But the people were slow to learn the lesson. Accustomed as they had been in Egypt to material representations of the Deity, and these of the most degrading nature, it was difficult for them to conceive of the existence or the character of the Unseen One. In pity for their weakness, God gave them a symbol of His presence. "Let them make Me a sanctuary," He said; "that I may dwell among them." Exodus 25:8.

Men folket var sendrægtigt til at lære dette. Efter at de i Ægypten havde vænnet sig til at se en materiel fremstilling af guddommen, og disse fremstillinger var af den mest fornedrende art var det vanskeligt for dem at fatte den usynlige Guds tilværelse eller væsen. Af medlidenhed med deres svaghed gav Gud dem et symbol på sin nærværelse.»Du skal indrette mig en helligdom,« sagde han,»for at jeg kan bo midt iblandt dem.« 2Mos. 25,8.