun
A holy place or set-apart location designed for the meeting between God and His people, where the presence of the Lord resides.
shakan · Hebrew Verb
The act of God inhabiting a space among His people; it signifies His covenant presence, protection, and relationship with humanity.
This verse echoes the idea of God dwelling among His people, as the Word (Jesus) became flesh and 'dwelt among us,' fulfilling the promise of God's presence in a profound way.
2 Corinthians 6:16This passage directly connects the concept of God dwelling with His people to them being His temple, highlighting the spiritual significance of the ancient sanctuary as a foreshadowing of His presence in believers.
Revelation 21:3This verse describes the ultimate fulfillment of God dwelling with humanity in the New Jerusalem, showing that the desire expressed in Exodus to dwell among His people is a theme that runs throughout salvation history.
Ezekiel 43:7The prophet Ezekiel recounts God's judgment on Israel for their unfaithfulness, stating that their 'kings' and 'temple' defiled His holy name, reinforcing the sacredness and exclusivity required for God's dwelling place.
Hebrews 9:11-12This passage explains how Christ, as the high priest of the new covenant, entered the 'greater and more perfect tent' not made with hands, directly linking the earthly sanctuary to heavenly realities and Christ's ultimate work.
clarkeExodus 25:8: "And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them."
Let them make me a sanctuary - מקדש mikdash, a holy place, such as God might dwell in; this was that part of the tabernacle that was called the most holy place, into which the high priest entered only once a year, on the great day of atonement. That I may dwell among them - "This," says Mr. Ainsworth, "was the main end of all; and to this all the particulars are to be referred, and by this they are to be opened. For…
calvinExodus 25:1-22: "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"
And the cherubims shall stretch forth their wings on high, covering the mercy seat with their wings, and their faces shall look one to another; toward the mercy seat shall the faces of the cherubims be.
Expandentque cherubim duas alas superne tegentes alis suis propitiatorium, et se mutuo aspicient: ad propitiatorium erunt facies cherubim.
And thou shalt put the mercy seat above upon the ark; and in the ark thou shalt put th…
The verse highlights that this "sanctuary" is not just a building, but God's chosen dwelling place among His people, signifying His intimate presence and a unique opportunity for them to encounter Him. This wasn't about confining God, but about establishing a tangible point of connection for His people.
God has just instructed the Israelites to bring freewill offerings of gold, silver, fine linen, and other precious materials. Now, God reveals the purpose of these offerings: to construct a sacred dwelling place for Himself. This holy sanctuary, the tabernacle, will be the place where God promises to meet and commune with His people.
God has just instructed the Israelites to bring freewill offerings of gold, silver, fine linen, and other precious materials. Now, God reveals the purpose of these offerings: to construct a sacred dwelling place for Himself. This holy sanctuary, the tabernacle, will be the place where God promises to meet and commune with His people.
"And let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell in their midst." — The verse highlights that this "sanctuary" is not just a building, but God's chosen dwelling place among His people, signifying His intimate presence and a unique opportunity for them to encounter…
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Last reviewed October 2026