Exodus - Lesson 7.....The Tabernacle
What was the purpose of the tabernacle? Why did Moses build it?
Ans: The tabernacle was a very functional facility. The tabernacle served as a meeting place between God and men, and was thus known as the “tent of meeting”133 (cf. 35:21) This was no small task, for having God in close proximity was a very dangerous thing. When Moses plead with God to dwell in the midst of His people (Exod. 34:9), God warned him that this could prove fatal to such a sinful people: “For the Lord had said to Moses, ‘Say to the sons of Israel, “You are an obstinate people; should I go up in your midst for one moment, I would destroy you”’” (Exod. 33:5a).
In Exodus 25:8 the LORD said to Moses 'let them make Me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them.' Hence, the Tabernacle was the place where Yahweh dwelt and met with His people after the exodus from Egypt. It later became the prototype of subsequent Jewish temples, because it was not designed by man but by God. Exodus 25:9 says ' Make this tabernacle and all its furnishings exactly like the pattern I will show you.' God design the tabernacle but that it is a copy and a shadow of what is in heaven. Hebrews 8:5 says 'who serve the copy and the shadow of the heavenly things, as Moses was divinely instructed when he was about to make the tabernacle. For He said 'see that you make all things according to the pattern shown you on the mountain'.' The earthly tabernacle was therefore a reflection of present realities in heaven.
But yet, the fact is when God gave the ten commandments, He also gave instructions for the house of worship. Moses was given detailed plans for a sacred structure designed as a necessary companion to the moral law. God made it clear that the moral demands of the ten commandments and the regulations concerning the architecture, furniture, and offerings of the tabernacle were different sides of one collective rule of life for Israel. The ten commandments revealed the high and holy standards of God. The tabernacle and everything associated with it, on the other hand, set forth Gods plan for living with and loving those who habitually fell short of his perfect rule of life.
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2. List the furniture of the tabernacle and explain the purpose of each.
Ans:
. THE SIZE - 2 by 1 by 1 1/2 Cubits
[1]. The Table was large enough to receive all who are worthy to come (all who will enter and desire this inner fellowship); but small enough to exclude all who are not worthy (l Cor. 11:28,29).
B. MATERIALS - Shittim Wood, overlaid with gold (humanity and divinity).
C. CHARACTERISTICS - Not an ordinary table, there were some peculiarities:
[1]. THE BORDER: Perhaps a ledge around the table to hold the utensils.
[2].TWO CROWNS: Of gold - one, kept bread on the Table; second, kept things from falling off the border.
(a). The twice-crowned Lord: once with thorns, and the crown He will wear as King of Kings, Lord of Lords.
[4]. RINGS AND STAVES: Used to carry the Table when traveling, it went with them; we have the WORD, which can be taken anywhere we go (Israelites had no abiding place in the wilderness, ever on the march; the Tabernacle was a picture of God's complete provision: Table, food; Candlestick, guidance; Altar of Incense, intercession).
[5]. VESSELS: Dishes, spoons for putting incense on the bread; and covers and bowls for the drink offering.
D. THE SHEWBREAD - Was that which the priest fed upon, the priests would then be representatives of the people.
[1]. 12 loaves of bread on the Table at all times, two rows of six each.
[2]. (Lev. 24:5-9) The priests would eat the bread once a week (flavored with frankincense), and it was replaced as it was eaten (never a time of no food).
[3]. The basis of our fellowship is Christ, He is sufficient, all we need.
[4]. Feeding and feasting on Christ is not a SHALLOW ENTERTAINMENT, but a time of nourishing and strengthening.
[5]. Unleavened - Leaven is a type of sin ('no fault in Him 'Pilate).
[6]. Fine Flour - Of the earth, crushed, not palatable until baked; here is the testing, suffering Christ.
[7]. 'Standing Up' - There were no chairs for them to sit down, for the House of God is not a PIECE OF EASE AND ENTERTAINMENT but the place of WORK AND SERVICE (no laziness, no excuses).
II. THE GOLDEN CANDLESTICK - LAMPSTAND (South) (Exodus 25:31-40; 37:17-24; 39:37)
Here is TESTIMONY, giving forth LIGHT, a symbol of CHRIST THE HOLY SPIRIT, and THE BELIEVER Joined together.
A. SIZE AND SHAPE - No size given, but shape and design given in detail (the most beautiful and ornamental piece of furniture).
[1]. A center shaft with three branches on each side, making seven lamps (Christ is the center Jn.15:5); we are the branches (Matt. 5:14).
[2]. Estimated weight would be around 100 pounds of gold.
[3]. Six branches differed from the center shaft;
(a). 3 bowls, 1 knop, 1 flower on each branch - the center shaft had 4 of each - also a knop under each set of branches.
[4]. Lamps for oil - usefulness as well as beauty, to give LIGHT.
(a). Tongs, snuffers and snuffdishes for trimming, morning and evening.
B. BEFORE THE LORD - (Exodus 40:25)
[1]. The lampstand is not light before the world, but the world knew that it was alight, when we seek to live for his glory only, the world will say: These men have been with Jesus.'
C. THE PERSONAL PRONOUN 'HIS' USED OF LAMPSTAND - (refers to Christ).
[1]. 'Beaten of gold' (Is. 53:5,10) - suffering, bruising of Christ.
[2]. 'Beaten olive oil' - The sufferings of the Holy Spirit (Eph. 4:30).
III. THE ALTAR OF INCENSE - (Center, West) (Ex. 30:1-10,34-38; 37:25-29).
'Before the veil' - PRAYER AND WORSHIP AND PRAISE.
Here is CHRIST in whose name our prayers must ascend [Matt. 17:5; Eph. 1:6).
How eager we should be to learn how to PRAY and to PRAISE HIM.
[1]. SIZE - 2 by 1 by 1 cubits - just large enough to serve its purpose.
[2]. MATERIALS - Shittim Wood, overlaid with gold (Christ makes intercession in Heaven for the believers on EARTH.
[3]. A CROWN - To keep fire from falling to the ground (fire with incense).
[4]. HORNS - As on the Brazen Altar, speak of power and strength - POWER OF PRAYER.
[5]. RINGS AND STAVES - For travel, prayer is not limited to time and place.
[6]. PURPOSE - Shows forth the greater work of the Cross, and NOW becomes our MEDIATOR.
[7]. POSITION - In the Holy Place BEFORE THE THRONE, the Mercy Seat; as Christ is now not sitting on a throne, but at the right hand of God.
[8]. THE INCENSE - Equal portions of:
(a). STACTE - The natural gum of the myrrh tree; myrrh being artificially produced by incisions.
(b). ONYCHA - A perfume that was rendered from shellfish types.
(c). GALBANUM - Resinous, yellow-brown incense, but it is not known from what plant or tree it was derived.
(d). FRANKINCENSE - Resin of the Boswellia tree, which grows 40 feet high in India and Arabia. it has a balsamic smell and bums with a white name and fragrant odor.
3. List the designated location of each piece of furniture of the tabernacle and the significance of that location.
Ans: in the midst of the camp of Israel before Mount Sinai, with the rough, rocky peaks of Horeb looming in awful grandeur on every side. Of the twelve tribes of Israel the tents of three tribes may be seen to the east, three to the north, and as many to the west and to the south. Fringing the great interior square thus formed are pitched the tents of the tribe of Levi, that thirteenth tribe especially holy, of whom are the priests and whose work it is to care for and serve the tabernacle. Immediately to the east of us dwell the priestly families, because the tabernacle door is to the eastward, and these ministers of the sanctuary must be nearest of all. In the great square thus formed is located the sanctuary. Literally, “God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved” (Psa. 46:5).
