Justin Houtz

Exodus 37, John 19

DateVersionReading Plan
March 28, 2025ESV (2016)OT/NT Plan 2025 – 2027

Exodus 37

Observation

The chapter depicts the fabrication of components for the tabernacle: the ark (made by Bazalel) (Exod. 37:1-9), table for the showbread (Exod. 39:10-16), the lampstand (Exod. 39:17-24) and the altar of incense (Exod. 39:25-28). The materials were high quality: gold and acacia wood. Everything but the lampstand had gold-overlaid acacia wood and rings for holders to be used during transport. The chapter concludes with description of the making of the anointing oil and fragrant incense, blended as by the perfumer (Exod. 37:29).

Application

It seems worthy to reflect in this chapter how these tabernacle components were both of the highest quality and also mobile. During the wilderness wanderings, the people set out as the cloud was taken up over the tabernacle (Exod. 40:36), so everything had to be moveable. Consider this as it contrasts with Solomon’s temple which resided in one place (1 Kings 6) and then again becomes mobile in the New Testament with the arrival of the Holy Spirit which resides in the bodies of God’s people as temples themselves (1 Cor. 3:17; 6:19). All throughout, we should appreciate God’s amazing grace being made manifest, choosing to dwell with those whom He has chosen, that He would be their God and they would be His people.

John 19

Observation

After the election to release Barabbas over Jesus, Pilate took Jesus and flogged Him (John 19:1). Multiple interactions ensue between Pilate, the Jews and Jesus and Jesus was delivered to the Jews to be crucified (John 19:2-16). The Jews took Jesus to The Place of the Skull (Golgotha in Aramaic/Hebrew) where He was crucified. Jesus’ garments were divided among them by the casting of lots, fulfilling what was said in Ps. 22:18. Some of Jesus’ final words were in address of His mother and “the disciple”, a reference almost unanimously understood to be of the apostle John.

Knowing that it was finished, Jesus said “I thirst”, which again fulfilled Scripture (John 19:28). According to John, Jesus’ very last words were, “It is finished”, and He then bowed His head and gave up His spirit (John 19:30). Since it was the day of Preparation and not to have the men remain on the cross on the Sabbath, the Jews asked Pilate to break their legs, thus expediting their deaths (John 19:31). The legs of the other two were broken but Jesus’ were not since, when they came to Him, they saw that He was already dead (John 19:33). One of the soldiers pierced Jesus’ side and immediately blood and water came out (John 19:34). These events once again fulfilled Scripture, namely, Exod. 12:46 and Ps. 34:20.

Joseph of Arimathea, a secret disciple of Jesus for fear of the Jews, ask Pilate for Jesus’ body (John 19:38). Nicodemus also brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds in weight (John 19:39). Jesus’s body was bound in linen cloths and with the spices, as was the custom, and buried in the tomb (John 19:40-42).

Application

Four times in this chapter, we read how events were the fulfillment of Scripture (John 19:24, 28, 36, 37). The profundity of these references is underscored by how they are not broad generalities but very particular to the events of Jesus’ death. It is not as if it says, “It was a cloudy day, thus fulfilling the Scripture”, but that His garments were divided by lots, that He said “I thirst” on the cross, that His bones were not broken and that His side was pierced. Taken cumulatively, the multitude of ways in which Scripture has been fulfilled in Jesus leaves no avenue of doubt that He is the promised Messiah, Savior of the world and sovereign Lord.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, how awesome are You in that You tabernacle in the hearts of Your children. How amazing it is to meditate on the truth that, by the sacrificial work of Your Son and sanctifying work by Your Spirit, Your people are redeemed. Lord Jesus, let the earth rejoice and let the coastlands be glad that You have come.

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