The Tabernacle Camping with God by Stephen F Olford
The Tabernacle
Camping with God
By Stephen F Olford
Foreword
The first 5 books of Moses (Genesis to Deuteronomy) traces the story of God’s visits to men, culminating in God’s camping with men in a Tabernacle so designed and constructed as to manifest the purpose, power, and Shekinah of the Divine Presence.
The New Testament opens in a similar manner, for the first 5 books are likewise concerned with the subject of camping with God.
We read that “In the beginning was the word, and the word was with God and the Word was God ... And the Word (became) flesh, and (tabernacled) among us (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father), full of grace and truth.” (John 1 verses 1 – 4).
As we move on from the 4 gospels to the Acts of the Apostles we see that same grace and glory communicated to the early disciples until the outside world “took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.” (Acts 4 verse 13)
The fact is that God created man for fellowship and he will never be satisfied until that fellowship is realised to the full – not only here on earth, but throughout the ages of eternity (1 John 1 verses 1 – 10).
The “tent of testimony” expressed 2 facts in the religious life of the children of Israel:
1. It represented the presence of God among his people, standing as it did in the centre of the camp
2. It typified the divinely appointed means by which sinful man could approach God, who was otherwise unapproachable because of his unspeakable holiness and ineffable majesty.
The Introduction
Exodus 25 verses 1 to 9 and Hebrews 8 verses 1 to 5
The Tabernacle was an object lesson to the children of Israel for nearly 500 years, from Moses to David. It gave place to the Temple, the more permanent structure, during the reign of Solomon.
The Setting of the Tabernacle
The period – Exodus 25 verses 1 – 2, 8
These ancient pilgrims had become a redeemed people. God could never dwell on earth with his people until the Red Sea was crossed; until redemption was accomplished. He visited Adam in the Garden, appeared to and communicated with the patriarchs, but until he had redeemed his people out of Egypt nothing is said of making a sanctuary in which he might dwell. The Tabernacle was the proof of redemption effected by purchase and power. Not only had the children of Israel been sheltered under the blood, but they had been brought through the Red Sea with the right hand of power. In this way God had brought a redeemed people into fellowship with himself, he being the One around whom they were gathered.
The place
The Tabernacle was not erected in Egypt, nor primarily in Canaan, but in the wilderness. Egypt was a land of idolatry (Ezekiel 20 verses 5 to 9) and therefore no place for a sanctuary for God. Neither was the tabernacle to be built in Canaan. It is true that it was stationed in Shiloh for some time, but remained in Canaan only until Solomon’s Temple was completed – Joshua 18 verse 1 and 1 Chronicles 16 verse 39.
The Tabernacle was essentially for pilgrims in the desert, with Egypt behind them and Canaan before them.
The Tabernacle was always pitched on the sand. With all its rich furnishings and ornate decorations no provision was ever made to cover the sand. The contact of the priest’s feet with the sand was ever a reminder that they were on a journey and had not reached their final destination.
We can never be so heavenly minded that we are of no earthly use!
The Symbolism of the Tabernacle
The Materials of the Tabernacle
These include metals, colours, fabrics, wood, oil, spices and stones – Exodus 25 verses 3 to 7.
Metals:
Gold typifies the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ – Revelation 3 verse 18 And also divine righteousness as seen in the mercy seat – Exodus 25 verse 17
Silver typifies redemption, as seen in the atonement money – Exodus 30 verses 12 – 16; Numbers 18 verse 16
Brass typifies the death of Christ, as meeting man’s responsibility toward God, seen in the brazen altar – Exodus 27 verse 3; Revelation 1 verse 15
Colours:
The main colours are blue, purple and scarlet, which occur 28 times in the book of Exodus.
Blue, the heavenly colour, typifies Christ as the spiritual One, or heavenly Man (1 Corinthians 15 verses 47 and 48, John 1 verse 18). He was “holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens.” Hebrews 7 verse 26
Purple typifies Christ as the sovereign One, the “King of Kings and Lord of Lords” who will reign universally – Revelation 19 verse 16. Before his crucifixion you will remember that even in mockery “they clothed him with purple and platted a crown of thorns, and put it about his head. And began to salute him, Hail, King of the Jews” Marks 15 verses 17 and 18
Scarlet typifies Christ as the sacrificial One. This sacrificial colour embodies the entire thought of redemption, The song of the redeemed is “Thou art worthy ... for thou wast slain and hast redeemed us to God by Thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue and people and nation; And hast made us unto our God kings and priests.” Revelation 5 verses 9 and 10; Numbers 9 verse 6; Leviticus 14 verse 4; Hebrews 9 verses 11 – 14, 19 verses 23, 28.