From the eastern side of this square we face to the westward from the tents of the priests, and before us is the holy house, with its entrance on the east side, nearest us. First notice this high fence around the tabernacle enclosing a yard, called the “court.” This court you will notice is a hundred cubits long and fifty cubits wide. Or allowing eighteen inches for the cubit, which measure is supposed to have been originally derived from the length of a man’s forearm, from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger, it is 150 feet long by 75 feet wide. It is as big as a large sized city building lot. The surrounding fence or wall is very peculiar in that it consists of hangings of fine linen suspended between posts, which stand five cubits, or seven and one half feet, apart. The fence is also five cubits, or seven and one half feet, high, so we can not see over it. These sixty posts are set in sockets of brass and have hooks and fillets of silver. But the entrance, which is thirty feet wide, including four of the spaces between posts, has instead of the common white hanging a much more beautiful one in gorgeous colors—blue, purple, and scarlet—the colors of royalty.
Passing through the entrance to the court and looking straight ahead of us, in the further end of the court we see the tabernacle itself, and immediately before us stands the large brazen altar, where expiation is made for sin, and between this and the tabernacle is a large brazen vessel called the laver, filled with water, in which the priests must always wash both their hands and feet before entering the dwelling place of God. We expect to come back to these to examine them more carefully later, so we shall pass on.
The tabernacle proper is not very different in size and shape from the common flat top, black goats’ hair tent of the average Arabian desert dweller as it has been constructed f o r thousands of years. Raising the beautiful hanging of blue, purple, and scarlet and passing between gold covered pillars we stand in the holy place, the first sanctuary, where we common people can never actually enter. It is as large as a large sized living room—a place of beauty and grandeur. The walls and ceiling are of the same fine linen and kingly colors as the hanging at the entrance, and are inworked with figures of cherubs in recognition of the presence of Deity.
Before us on the south side is the seven branch golden candlestick or lamp stand shedding its light round about. On our other hand is a table overlaid with pure gold. On [26] it are twelve loaves of bread, upon which is frankincense. Moving on we come to a beautiful little altar covered with gold. On this sweet incense is burned daily, morning and evening, for a sweet odor before Jehovah. Also on its horns are marks of blood, the blood of atonement sprinkled on it from the sin offering.
Now with trembling hand and bowed head we reverently lift the beautiful second veil and quietly enter the sacred inner room, the holiest place. Naturally all is dark, but we know we are in the presence of Him who dwells “in the thick darkness.” (1 Kings 8:12.) Here we stand in the awful presence of the Almighty God. We are before the “throne of grace.” This inner room is but half as large as the first, and its walls are covered with the same kind of beautiful hangings. The one piece of furniture is the chest like gold covered ark, containing the testimony, and over it serving as its lid the pure gold mercy seat with a golden cherub on either end stretching its wings out over the mercy seat like a golden canopy. Here above the mercy seat and under the shadow of the outspread wings of the cherubim the Shekinah light, the glory of the Lord, ever shines. From here Jehovah speaks to and blesses his people. Here also on the mercy seat once each year, on the great day of atonement, the blood of atonement is sprinkled. Here intercession is made for transgressors, and here mercy is extended to sinners.
4. What is the difference between the holy and the most holy place of the tabernacle? Who could enter each? Who could serve behind the bronze altar? What area of the tabernacle could the common man (Jews) enter?
The Lord Jesus Christ – Every detail of the Tabernacle points to the person and work of Christ. John 1:14
states, “The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us.” The word “dwelt” means He “tabernacled” among
men. The Tabernacle was the actual, visual dwelling place of God. Colossians 2:9 reads, “For in him dwelleth
all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.”
2. The Church – The Tabernacle was the habitation of God. Of the Church, Ephesians 2:21-22 states the
following: “In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye
also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.”
3. The Christian – The believer is now the dwelling place of God. I Corinthians 3:16 tells us, “Know ye not that ye
are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” The Tabernacle and the Believer are also
constructed in the same manner.
a. The Tabernacle – Outer Court, Holy Place, and Most Holy Place
b. The Believer – Body, Soul, and Spirit
. A Public Light – The Sun in the Outer Court – This light speaks of our testimony to the world. The outer court was visible to all and represents our public life as Christians. The public light of the sun reveals two Testimonies in our lives.
A. The Light of Salvation – The Brazen Altar – Ex. 27:1
1. The Altar was the biggest piece of furniture which reveals its importance to the rest of the furniture of
the Tabernacle. It is symbolic of the believer’s salvation which is of utmost importance.
2. The Brazen Altar stands in the light of the sun as a testimony to the salvation the Christian has
experienced. Salvation is the most important aspect of our testimony. The world needs to see the death
of Christ in our lives and the difference His salvation has made.
3. The Altar portrays two things the world sees in our body, which is a type of the outer court.
a. Forgiveness – The Altar was a place where blood was shed for the forgiveness of sins. The sin and
trespass offering of the Brazen Altar were sacrifices that made atonement for the ones who presented
them. In our lives the sinner needs to see the effects of forgiveness.
b. Dedication – The animals brought to the Brazen Altar died there. This symbolizes the death of our
self to the desires of the world and our total devotion to the purposes of God. The animals were burnt
until nothing remained but ashes. This should be the testimony of our lives, nothing reserved for
ourselves, but all given for the glory of God.
B. The Testimony of Separation – The Brazen Laver
1. The Laver represents the fact of cleanliness among the people of God. I Thessalonians 4:7 – “For God
hath not called us unto uncleaness, but unto holiness.” We are made clean by “the washing of water by
the Word.” Every believer has the responsibility of remaining clean after he passes the Brazen Altar.
2. Separation is vital in our testimony. The world needs to see people who practice what they say they
believe. The initial cleansing of the water takes care of our standing before God, but the daily cleansing
prepares us for our service in the world.
3. The Priests washed both their hands and feet.
a. Hands – Symbolic of the work God has commissioned us to do
b. The Feet – Symbolic of our daily walk and conversation
The World is looking upon our bodies. Do they see salvation and separation?
II. A Private Light – The Candlestick in the Holy Place – This light reveals our testimony among other believers. No one but the priests was allowed in the Holy Place. The Holy Place is symbolic of the family relationship of the church.
A. The Importance of the Candlestick
1. The candlestick was vital for the ministry of the priests around the Table of Shewbread and the Golden
Altar of Incense. The light of the Candlestick represents the ministry of the Holy Spirit through the
Word of God in the church.
2. The Composition of the Candlestick
a. One Shaft – Speaks of Christ who is the body of the church and to whom all believers are connected
b. Many Branches – The six branches of the candlestick represent the individual Christians.
3. The Decorations of the Candlestick – Flowers = Christ’s Purity; Pomegranates = Christ’s Fruitfulness;
The Almonds = Christ’s Power and Resurrection
B. The Illumination of the Candlestick
1. The light of the Candlestick could not be seen by the world. It exclusively shone in the Holy Place. In
the same manner, the world does not understand the importance of the Word of God or the church. The
light of the Spirit is for the family and by His light the members of the church enjoy two things.
a. Table of Shewbread – We have fellowship with our fellow brethren.
b. Golden Altar of Incense – We offer up intercessory prayers for the family.
2. According to I John 1, you cannot fellowship or pray in the darkness. The light of the Candlestick allows
the members of the church to operate. Without the illumination of it, we will fail in our efforts.
3. Any time there is division and lack of love in a church family, the light of the Spirit has been
extinguished.
III. The Personal Light – The Shekinah Glory of God in the Most Holy Place
A. Light of Personal Relationship
1. The fellowship of God is represented by the Shekinah Glory. Only one Priest entered into the Holy of
Holies to commune with God.
2. Notice how the lights of the Tabernacle have been narrowed down from the entire camp of Israel in the
outer court to only one man in the Most Holy Place. This is exactly the progression of fellowship every
believer shares. We begin with public testimony to the world, private fellowship with the church, and
finally personal communion with God.
