The tabernacle was the centre of the Jewish community in ancient Israel. It was here that God disseminated his blessing for the community. All of life was orchestrated around the rhythm of the tabernacle (which later became the temple). Whether it was festivals, daily sacrifices, Sabbath worship, or community events, the tabernacle or the temple was one of the most significant emblems of Jewish identity.
Two of our readings today both concentrate on the tabernacle-temple, yet from opposite sides. Numbers 18 is contextualized in the period of Jewish history where the tabernacle was indeed the centre of the Jewish community. God regulates the worship, care, and protocol pertaining to the tabernacle. Of such import is the tabernacle, that sentence of death is issued to those who would misappropriate the tabernacle of God.
The evolution of the tabernacle results ultimately in the building of the temple by Solomon in 1 Kings. This temple though a fixed structure still bore the same significance for the Jewish people.
Our second reading in Psalms depicts what happens when a nation loses their identity. The context of Psalm 74 is the demise of Jerusalem, particularly the destruction of Solomon’s temple by the Babylonian empire.
No longer would Israel have the divine dwelling among them. Worship of Yahweh would cease, as the Israelites were carried far away into strange lands. The feasts, holy days, and religious pomp such a key part of their lives for centuries was abruptly ended. In utter despair, the Psalmist cries out, “why have you rejected us forever oh God?” For them, their world was truly shaken.
Has your world ever crumbled around you? Have things ( even Godly things) that you hold dear become memories of the past? Do you feel God has not been faithful to his promises? Undeniably these were the sentiments of the Jews as they languished in captivity. Yet, the Psalmist offers hope in times of duress. This hope is seen in remembrance of the covenant keeping nature of God. He remembers God keeps his covenants, and challenges the Holy one of Israel to rise up and defend their cause. Such prayers by the Psalmist, along with penitent supplication of a nation in Israel, did ultimately cause the Lord to restore the captive to their beloved city, and a new temple.
Thus, Psalm 74 teaches us that God keeps covenants. Our covenant with Him as New Testament believers of course is rooted in Christ via his blood sacrifice. We are reminded in Hebrews that this covenant is far better than the old. Yes your world may have crumbled, but remember God keeps covenants, and he promises hope, restoring stability to the shaken foundations of your circumstances.
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