Fabrics:
Fine linen speaks of righteousness – Revelation 19 verse 8. This righteousness of course is the imputed righteousness of Christ “But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness and sanctification and redemption.” 1 Corinthians 1 verse 30
Goats’ hair speaks of serviceableness. Garments of goats’ hair were worn by the prophets – Zechariah 13 verses 4 and 5. So the thought is of serviceableness in the prophetic office.
Rams’ skins, dyed red, speak of devotedness in the priestly office. The breast of the ram was waved before the Lord for the consecration of Aaron – Exodus 29 verse 26 and 27.
Badgers’ skins speak of holiness, repelling every form of evil – Hebrews 7 verse 26. These skins also illustrate the natural man’s view of Christ, having “no form nor comeliness”. Isaiah 53 verse 2
Wood
The only wood referred to in the construction of the tabernacle is the Shittim or acacia wood. Shittim wood speaks of the incorruptibility of the human nature of our Lord. In him there was no taint, corruption or sin. Luke says “That holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.” There were 4 kinds of wood specified for Solomon’s Temple, namely, cedar, fir, algum and olive. In Ezekiel’s Temple the palm tree was used, emblematic of rest and victory.
Oil
Oil typifies God’s Holy Spirit who is called in the New Testament “the anointing” 1 John 2 verse 27. Kings, prophets and priests were anointed with oil in Old Testament times.
Spices
These typify the fragrance of Christ before God – 2 Corinthians 2 verses 14 and 15.
Stones
Onyx and precious stones typify the preciousness of believers to God as seen in Christ – Malachi 3 verse 17.
The Measures of the Tabernacle
Number 3
Abundant testimony – Matthew 18 verse 16. So we have the testimony of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.
3 sections composing the Tabernacle: the holiest of all, the holy place and the court
3 metals in the construction: gold, silver and brass
3 liquids employed in the service of the Tabernacle: blood, water and oil
3 colours used in the curtains: blue, purple and scarlet
3 types of sacrifices offered of the herd, eg bullocks; of the flock eg sheep or goats; of the fowls, eg turtledoves or young pigeons
Number 4
What is universal or world-wide.
“four winds” Ezekiel 37 verse 9 or “the four corners of the earth” Isaiah 11 verse 12
4 coverings of the Tabernacle
4 square brazen altar
4 horns of the altar
4 pillars upholding the hanging gate of the outer court
4 spices in the holy anointing oil – Exodus 30 verses 23 – 25
Number 5
Human responsibility. It is the figure which is stamped on the human frame – 5 fingers denoting human responsibility in work; 5 toes denoting human responsibility in walk; 5 senses denoting human responsibility in receptiveness. 5 is also understood to signify the grace of God eg the provision of grace Matthew 14 verse 17; 16 verse 9 and the forgiveness of grace Luke 7 verses 41 and 42.
Number 7
6 is the number which denotes the height of human attainment, it must be ever short of perfection
7 speaks of divine perfection
7 was the number of the golden candlesticks
7 was the number of items that went to furnish the Tabernacle ie the ark, mercy seat, showbread, golden candlestick, brazen altar, brazen laver and golden altar of incense.
Number 12
Administration.
Number of months in year, setting forth God’s administration in nature
Number of tribes in Israel, setting forth God’s administration in government on behalf of his earthly people
Number of loaves on the showbread table, setting forth God’s administration in the support and maintenance of his people
Number of precious stones on the breastplate of the high priest, setting forth our Lord’s administration in love and representation of his people in the presence of God.
Number 40
Compound of 10 times 4 and speaks of the full measure of man’s responsibility Godward and manward. It sets forth the full measure of probation and testing.
40 years marked the length of the wilderness journey of the children of Israel.