3. You can’t have fellowship with the church until you pass by the Brazen Altar and Laver. After salvation
and separation has been dealt with, you enter a new level of spirituality which is fellowship with the
brethren. However, if do not have a right relationship with the church, you can not enjoy personal
fellowship with God. This is the intended goal of every believer, but before you can have a right
relationship with God you must pass by the Brazen Altar, Laver, Candlestick, Table, and Golden Altar.
B. Light of Personal Satisfaction
1. The problem with most Christians is that they have halted somewhere between Calvary and Pentecost.
They know they are saved, but live defeated lives, empty of joy and void of close fellowship with God.
2. You can’t enjoy God’s communion until you are right with Him in your body (outer court) and mind
(the Holy Place). Then and only then can you truly worship Him in Spirit (Most Holy Place).
3. The Mercy Seat is a picture of God’s Throne. After you are saved, if you approach it without going by
the Brazen Altar, Laver, Candlestick, Table of Shewbread, and Golden Altar, it is a Throne of Judgment
and God chastises. However if you follow the correct steps His throne becomes one of fellowship and
mercy.
5. Who could enter the holy place? What was the minimum times a day that they were to enter? What were their duties each day in the holy place?
The tribe of Levi were used in the sanctuary duties, but it was the Sons of Moses and Aaron (Eleazar and Ithamar) 1 Chronicles 24: 2, 7-19 who served as priests. One could only be a priest between 30 and 50 years of age. Significantly, Jesus was baptized at 30 when he officially started His ministry.
There were only two types of priests - the ordinary priest and the high priest. They differed in dress and in duties.
The priests assisted in the sacrifices, where the sinner (not the priest) killed the offering. Then they took the blood to be used in the services. This shows that ultimately, we caused the death of Christ for our sins.
The High Priest had special duties, only he alone could go in the Most Holy Place and only once per year on the Day of atonement. On that day he wore only the white garments of the ordinary priest. During the rest of the year he alone wore the colorful garments while the other priests wore white.
All of the rituals were done by priests, a layman could not directly approach God or enter the Sanctuary, the priest was always the go-between or mediator..
6. Who could enter the most holy place? On what day? Explain what that person did in the most holy place?
Jesus opened the way for us to enter into the Most Holy Place so that we could bring our petitions directly to the 'throne of grace.' The 'throne of grace' is the Mercy Seat in the Most Holy Place where the 'presence of God' abides.
But only the high priest goes into the Most Holy Place, and only once a year, and always with blood, which he offers to God to cover his own sins and the sins the people have committed in ignorance. - Hebrews 9:7
Under the system of Jewish laws, the high priest brought the blood of animals into the Holy Place as a sacrifice for sin, but the bodies of the animals were burned outside the camp. - Hebrews 13:11
7. What was the significance of the “ark of the covenant”? What was the lid of the ark called? What did God tell Moses that would take place there? What did God tell Moses to put inside the ark?
Ans: The Ark of the Covenant is first mentioned in the Bible in Exodus 25. Following Israel's deliverance from slavery in Egypt, God instructs Moses to build a Tabernacle (or tent) in which the Israelites will worship God. Placed in a special area known as 'the Holy of Holies,' the Ark of the Covenant was the most sacred object in the Tabernacle. Detailed instructions were given by God to construct the Ark. It was to be made with acacia wood and overlaid with gold. Dimensionally, the Ark was to be 2.5 cubits (1 cubit is approximately 18 in.) long and 1.5 cubits wide and high. Atop the Ark were two gold cherubs that stood with their wings covering an area of the Ark known as the 'Mercy Seat.'
The Ark of the Covenant contained three items of extreme significance to the Israelites. The first was two stone tablets bearing the divine inscription of the Ten Commandments. The Ten Commandments formed the foundation of God's covenant with Israel, commonly referred to as 'The Law' (Exodus 31). The second item in the Ark was the rod of Aaron. God miraculously caused Aaron's rod to bud with blossoms to show the rest of the tribes of Israel that it was God's will for Aaron to be in charge of the Priesthood (Numbers 17). The last item was a golden pot of manna. Manna was the starchy food God miraculously provided for the Israelites during their 40 years of desert wanderings (Exodus 16).
The Ark of the Covenant was where God manifested His presence on earth. The Ark went ahead of the Israelites wherever they traveled. Not only was it the center of worship when it resided in the tabernacle, but the Ark also protected the Israelites in battle, supernaturally defeating any adversaries that came before them (Joshua 6:3-4). The Israelites also went to the Ark to seek God's guidance and wisdom for the nation (Numbers 7:89, Exodus 25:22).
Ark of the Covenant: A Temporary Means of Forgiveness The Ark of the Covenant was more than just a special furnishing with supernatural powers -- It was also the Israelites' means of relating to God. The Ark of the Covenant could only be approached once a year by the high priest on 'Yum Kippur'- the Jewish Day of Atonement. On this day, the high priest would enter the Holy of Holies with the blood of a sacrificed lamb. It was also only on this day that God's presence manifested between the two Cherubs. The high priest would sprinkle the blood of the sacrificed lamb on the Mercy Seat. Once received by God, the blood of the lamb atoned (covered) for the sins of the high priest and the entire nation of Israel. This ritual was performed continuously, year after year. The Ark of the Covenant played a key role in the forgiveness of sins.
Ark of the Covenant: Foreshadowing the Coming Messiah At first glance, the blood sacrifices associated with the history of the Ark of the Covenant may seem somewhat disturbing. Slaughtering animals and offering their blood on an altar begs of the occult. It is important to note, however, that these sacrifices were not intended to appease the wrath of a bloodthirsty deity. God does not desire the blood and suffering of helpless lambs (Hebrews 10:8). The biblical text repeatedly shows that where there is sin, the unavoidable result is death. The sacrifice of the lamb points to the severity of sin. Sin must always be atoned (paid) for in order for God to be just (Hebrews 9:22). God's compassion enabled the sins of Israel to be transferred upon the lamb. More importantly, these sacrifices were foreshadowing a greater sacrifice yet to take place -- the sacrifice of the Jewish Messiah, Jesus Christ. God knew that these continual sacrifices would be insufficient to pay for the sins of Israel, much less the sins of all humanity. Therefore, God provided Jesus Christ as the ultimate sacrificial lamb, which became the greatest act of love in all history. A Roman cross became the ark on which Christ was sacrificed. The blood of Christ, once and for all, atoned for the wrongs of all who would accept Him as their Savior (John 3:16).
Ark of the Covenant: Replaced by God's New Covenant The Ark of the Covenant disappeared from the Jewish Temple somewhere before or during the Babylonian invasion of Jerusalem in 586 BC. In anticipation of the Ark's disappearance, the prophet Jeremiah wrote: 'And it shall come to pass, when ye be multiplied and increased in the land, in those days, saith the LORD, they shall say no more, The ark of the covenant of the LORD: neither shall it come to mind: neither shall they remember it; neither shall they visit it; neither shall that be done any more' (Jeremiah 3:16). Even before Jesus, Jeremiah's prophecy revealed that there would be no more need for the Ark of the Covenant in the future. God had a better covenant He would bring to pass -- the new covenant in His Son, Jesus Christ.
8. What does the New Testament say about the location of the temple today? What did Jesus do to the cover of the “true mercy seat” after His crucifixion? Give two New Testament illustrations about what is the New Testament tabernacle is today in regard to the individual Christian and the church.
