0ne further lesson needs to be noted. We have already said that this was a preparatory work, the getting ready of the materials for the building of the tabernacle. But it may be said that the actual building of the tabernacle itself was also a preparatory work in the sense that, once completed, the tabernacle fulfilled a significant function in the life of Israel. In the most ultimate sense, Moses could have hardly understood the full implications of what he was engaged in, in that the tabernacle was but one part of the overall strategic plan of divine redemption, one element in God's sovereign purpose, as indeed is the whole book of Exodus itself. It is only in the light of the whole that the various parts are truly understood. It is the commander-in-chief who is in command of the over-all strategy. He does not necessarily tell the junior officers of the field regiment all that is in his mind. He tells them their duty, and expects them to get on with the job. Do we always know, are we always aware of what it is we are doing and being prepared for, in the work of the kingdom? Did Moses? Did Israel? Perhaps only dimly. But they were obedient, and this is the all-important thing. And if He has given us a pattern to work on, it is not necessary for us to know all that He purposes to do; it is ours to obey, and do what lies to our hand with all our might. It is obedience here that ensures His presence, and that is all that matters.