The Significance of the Tabernacle
Hebrews refers to “the shadow of heavenly things” Hebrews 8 verse 5; “the patterns of things in the heavens” Hebrews 9 verse 23; “the figures of the true” Hebrews 9 verse 24; “a shadow of good things to come” Hebrews 10 verse 1.
The tabernacle was intended to signify spiritual realities. In the Tabernacle we see shadows, patterns, and figures of heavenly or spiritual things that are revealed in Christ.
The Mentions of the Tabernacle
50 chapters in the Old and New Testaments are devoted to the construction, ritual and priesthood of the Tabernacle and the meaning of them all.
13 in Exodus
18 in Leviticus
13 in Numbers
2 in Deuteronomy
4 in Hebrews
The Ministry of the Tabernacle
The Christ
“the Word became flesh and (tabernacled) among us (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten from the Father), full of grace and truth.” John 1 verse 14
Just as the Tabernacle in the wilderness was the actual visible dwelling place of God in all his Shekinah glory, so in Christ dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily – Colossians 2 verse 9
The Church
Paul speaks of the people of God being “builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit” Ephesians 2 verse 22, he is describing just what the Tabernacle represented. The ministry of the Church is that of worship and witness.
The Christian
The believer in Christ is the dwelling place of God. “Christ in (us) the hope of glory” Colossians 1 verse 27
“Your life is hid with Christ in God” Colossians 3 verse 3
Paul talks of our bodies as being the temple of the Holy Spirit who dwelleth in us – 1 Corinthians 3 verse 16
The entire person of the Christian represents the 3 compartments of the Tabernacle. The body corresponds to the outer court; it is the outer and visible part of our personality; it is the place of sacrifice and cleansing – Romans 12 verses 1 and 2; 1 John 1 verses 7 and 9. The soul answers to the holy place, and therefore is that aspect of our personality which worships and enjoys fellowship with other believers, eating at the table, walking in the light and interceding in prayer. The spirit speaks of the believer’s inner holy of holies – the deepest hidden life, the individual and personal communion of one sheltered under the blood – John 4 verse 23, Romans 1 verse 9; it is the place of spiritual victory. The Tabernacle speaks of the whole ministry of the New Testament Christian.
The Message of the Tabernacle
God’s appearance to man in grace
Man’s approach to God in faith
In the instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle, God begins with the ark and concludes with the brazen altar; whereas in the use of the Tabernacle man commences with the brazen altar and moves through to the holy of holies and the ark of the covenant. That is the Christian gospel.
Christianity is unique in that it is the only religion which claims that God has taken the initiative in revealing himself to man. All other religions describe man’s search after God. But having revealed himself to man by leaving his throne and humbling himself unto death – even the death of the cross – God has effected a plan of salvation for man to approach him by faith. That simple way of salvation is beautifully illustrated in 7 steps.
The Way of Introduction
The gate of the outer court – “Enter ye in at the strait gate ... because strait is the gate and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life.” Matthew 7 verses 13 and 14
The Way of Reconciliation
The brazen altar – “God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself ... For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” 2 Corinthians 5 verses 19 and 21
The Way of Separation
The laver – “He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet but is clean every whit.” John 13 verse 10. Later Jesus said “Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.” John 15 verse 3
The Way of Illumination
The golden candlestick – “I am the light of the world; he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness but shall have the light of life” John 8 verse 12
The Way of Satisfaction
The table of showbread – “I am the bread of life: he that cometh to Me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.” John 6 verse 35
The Way of Intercession
The altar of incense – “By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.” Hebrews 13 verse 15
The Way of Communion
The ark of covenant – “Truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.” 1 John 1 verse 3
MY OWN THOUGHTS
Writing up my notes from reading The Tabernacle Camping with God by Stephen Olford against Exodus 25. The word "tabernacle" is the same word used in John 1 when Jesus said he came to dwell among us - "God created man for fellowship and he will never be satisfied until that fellowship is realised to the full - not only here in earth but throughout the ages of eternity." Imagine that - God wants you to know him today! He has taken the initiative in revealing himself to us. All other religions describe man's search after God.