Ans: Paul teaches us in 1st Corinthians 10:1-6 that God in Christ dwelled among us now as He did with the Jews in Sinai, in the Wilderness. Just as God fed the Israelities with spiritual food and spiritual drink God today feeds us through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. The Tabernacle was God’s house in the wilderness of Sinai. He commanded the Israelites to build this house as he instructed them so that God may have a proper place to dwell with his people. Just as God dwelled in the tabernacle of Sinai in the time of Moses, we are today still in the wilderness and God through and in and by his Church dwells among us. The Church can expect the presence of God, manifesting himself in Worship if we properly conduct ourselves in his Worship
Jesus came as the fulfillment of the Old Testament tabernacle system:
He was the real high priest—from a superior priestly order (2 WEEKS AGO), and a sinless High Priest who is therefore qualified to fix our sin problems with God because he doesn’t have any of his own sin problems.
He went into the real tabernacle—the actual presence of God—with his solution.
He voluntarily offered his own blood—his own perfect and sinless life—to pay for our sins.
Therefore, he has accomplished a permanent solution for our guilt before God—he has died “once for all” and obtained an “eternal redemption.” Read 9:13,14. The most that the Old Testament sacrifices could grant was ritual cleansing—the right to go into the outer court. But Jesus’ sacrifice actually removes our guilt and cleanses our conscience (experience God’s forgiveness) so that we can serve (“worship”) God and enjoy his personal presence!
This is why Jesus, just before he died on the cross, cried out “It is finished” (Matt.27:50; Jn.19:30). What was finished? All of the Old Testament sacrifices and the whole tabernacle system were finished, because what they symbolized was now accomplished by his death! And this is why the moment Jesus died, the veil between the Holy Place and the Holy of Holies was torn in two (Matt.27:51). The separation between us and God that had stood so long because our sins was now bridged by Jesus death. The way into God’s presence was open for everyone—as long as we come through what Jesus did for us.
9. What separated the holy place from the most holy place in the tabernacle? What happened to that item on the day of Christ’s crucifixion? What is the significance of that event?
When the children of Israel came into the desolate region of Sinai following their exodus from Egypt, Jehovah ordained a regulated system of worship that was designed to accommodate their sojourn in that wilderness. A part of that order was the tabernacle—a movable, tent-like structure that was to serve as the house of the Lord under those temporary conditions. In the construction of the tabernacle, Moses was “warned of God” that he make all things “according to the pattern” that was shown to him at Mt. Sinai (Hebrews 8:5).
The tabernacle was divided into two rooms, the holy place and the most holy place (or holy of holies). Within the former, according to the account in Exodus 40, three items of furniture were located. On the northern side was the table of showbread, while the golden lampstand was on the south. Finally, to the west, just “before the veil” that separated the holy place from the holy of holies, was the golden altar of incense (Exodus 30:6; 40:26).
The door was shut and only the “High Priest” could enter in, until JESUS made the way for ALL that so desired to “Enter in The Most Holy Place.”
The “Tabernacle” (place of dwelling) as described in the Old Testament consisted of THREE parts. The first was the “Outer Courts” where burnt offerings were made. The people would give their offering to the Lord through Aaron and his sons, who would then offer this to The Lord for atonement.
The second part of the “Tabernacle” was called “The Holy Place”. This was the first portion of the actual “Tent” or “Dwelling Place”, where the priests would go to perform their daily service to the Lord in the burning of incense, etc. They could not enter even this portion without first going through the ritual ceremony of thorough cleansing.
The third part of the “Tabernacle” was called “The Most Holy Place”. Here was the place of total surrender, of complete worship to the Lord. A place of reconciliation and blessed intimacy, where creation worshiped and honored his creator with all that was within. In “The Most Holy Place”, there was stored the Ark of the Covenant which were the Ten Commandments given by God to Moses, written on tablets of stone. The items that were placed in the Most Holy Place were sacred and no one was allowed to enter in except the High Priest who did so once a year to make atonement for his sins and the sins of the people with the offering that was perfect, having no spot or blemish. (Just as Christ, God’s Sacrificial offering was and Is Perfect, without spot, or blemish). There could no sin be found in the Most Holy Place as before any man could enter, his sins must first be forgiven, and covered by the blood of the sacrificial offering to The Lord. In the days of old, the blood of a spotless bull, ram, etc. atoned the sins of man that the High Priest could then enter into The Most Holy Place. This was a ceremonial ritual that was practice over and over again until the blood of bulls and goats, no longer sufficed. The Lord loved his creation so much that “part time” fellowship and “partial” intimacy was not enough as man was created to worship Him through his speech, though his conduct, through everyday living in all things. This form of worship is having an intimate relationship with our Father, a deep closeness, a pure oneness as did “Adam” who indeed being a son, spiritually knew his Father, walked and conversed with his Father, until sin entered in. Because sin instantly separates man from God and shuts the door to the Most Holy Place, God in his most loving kindness desiring that man should be reconciled back to him, that his creation would return back to the spiritual place we were originally created for, makes the final and ultimate sacrifice in offering his only begotten son as a living sacrifice. The blood from the sacrificial Lamb of God would then blot out the sins of his creation, tear down the veil of separation, and allow man to freely “Enter in the Most Holy Place” and truly worship His Creator, our Lord and our God!
There are many that may desire to enter into The Most Holy Place, but what keeps man who was originally created for this purpose from entering in this most blessed place of intimacy with The Father is his refusal to let go of self. For if he desires to cling to the things of the flesh, he cannot enter in and with the spirit worship The Father, as sin cannot dwell in The Most Holy Place. Thus man remains in the outer courts offering up “sacrifices” to the Lord in hopes of “blotting out” the present sins, believing that “good works” and the giving of gifts would cover his inward wickedness, having no spiritual understanding that atonement has already been made through the shed blood of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God. Man’s only need is to repent and surrender himself back to The Lord. For there is no longer a veil of separation, and all who desire to return back to the SPIRITUALLY NATURAL FORM OF WORSHIP are free to do so. However, we CANNOT take the sins of the flesh with us but must be purged and cleansed having all that is not of God uprooted from us that we may serve him with a pure heart. Thus, the flesh has no part, for those who worship the Lord MUST worship Him in SPIRIT and in TRUTH! Inwardly, our spirits LONG for this for it is natural to our spirits since it is the “spirit” of man that was created in the IMAGE of God. Thus, the spirit desires the things of the Lord, but the flesh which was NOT created in His Image and which has the very nature of sin, rebels against this desiring more to please itself. Therefore, there is constant war going on between the flesh and spirit, but the spirit has the power to put the flesh under subjection that it would follow and no longer lead.
10. What is the significance of question #9 in relationship with Hebrews 4:16? Meditate upon how we can function as a priest and have access to the throne of grace (mercy seat), the place where God told Moses He would meet with Him and comment on the rsults of your meditation.
The high priest met with God once each year placing blood on the Mercy Seat to cover the sins of Israel. The Mercy Seat was a picture of the propitiation of God's anger. Jesus took the punishment for our sins and in so doing satisfied (propitiated) God's anger against sinners who place their faith in Him. Believers are in essence 'covered by the blood of Christ' and can now meet with God at His Throne any time, any day in contrast to the Jewish high priest who could only go into God's presence once per year on the Day of Atonement.
Since the Lord Jesus Christ is totally familiar with the weakness of the flesh and because His atonement was totally effectual, we are told to come to the throne of Grace in confidence. Our confidence is based on two things: First, it is based on the knowledge that the Lord Jesus Christ knows weak flesh; Secondly, we come with confidence knowing that the Lord Jesus Christ has secured us for eternity and will continue to come to our aid while we are in this weak body. The Christian comes to the throne of Grace in a time of trial or testing where we will find mercy and grace but not justice. The Justice of God was satisfied on behalf of the believers by Christ on Calvary. The readers to the Hebrews were facing the test of abandoning the Lord Jesus in the face of persecution and it is in these times when we pray for strength, the Lord Jesus Christ will strengthen us so we will not lose out to temptation. This is a great promise and a great strength for the believer because we all face those times of weakness. (Heb 13:5 KJV) Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
Ans: The tabernacle was a very functional facility. The tabernacle served as a meeting place between God and men, and was thus known as the “tent of meeting”133 (cf. 35:21) This was no small task, for having God in close proximity was a very dangerous thing. When Moses plead with God to dwell in the midst of His people (Exod. 34:9), God warned him that this could prove fatal to such a sinful people: “For the Lord had said to Moses, ‘Say to the sons of Israel, “You are an obstinate people; should I go up in your midst for one moment, I would destroy you”’” (Exod. 33:5a).
