Introduction
We are now embarking upon the study of the most important man-made structure ever built. As Israel entered into the old covenant with God it was necessary that a place be prepared where He could dwell with them. They also needed to have their religious education furthered by the preparation of this sanctuary where a system of divine worship could be instituted and the great truths of the gospel could be typically represented. This completed the typological teaching begun with the institution of the Passover.Those familiar with the Bible know how large a place the tabernacle occupies in scripture. Even in the new Testament there are entire chapters dealing with its significance (Hebrews 9 & 10). Truly in the Tabernacle God was creating a language and concepts that would enable us to understand the gospel. A little reflection will remind us how much of our language concerning Christ comes directly from the Tabernacle and the system of worship surrounding it.
1. The Tabernacle Described
A. Before we begin our study of the various parts of the tabernacle we need to form a comprehension of the whole. Let us attempt a brief description of the whole.
B. The tabernacle was placed in the center of Israel's Encampment. On each of the four sides at a distance of two thousand cubits three of the twelve tribes were camped. They were each placed in a specific location.
C. The tabernacle was inside a rectangular court whose entrance faced the East. The court was one hundred cubits long by 50 cubits wide enclosed by hangings of linen five cubits high.
D. As one entered the court they came first to the altar of burnt offering. Here a fire of supernatural origin was always burning and sacrifices were constantly being offered. Preceding onward one would come to the laver of brass used for the washing of the priests.
E. Past the laver was the actual tabernacle. This was a rectangular structure thirty cubits long, ten wide and ten high. The tabernacle was formed of planks overlaid with gold. There was no roof other than a series of coverings. Entering into the tabernacle one would be in the Holy place which was twenty cubits long. In the Holy place there were three pieces of furniture; the golden altar of incense, the golden lampstand, and the table of shewbread.
F. Proceeding, one would enter into the Holy of Holies. This area was separated from the Holy Place by a thick veil. Inside the Holy of Holies was a wooden chest overlaid with gold and known as the ark of the Covenant. Inside the ark was the two tables of the law, a pot of manna, and Aaron's rod that budded.
G. The ark was covered with a golden lid known as the mercy seat. At each end of the lid was a golden cherub with its wings spread. Between the cherubim hovered the cloud of God's revealed presence. Into this Holy of Holies entered the great high priest once a year to place blood upon the mercy seat.
H. This entire structure could be taken down and carried by the Levites as Israel journeyed. Specific instructions were given by God concerning everything and everyone that had anything to do with the tabernacle.
I. This structure was referred to in scripture as the Tabernacle of the Lord, the Temple of the Lord, and the House of the Lord. It was built according to the divine pattern given to Moses on Mt. Sinai (Exodus 25:40).2. The Purpose Of The Tabernacle
A. The tabernacle was the place where God dwelt among His people (Psalm 80:1, Exodus 25:8).
B. The tabernacle was the divinely appointed place of worship for nearly five hundred years. It was replaced by Solomon's Temple (I Kings 6:1).
C. The tabernacle was an institution of divinely ordained types. The great truths of God were herein illustrated. The tabernacle revealed God's holiness and man's need of a mediator and a sacrifice. That there were no images of God in the tabernacle proved His spirituality and rebuked the worship of idols.
D. In particular the tabernacle illustrated the saving work of Christ. The presence of the tabernacle in the midst of Israel was a picture of our Lord's incarnation (John 1:14). The sacrifices and service of the priests typified the substitutionary death of Christ and His intercession on our behalf (Hebrews 9:1- 10:1).
E. Indeed the tabernacle was patterned after spiritual realities in Heaven (Hebrews 8:1-5, 9:1-9, 9:23-24). In the Book of the Revelation scene after scene in Heaven reveals things typified in the earthly tabernacle (Revelation 1:12, 4:6, 6:9, 8:3, 11:19).Conclusion
May God help us to appreciate the privilege that is ours in studying the tabernacle. Gospel truth shines forth from every part.============
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