I was reading all the different metals, colours and cloths used in Exodus 25 and came to the actual material of which a lot of items were made. The 2 that stand out are gold and shittim wood. Gold speaks of God's deity while wood speaks of his humanity. Gold was the most precious metal known to man. It was received from the Egyptians before the Israelites left Egypt but I was drawn to the shittim wood. This was from the acacia tree and grew sparsely in desert regions. It speaks of Christ as the root out of a dry ground and as a tender plant Isaiah 53 verse 2. It is not a particular nice tree to look at but the prophet Isaiah went on to say "he hath no form or comeliness and when we shall see him there is no beauty that we should desire him" referring to Jesus himself. What struck me was this thought. God used what was readily available. He didn't need special wood brought in from another area, simply what they had to hand. Surely this should encourage me - God uses us as we are. He does not expect us to be in any way special, just available and ready to serve him today. Is that not an amazing thought? We don't have to clean up to come to Christ, just come as we are and we are accepted by him.
Another thought struck me as I read Exodus 25 and the instructions for the Tabernacle. You will notice specific instructions as to its height, length and width as well as all the different supporting beams and associated curtains. The Tabernacle was the proof of redemption effected by purchase and power. God had redeemed his people from slavery in Egypt and brought them to this point in their journey by his own power. An estimated 2 and a half million people left Egypt. How on earth was this possible? God has shown us his redemption and power through Calvary. How could this be? He sent his Son Jesus into the world to be our Saviour, to watch him redeem us through his blood. Then he showed his power in raising him from the dead. Forever the cross is a symbol of our redemption paid for us by blood. The Tabernacle did not have any floor. It was situated on sand. A reminder that it was temporary. Always ready to pack up and move in the wilderness. A reminder too for me today that I am on a journey, my permanent home one day is in heaven. I have not reached my final destination.
Stephen Olford in his book shows how beautifully the simple way of salvation is beautifully illustrated in 7 ways through the Tabernacle.
The way of Introduction - the gate
The way of Reconciliation - the brazen altar
The way of Separation - the laver
The way of Illumination - the golden candlestick
The way of Satisfaction - the table of showbread
The way of Intercession - the altar of incense
The way of Communion - the ark of the covenant
In each of these he matches them with New Testament Scripture to show how they point to Christ, our salvation. What an wonderful illustration and there is much to meditate on within each item. You cannot but stop and think of how God planned all of this down to the last piece of cloth. Everything had its place and fitted in perfectly where it was. What a reminder that God has a place and part for each of us today in his salvation plan. We can be of use to God if only we will recognise and do something about it. Are we ready to be involved in serving God today?
Chapter 2 – The Purpose
Exodus 25 verses 1 to 9; 29 verses 39 to 46 and Hebrews 9 verses 1 to 12
There is a two-fold purpose in the divine conception and human construction of the Tabernacle.
1. An immediate purpose
An ultimate purpose
The Immediate Purpose
To wean the children of Israel from the base idolatry of Egypt and set before them a pure and noble ideal of worship and witness. The natural tendency of these ancient pilgrims was downward and backward, as seen with the worship of the golden calf – Exodus 32. But in the worship of the unseen and unrepresented God a new era of religious history was ushered in, which in due course was to influence the whole world; for “salvation is of the Jews” John 4 verse 22.
A place of worship
Jesus said to the woman of Samaria “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” John 4 verse 24. No one can worship God without an established relationship and an experienced revelation. True worship must be in spirit and in truth. The phrase “in spirit” presupposes an established relationship; “in truth” predicates an experienced revelation.
The established relationship
God said “Let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them” Exodus 25 verse 8 and again “I will dwell among the children of Israel and will be their God.” Exodus 29 verse 45. This was an entirely new relationship with men. God never had a home on earth until the Tabernacle was erected among his redeemed and separated people. In a similar way, we can never worship until God dwells in us by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit – Ephesians 2 verse 22.
The experienced revelation
God’s word to his people was not only that he wanted to dwell among them, but also to meet with them. “This shall be a continual burnt offering throughout your generations at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation before the Lord: where I will meet you, to speak there unto thee. And there I will meet with the children of Israel and the tabernacle shall be sanctified by my glory.” Exodus 29 verses 42 and 43 This meeting with Moses, Aaron and the people was the way in which God revealed himself to them. The phrase “the tabernacle of the congregation" Exodus 29 verse 42 means “the tent of meeting”. A congregation is a meeting of individuals for fellowship and counsel. Thus the Tabernacle was essentially a place where man met with God and God with man. Today we can only worship as God meets with us through the revelation of his word, so that our response to him is “in truth” as well as “in spirit.”