In Exodus 25:8 the LORD said to Moses 'let them make Me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them.' Hence, the Tabernacle was the place where Yahweh dwelt and met with His people after the exodus from Egypt. It later became the prototype of subsequent Jewish temples, because it was not designed by man but by God. Exodus 25:9 says ' Make this tabernacle and all its furnishings exactly like the pattern I will show you.' God design the tabernacle but that it is a copy and a shadow of what is in heaven. Hebrews 8:5 says 'who serve the copy and the shadow of the heavenly things, as Moses was divinely instructed when he was about to make the tabernacle. For He said 'see that you make all things according to the pattern shown you on the mountain'.' The earthly tabernacle was therefore a reflection of present realities in heaven.
But yet, the fact is when God gave the ten commandments, He also gave instructions for the house of worship. Moses was given detailed plans for a sacred structure designed as a necessary companion to the moral law. God made it clear that the moral demands of the ten commandments and the regulations concerning the architecture, furniture, and offerings of the tabernacle were different sides of one collective rule of life for Israel. The ten commandments revealed the high and holy standards of God. The tabernacle and everything associated with it, on the other hand, set forth Gods plan for living with and loving those who habitually fell short of his perfect rule of life.
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2. List the furniture of the tabernacle and explain the purpose of each.
Ans:
. THE SIZE - 2 by 1 by 1 1/2 Cubits
[1]. The Table was large enough to receive all who are worthy to come (all who will enter and desire this inner fellowship); but small enough to exclude all who are not worthy (l Cor. 11:28,29).
B. MATERIALS - Shittim Wood, overlaid with gold (humanity and divinity).
C. CHARACTERISTICS - Not an ordinary table, there were some peculiarities:
[1]. THE BORDER: Perhaps a ledge around the table to hold the utensils.
[2].TWO CROWNS: Of gold - one, kept bread on the Table; second, kept things from falling off the border.
(a). The twice-crowned Lord: once with thorns, and the crown He will wear as King of Kings, Lord of Lords.
[4]. RINGS AND STAVES: Used to carry the Table when traveling, it went with them; we have the WORD, which can be taken anywhere we go (Israelites had no abiding place in the wilderness, ever on the march; the Tabernacle was a picture of God's complete provision: Table, food; Candlestick, guidance; Altar of Incense, intercession).
[5]. VESSELS: Dishes, spoons for putting incense on the bread; and covers and bowls for the drink offering.
D. THE SHEWBREAD - Was that which the priest fed upon, the priests would then be representatives of the people.
[1]. 12 loaves of bread on the Table at all times, two rows of six each.
[2]. (Lev. 24:5-9) The priests would eat the bread once a week (flavored with frankincense), and it was replaced as it was eaten (never a time of no food).
[3]. The basis of our fellowship is Christ, He is sufficient, all we need.
[4]. Feeding and feasting on Christ is not a SHALLOW ENTERTAINMENT, but a time of nourishing and strengthening.
[5]. Unleavened - Leaven is a type of sin ('no fault in Him 'Pilate).
[6]. Fine Flour - Of the earth, crushed, not palatable until baked; here is the testing, suffering Christ.
[7]. 'Standing Up' - There were no chairs for them to sit down, for the House of God is not a PIECE OF EASE AND ENTERTAINMENT but the place of WORK AND SERVICE (no laziness, no excuses).
II. THE GOLDEN CANDLESTICK - LAMPSTAND (South) (Exodus 25:31-40; 37:17-24; 39:37)
Here is TESTIMONY, giving forth LIGHT, a symbol of CHRIST THE HOLY SPIRIT, and THE BELIEVER Joined together.
A. SIZE AND SHAPE - No size given, but shape and design given in detail (the most beautiful and ornamental piece of furniture).
[1]. A center shaft with three branches on each side, making seven lamps (Christ is the center Jn.15:5); we are the branches (Matt. 5:14).
[2]. Estimated weight would be around 100 pounds of gold.
[3]. Six branches differed from the center shaft;
(a). 3 bowls, 1 knop, 1 flower on each branch - the center shaft had 4 of each - also a knop under each set of branches.
[4]. Lamps for oil - usefulness as well as beauty, to give LIGHT.
(a). Tongs, snuffers and snuffdishes for trimming, morning and evening.
B. BEFORE THE LORD - (Exodus 40:25)
[1]. The lampstand is not light before the world, but the world knew that it was alight, when we seek to live for his glory only, the world will say: These men have been with Jesus.'
C. THE PERSONAL PRONOUN 'HIS' USED OF LAMPSTAND - (refers to Christ).
[1]. 'Beaten of gold' (Is. 53:5,10) - suffering, bruising of Christ.
[2]. 'Beaten olive oil' - The sufferings of the Holy Spirit (Eph. 4:30).
III. THE ALTAR OF INCENSE - (Center, West) (Ex. 30:1-10,34-38; 37:25-29).
'Before the veil' - PRAYER AND WORSHIP AND PRAISE.
Here is CHRIST in whose name our prayers must ascend [Matt. 17:5; Eph. 1:6).
How eager we should be to learn how to PRAY and to PRAISE HIM.
[1]. SIZE - 2 by 1 by 1 cubits - just large enough to serve its purpose.
[2]. MATERIALS - Shittim Wood, overlaid with gold (Christ makes intercession in Heaven for the believers on EARTH.
[3]. A CROWN - To keep fire from falling to the ground (fire with incense).
[4]. HORNS - As on the Brazen Altar, speak of power and strength - POWER OF PRAYER.
[5]. RINGS AND STAVES - For travel, prayer is not limited to time and place.
[6]. PURPOSE - Shows forth the greater work of the Cross, and NOW becomes our MEDIATOR.
[7]. POSITION - In the Holy Place BEFORE THE THRONE, the Mercy Seat; as Christ is now not sitting on a throne, but at the right hand of God.
[8]. THE INCENSE - Equal portions of:
(a). STACTE - The natural gum of the myrrh tree; myrrh being artificially produced by incisions.
(b). ONYCHA - A perfume that was rendered from shellfish types.
(c). GALBANUM - Resinous, yellow-brown incense, but it is not known from what plant or tree it was derived.
(d). FRANKINCENSE - Resin of the Boswellia tree, which grows 40 feet high in India and Arabia. it has a balsamic smell and bums with a white name and fragrant odor.
3. List the designated location of each piece of furniture of the tabernacle and the significance of that location.
Ans: in the midst of the camp of Israel before Mount Sinai, with the rough, rocky peaks of Horeb looming in awful grandeur on every side. Of the twelve tribes of Israel the tents of three tribes may be seen to the east, three to the north, and as many to the west and to the south. Fringing the great interior square thus formed are pitched the tents of the tribe of Levi, that thirteenth tribe especially holy, of whom are the priests and whose work it is to care for and serve the tabernacle. Immediately to the east of us dwell the priestly families, because the tabernacle door is to the eastward, and these ministers of the sanctuary must be nearest of all. In the great square thus formed is located the sanctuary. Literally, “God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved” (Psa. 46:5).
From the eastern side of this square we face to the westward from the tents of the priests, and before us is the holy house, with its entrance on the east side, nearest us. First notice this high fence around the tabernacle enclosing a yard, called the “court.” This court you will notice is a hundred cubits long and fifty cubits wide. Or allowing eighteen inches for the cubit, which measure is supposed to have been originally derived from the length of a man’s forearm, from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger, it is 150 feet long by 75 feet wide. It is as big as a large sized city building lot. The surrounding fence or wall is very peculiar in that it consists of hangings of fine linen suspended between posts, which stand five cubits, or seven and one half feet, apart. The fence is also five cubits, or seven and one half feet, high, so we can not see over it. These sixty posts are set in sockets of brass and have hooks and fillets of silver. But the entrance, which is thirty feet wide, including four of the spaces between posts, has instead of the common white hanging a much more beautiful one in gorgeous colors—blue, purple, and scarlet—the colors of royalty.
Passing through the entrance to the court and looking straight ahead of us, in the further end of the court we see the tabernacle itself, and immediately before us stands the large brazen altar, where expiation is made for sin, and between this and the tabernacle is a large brazen vessel called the laver, filled with water, in which the priests must always wash both their hands and feet before entering the dwelling place of God. We expect to come back to these to examine them more carefully later, so we shall pass on.
The tabernacle proper is not very different in size and shape from the common flat top, black goats’ hair tent of the average Arabian desert dweller as it has been constructed f o r thousands of years. Raising the beautiful hanging of blue, purple, and scarlet and passing between gold covered pillars we stand in the holy place, the first sanctuary, where we common people can never actually enter. It is as large as a large sized living room—a place of beauty and grandeur. The walls and ceiling are of the same fine linen and kingly colors as the hanging at the entrance, and are inworked with figures of cherubs in recognition of the presence of Deity.
Before us on the south side is the seven branch golden candlestick or lamp stand shedding its light round about. On our other hand is a table overlaid with pure gold. On [26] it are twelve loaves of bread, upon which is frankincense. Moving on we come to a beautiful little altar covered with gold. On this sweet incense is burned daily, morning and evening, for a sweet odor before Jehovah. Also on its horns are marks of blood, the blood of atonement sprinkled on it from the sin offering.
Now with trembling hand and bowed head we reverently lift the beautiful second veil and quietly enter the sacred inner room, the holiest place. Naturally all is dark, but we know we are in the presence of Him who dwells “in the thick darkness.” (1 Kings 8:12.) Here we stand in the awful presence of the Almighty God. We are before the “throne of grace.” This inner room is but half as large as the first, and its walls are covered with the same kind of beautiful hangings. The one piece of furniture is the chest like gold covered ark, containing the testimony, and over it serving as its lid the pure gold mercy seat with a golden cherub on either end stretching its wings out over the mercy seat like a golden canopy. Here above the mercy seat and under the shadow of the outspread wings of the cherubim the Shekinah light, the glory of the Lord, ever shines. From here Jehovah speaks to and blesses his people. Here also on the mercy seat once each year, on the great day of atonement, the blood of atonement is sprinkled. Here intercession is made for transgressors, and here mercy is extended to sinners.
4. What is the difference between the holy and the most holy place of the tabernacle? Who could enter each? Who could serve behind the bronze altar? What area of the tabernacle could the common man (Jews) enter?
The Lord Jesus Christ – Every detail of the Tabernacle points to the person and work of Christ. John 1:14
states, “The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us.” The word “dwelt” means He “tabernacled” among
men. The Tabernacle was the actual, visual dwelling place of God. Colossians 2:9 reads, “For in him dwelleth
all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.”
2. The Church – The Tabernacle was the habitation of God. Of the Church, Ephesians 2:21-22 states the
following: “In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye
also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.”
3. The Christian – The believer is now the dwelling place of God. I Corinthians 3:16 tells us, “Know ye not that ye
are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” The Tabernacle and the Believer are also
constructed in the same manner.
a. The Tabernacle – Outer Court, Holy Place, and Most Holy Place
b. The Believer – Body, Soul, and Spirit
. A Public Light – The Sun in the Outer Court – This light speaks of our testimony to the world. The outer court was visible to all and represents our public life as Christians. The public light of the sun reveals two Testimonies in our lives.
A. The Light of Salvation – The Brazen Altar – Ex. 27:1
1. The Altar was the biggest piece of furniture which reveals its importance to the rest of the furniture of
the Tabernacle. It is symbolic of the believer’s salvation which is of utmost importance.
2. The Brazen Altar stands in the light of the sun as a testimony to the salvation the Christian has
experienced. Salvation is the most important aspect of our testimony. The world needs to see the death
of Christ in our lives and the difference His salvation has made.
3. The Altar portrays two things the world sees in our body, which is a type of the outer court.
a. Forgiveness – The Altar was a place where blood was shed for the forgiveness of sins. The sin and
trespass offering of the Brazen Altar were sacrifices that made atonement for the ones who presented
them. In our lives the sinner needs to see the effects of forgiveness.
b. Dedication – The animals brought to the Brazen Altar died there. This symbolizes the death of our
self to the desires of the world and our total devotion to the purposes of God. The animals were burnt
until nothing remained but ashes. This should be the testimony of our lives, nothing reserved for
ourselves, but all given for the glory of God.
B. The Testimony of Separation – The Brazen Laver
1. The Laver represents the fact of cleanliness among the people of God. I Thessalonians 4:7 – “For God
hath not called us unto uncleaness, but unto holiness.” We are made clean by “the washing of water by
the Word.” Every believer has the responsibility of remaining clean after he passes the Brazen Altar.
2. Separation is vital in our testimony. The world needs to see people who practice what they say they
believe. The initial cleansing of the water takes care of our standing before God, but the daily cleansing
prepares us for our service in the world.
3. The Priests washed both their hands and feet.
a. Hands – Symbolic of the work God has commissioned us to do
b. The Feet – Symbolic of our daily walk and conversation
The World is looking upon our bodies. Do they see salvation and separation?
II. A Private Light – The Candlestick in the Holy Place – This light reveals our testimony among other believers. No one but the priests was allowed in the Holy Place. The Holy Place is symbolic of the family relationship of the church.
A. The Importance of the Candlestick
1. The candlestick was vital for the ministry of the priests around the Table of Shewbread and the Golden
Altar of Incense. The light of the Candlestick represents the ministry of the Holy Spirit through the
Word of God in the church.
2. The Composition of the Candlestick
a. One Shaft – Speaks of Christ who is the body of the church and to whom all believers are connected
b. Many Branches – The six branches of the candlestick represent the individual Christians.
3. The Decorations of the Candlestick – Flowers = Christ’s Purity; Pomegranates = Christ’s Fruitfulness;
The Almonds = Christ’s Power and Resurrection
B. The Illumination of the Candlestick
1. The light of the Candlestick could not be seen by the world. It exclusively shone in the Holy Place. In
the same manner, the world does not understand the importance of the Word of God or the church. The
light of the Spirit is for the family and by His light the members of the church enjoy two things.
a. Table of Shewbread – We have fellowship with our fellow brethren.
b. Golden Altar of Incense – We offer up intercessory prayers for the family.
2. According to I John 1, you cannot fellowship or pray in the darkness. The light of the Candlestick allows
the members of the church to operate. Without the illumination of it, we will fail in our efforts.
3. Any time there is division and lack of love in a church family, the light of the Spirit has been
extinguished.
III. The Personal Light – The Shekinah Glory of God in the Most Holy Place
A. Light of Personal Relationship
1. The fellowship of God is represented by the Shekinah Glory. Only one Priest entered into the Holy of
Holies to commune with God.
2. Notice how the lights of the Tabernacle have been narrowed down from the entire camp of Israel in the
outer court to only one man in the Most Holy Place. This is exactly the progression of fellowship every
believer shares. We begin with public testimony to the world, private fellowship with the church, and
finally personal communion with God.
3. You can’t have fellowship with the church until you pass by the Brazen Altar and Laver. After salvation
and separation has been dealt with, you enter a new level of spirituality which is fellowship with the
brethren. However, if do not have a right relationship with the church, you can not enjoy personal
fellowship with God. This is the intended goal of every believer, but before you can have a right
relationship with God you must pass by the Brazen Altar, Laver, Candlestick, Table, and Golden Altar.
B. Light of Personal Satisfaction
1. The problem with most Christians is that they have halted somewhere between Calvary and Pentecost.
They know they are saved, but live defeated lives, empty of joy and void of close fellowship with God.
2. You can’t enjoy God’s communion until you are right with Him in your body (outer court) and mind
(the Holy Place). Then and only then can you truly worship Him in Spirit (Most Holy Place).
3. The Mercy Seat is a picture of God’s Throne. After you are saved, if you approach it without going by
the Brazen Altar, Laver, Candlestick, Table of Shewbread, and Golden Altar, it is a Throne of Judgment
and God chastises. However if you follow the correct steps His throne becomes one of fellowship and
mercy.
5. Who could enter the holy place? What was the minimum times a day that they were to enter? What were their duties each day in the holy place?
The tribe of Levi were used in the sanctuary duties, but it was the Sons of Moses and Aaron (Eleazar and Ithamar) 1 Chronicles 24: 2, 7-19 who served as priests. One could only be a priest between 30 and 50 years of age. Significantly, Jesus was baptized at 30 when he officially started His ministry.
There were only two types of priests - the ordinary priest and the high priest. They differed in dress and in duties.
The priests assisted in the sacrifices, where the sinner (not the priest) killed the offering. Then they took the blood to be used in the services. This shows that ultimately, we caused the death of Christ for our sins.
The High Priest had special duties, only he alone could go in the Most Holy Place and only once per year on the Day of atonement. On that day he wore only the white garments of the ordinary priest. During the rest of the year he alone wore the colorful garments while the other priests wore white.
All of the rituals were done by priests, a layman could not directly approach God or enter the Sanctuary, the priest was always the go-between or mediator..
6. Who could enter the most holy place? On what day? Explain what that person did in the most holy place?
Jesus opened the way for us to enter into the Most Holy Place so that we could bring our petitions directly to the 'throne of grace.' The 'throne of grace' is the Mercy Seat in the Most Holy Place where the 'presence of God' abides.
But only the high priest goes into the Most Holy Place, and only once a year, and always with blood, which he offers to God to cover his own sins and the sins the people have committed in ignorance. - Hebrews 9:7
Under the system of Jewish laws, the high priest brought the blood of animals into the Holy Place as a sacrifice for sin, but the bodies of the animals were burned outside the camp. - Hebrews 13:11
7. What was the significance of the “ark of the covenant”? What was the lid of the ark called? What did God tell Moses that would take place there? What did God tell Moses to put inside the ark?
Ans: The Ark of the Covenant is first mentioned in the Bible in Exodus 25. Following Israel's deliverance from slavery in Egypt, God instructs Moses to build a Tabernacle (or tent) in which the Israelites will worship God. Placed in a special area known as 'the Holy of Holies,' the Ark of the Covenant was the most sacred object in the Tabernacle. Detailed instructions were given by God to construct the Ark. It was to be made with acacia wood and overlaid with gold. Dimensionally, the Ark was to be 2.5 cubits (1 cubit is approximately 18 in.) long and 1.5 cubits wide and high. Atop the Ark were two gold cherubs that stood with their wings covering an area of the Ark known as the 'Mercy Seat.'
The Ark of the Covenant contained three items of extreme significance to the Israelites. The first was two stone tablets bearing the divine inscription of the Ten Commandments. The Ten Commandments formed the foundation of God's covenant with Israel, commonly referred to as 'The Law' (Exodus 31). The second item in the Ark was the rod of Aaron. God miraculously caused Aaron's rod to bud with blossoms to show the rest of the tribes of Israel that it was God's will for Aaron to be in charge of the Priesthood (Numbers 17). The last item was a golden pot of manna. Manna was the starchy food God miraculously provided for the Israelites during their 40 years of desert wanderings (Exodus 16).
The Ark of the Covenant was where God manifested His presence on earth. The Ark went ahead of the Israelites wherever they traveled. Not only was it the center of worship when it resided in the tabernacle, but the Ark also protected the Israelites in battle, supernaturally defeating any adversaries that came before them (Joshua 6:3-4). The Israelites also went to the Ark to seek God's guidance and wisdom for the nation (Numbers 7:89, Exodus 25:22).
Ark of the Covenant: A Temporary Means of Forgiveness The Ark of the Covenant was more than just a special furnishing with supernatural powers -- It was also the Israelites' means of relating to God. The Ark of the Covenant could only be approached once a year by the high priest on 'Yum Kippur'- the Jewish Day of Atonement. On this day, the high priest would enter the Holy of Holies with the blood of a sacrificed lamb. It was also only on this day that God's presence manifested between the two Cherubs. The high priest would sprinkle the blood of the sacrificed lamb on the Mercy Seat. Once received by God, the blood of the lamb atoned (covered) for the sins of the high priest and the entire nation of Israel. This ritual was performed continuously, year after year. The Ark of the Covenant played a key role in the forgiveness of sins.
Ark of the Covenant: Foreshadowing the Coming Messiah At first glance, the blood sacrifices associated with the history of the Ark of the Covenant may seem somewhat disturbing. Slaughtering animals and offering their blood on an altar begs of the occult. It is important to note, however, that these sacrifices were not intended to appease the wrath of a bloodthirsty deity. God does not desire the blood and suffering of helpless lambs (Hebrews 10:8). The biblical text repeatedly shows that where there is sin, the unavoidable result is death. The sacrifice of the lamb points to the severity of sin. Sin must always be atoned (paid) for in order for God to be just (Hebrews 9:22). God's compassion enabled the sins of Israel to be transferred upon the lamb. More importantly, these sacrifices were foreshadowing a greater sacrifice yet to take place -- the sacrifice of the Jewish Messiah, Jesus Christ. God knew that these continual sacrifices would be insufficient to pay for the sins of Israel, much less the sins of all humanity. Therefore, God provided Jesus Christ as the ultimate sacrificial lamb, which became the greatest act of love in all history. A Roman cross became the ark on which Christ was sacrificed. The blood of Christ, once and for all, atoned for the wrongs of all who would accept Him as their Savior (John 3:16).
Ark of the Covenant: Replaced by God's New Covenant The Ark of the Covenant disappeared from the Jewish Temple somewhere before or during the Babylonian invasion of Jerusalem in 586 BC. In anticipation of the Ark's disappearance, the prophet Jeremiah wrote: 'And it shall come to pass, when ye be multiplied and increased in the land, in those days, saith the LORD, they shall say no more, The ark of the covenant of the LORD: neither shall it come to mind: neither shall they remember it; neither shall they visit it; neither shall that be done any more' (Jeremiah 3:16). Even before Jesus, Jeremiah's prophecy revealed that there would be no more need for the Ark of the Covenant in the future. God had a better covenant He would bring to pass -- the new covenant in His Son, Jesus Christ.
8. What does the New Testament say about the location of the temple today? What did Jesus do to the cover of the “true mercy seat” after His crucifixion? Give two New Testament illustrations about what is the New Testament tabernacle is today in regard to the individual Christian and the church.
Ans: Paul teaches us in 1st Corinthians 10:1-6 that God in Christ dwelled among us now as He did with the Jews in Sinai, in the Wilderness. Just as God fed the Israelities with spiritual food and spiritual drink God today feeds us through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. The Tabernacle was God’s house in the wilderness of Sinai. He commanded the Israelites to build this house as he instructed them so that God may have a proper place to dwell with his people. Just as God dwelled in the tabernacle of Sinai in the time of Moses, we are today still in the wilderness and God through and in and by his Church dwells among us. The Church can expect the presence of God, manifesting himself in Worship if we properly conduct ourselves in his Worship
Jesus came as the fulfillment of the Old Testament tabernacle system:
He was the real high priest—from a superior priestly order (2 WEEKS AGO), and a sinless High Priest who is therefore qualified to fix our sin problems with God because he doesn’t have any of his own sin problems.
He went into the real tabernacle—the actual presence of God—with his solution.
He voluntarily offered his own blood—his own perfect and sinless life—to pay for our sins.
Therefore, he has accomplished a permanent solution for our guilt before God—he has died “once for all” and obtained an “eternal redemption.” Read 9:13,14. The most that the Old Testament sacrifices could grant was ritual cleansing—the right to go into the outer court. But Jesus’ sacrifice actually removes our guilt and cleanses our conscience (experience God’s forgiveness) so that we can serve (“worship”) God and enjoy his personal presence!
This is why Jesus, just before he died on the cross, cried out “It is finished” (Matt.27:50; Jn.19:30). What was finished? All of the Old Testament sacrifices and the whole tabernacle system were finished, because what they symbolized was now accomplished by his death! And this is why the moment Jesus died, the veil between the Holy Place and the Holy of Holies was torn in two (Matt.27:51). The separation between us and God that had stood so long because our sins was now bridged by Jesus death. The way into God’s presence was open for everyone—as long as we come through what Jesus did for us.
9. What separated the holy place from the most holy place in the tabernacle? What happened to that item on the day of Christ’s crucifixion? What is the significance of that event?
When the children of Israel came into the desolate region of Sinai following their exodus from Egypt, Jehovah ordained a regulated system of worship that was designed to accommodate their sojourn in that wilderness. A part of that order was the tabernacle—a movable, tent-like structure that was to serve as the house of the Lord under those temporary conditions. In the construction of the tabernacle, Moses was “warned of God” that he make all things “according to the pattern” that was shown to him at Mt. Sinai (Hebrews 8:5).
The tabernacle was divided into two rooms, the holy place and the most holy place (or holy of holies). Within the former, according to the account in Exodus 40, three items of furniture were located. On the northern side was the table of showbread, while the golden lampstand was on the south. Finally, to the west, just “before the veil” that separated the holy place from the holy of holies, was the golden altar of incense (Exodus 30:6; 40:26).
The door was shut and only the “High Priest” could enter in, until JESUS made the way for ALL that so desired to “Enter in The Most Holy Place.”
The “Tabernacle” (place of dwelling) as described in the Old Testament consisted of THREE parts. The first was the “Outer Courts” where burnt offerings were made. The people would give their offering to the Lord through Aaron and his sons, who would then offer this to The Lord for atonement.
The second part of the “Tabernacle” was called “The Holy Place”. This was the first portion of the actual “Tent” or “Dwelling Place”, where the priests would go to perform their daily service to the Lord in the burning of incense, etc. They could not enter even this portion without first going through the ritual ceremony of thorough cleansing.
The third part of the “Tabernacle” was called “The Most Holy Place”. Here was the place of total surrender, of complete worship to the Lord. A place of reconciliation and blessed intimacy, where creation worshiped and honored his creator with all that was within. In “The Most Holy Place”, there was stored the Ark of the Covenant which were the Ten Commandments given by God to Moses, written on tablets of stone. The items that were placed in the Most Holy Place were sacred and no one was allowed to enter in except the High Priest who did so once a year to make atonement for his sins and the sins of the people with the offering that was perfect, having no spot or blemish. (Just as Christ, God’s Sacrificial offering was and Is Perfect, without spot, or blemish). There could no sin be found in the Most Holy Place as before any man could enter, his sins must first be forgiven, and covered by the blood of the sacrificial offering to The Lord. In the days of old, the blood of a spotless bull, ram, etc. atoned the sins of man that the High Priest could then enter into The Most Holy Place. This was a ceremonial ritual that was practice over and over again until the blood of bulls and goats, no longer sufficed. The Lord loved his creation so much that “part time” fellowship and “partial” intimacy was not enough as man was created to worship Him through his speech, though his conduct, through everyday living in all things. This form of worship is having an intimate relationship with our Father, a deep closeness, a pure oneness as did “Adam” who indeed being a son, spiritually knew his Father, walked and conversed with his Father, until sin entered in. Because sin instantly separates man from God and shuts the door to the Most Holy Place, God in his most loving kindness desiring that man should be reconciled back to him, that his creation would return back to the spiritual place we were originally created for, makes the final and ultimate sacrifice in offering his only begotten son as a living sacrifice. The blood from the sacrificial Lamb of God would then blot out the sins of his creation, tear down the veil of separation, and allow man to freely “Enter in the Most Holy Place” and truly worship His Creator, our Lord and our God!
There are many that may desire to enter into The Most Holy Place, but what keeps man who was originally created for this purpose from entering in this most blessed place of intimacy with The Father is his refusal to let go of self. For if he desires to cling to the things of the flesh, he cannot enter in and with the spirit worship The Father, as sin cannot dwell in The Most Holy Place. Thus man remains in the outer courts offering up “sacrifices” to the Lord in hopes of “blotting out” the present sins, believing that “good works” and the giving of gifts would cover his inward wickedness, having no spiritual understanding that atonement has already been made through the shed blood of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God. Man’s only need is to repent and surrender himself back to The Lord. For there is no longer a veil of separation, and all who desire to return back to the SPIRITUALLY NATURAL FORM OF WORSHIP are free to do so. However, we CANNOT take the sins of the flesh with us but must be purged and cleansed having all that is not of God uprooted from us that we may serve him with a pure heart. Thus, the flesh has no part, for those who worship the Lord MUST worship Him in SPIRIT and in TRUTH! Inwardly, our spirits LONG for this for it is natural to our spirits since it is the “spirit” of man that was created in the IMAGE of God. Thus, the spirit desires the things of the Lord, but the flesh which was NOT created in His Image and which has the very nature of sin, rebels against this desiring more to please itself. Therefore, there is constant war going on between the flesh and spirit, but the spirit has the power to put the flesh under subjection that it would follow and no longer lead.
10. What is the significance of question #9 in relationship with Hebrews 4:16? Meditate upon how we can function as a priest and have access to the throne of grace (mercy seat), the place where God told Moses He would meet with Him and comment on the rsults of your meditation.
The high priest met with God once each year placing blood on the Mercy Seat to cover the sins of Israel. The Mercy Seat was a picture of the propitiation of God's anger. Jesus took the punishment for our sins and in so doing satisfied (propitiated) God's anger against sinners who place their faith in Him. Believers are in essence 'covered by the blood of Christ' and can now meet with God at His Throne any time, any day in contrast to the Jewish high priest who could only go into God's presence once per year on the Day of Atonement.
Since the Lord Jesus Christ is totally familiar with the weakness of the flesh and because His atonement was totally effectual, we are told to come to the throne of Grace in confidence. Our confidence is based on two things: First, it is based on the knowledge that the Lord Jesus Christ knows weak flesh; Secondly, we come with confidence knowing that the Lord Jesus Christ has secured us for eternity and will continue to come to our aid while we are in this weak body. The Christian comes to the throne of Grace in a time of trial or testing where we will find mercy and grace but not justice. The Justice of God was satisfied on behalf of the believers by Christ on Calvary. The readers to the Hebrews were facing the test of abandoning the Lord Jesus in the face of persecution and it is in these times when we pray for strength, the Lord Jesus Christ will strengthen us so we will not lose out to temptation. This is a great promise and a great strength for the believer because we all face those times of weakness. (Heb 13:5 KJV) Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
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