A place of witness
Numbers 17 – twice this tent of meeting was called “the tabernacle of witness” verses 7 and 8 and this is exactly what it was, both to the children of Israel and to the strangers without the camp. It witnessed to:
The Presence of God. After the words “So Moses finished the work” we read “Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle” Exodus 40 verses 33 and 34. That cloud, thereafter was the outward witness of the presence of God among his people. So long as it remained, the children of Israel could count upon the divine presence. “The cloud of the Lord was upon the tabernacle by day, and fire was on it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel, throughout all their journeys.” Exodus 40 verse 38
The Purity of God. The root meaning of the word “tabernacle” or “sanctuary” carries the thought of holiness or sacredness and therefore fitly describes not only the place, but the whole purpose of the Tabernacle. In the book of Exodus alone you find some 31 or more occurrences of the word “holy”. The engraving on the plate of pure gold, attached to the miter and worn by Aaron the high priest sums up this witness to the purity of God. The words were to read “Holiness to the Lord” Exodus 8 verse 36. The whole tabernacle was carefully guarded from anything that might defile or disturb the sanctity of God’s dwelling place. The Levites were the jealous custodians of the sacred vessels and ministers of the sanctuary. Their tents flanked the outer courts and their eyes were ever on the watch for the unauthorized intruder.
The curtained enclosure of fine twined linen which effectively precluded an outsider from witnessing what went on in the outer court. Thus the inside of the court and of the Tabernacle itself could neither be seen nor entered from outside. Everything was screened from public gaze and protected from unhallowed approach. There was no entrance save by the one door on the east. All this and more eloquently witnessed to the purity of God. The court was called “the holy place” Leviticus 6 verse 16 and 26. The first section of the Tabernacle “the holy place” and the second section “the most holy place”. No wonder we are exhorted to be “holy in all manner of conversation: because it is written, be ye holy; for I am holy.” 1 Peter 1 verses 15 and 16.
The Protection of God. While the pillar of cloud by day and fire by night stood over the tabernacle nothing could touch the people of God. No force could approach their tents; no foe could stand against them. At night the Israelites had light to see; in the day they had shade from the heat of an almost tropical sun. “So it was always: the cloud covered it by day and the appearance of fire by night.” Numbers 9 verse 16
The Provision of God. God is the reality behind all symbols. “I ... will ... be to (you) as a little sanctuary.” Ezekiel 11 verse 16. All that the tabernacle stood for was God’s promise of provision for his people in the wilderness and since then, for all his people down through the centuries. Whatever the children of Israel required was guaranteed to them, so long as the Tabernacle of witness stood.
The Ultimate Purpose
To point to the coming of him in whom all object lessons are fulfilled. The ultimate purpose of the Tabernacle was to prefigure Christ in ...
His person
“The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest ... But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.” Hebrews 9 verses 8, 11 and 12
Christ is the perfect tabernacle. In him is fulfilled all that the Tabernacle in the wilderness typified and prefigured. The 2 basic materials in the structure of the Tabernacle were gold and wood. The gold speaks of Christ’s deity while the wood typifies His humanity. The gold was of a refined quality and therefore the most precious metal known to man. The shittim wood was of the acacia tree, which grew sparsely in the desert regions through which the children of Israel were travelling. The result of growth under the most adverse circumstances, it speaks of Christ as the “root out of a dry ground” and as the “tender plant” Isaiah 53 verse 2. It is also outwardly an unattractive tree, prefiguring him of whom it was said: “He hath no form or comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.” Isaiah 53 verse 2 The shittim wood is incorruptible and so typifies the holy body of the Lord Jesus which saw no corruption, even when cut off in death – Acts 2 verses 25 – 28.
Bringing these 2 great thoughts of gold and wood together we have the unique Person of our Lord Jesus Christ. “The Word was made flesh and dwelt (or tabernacled) among us (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father) full of grace and truth.” John 1 verse 14. The concept of these 2 perfect natures in one personality is a mystery which we cannot fathom, but which we can believe to our eternal good. Paul says “And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh.” 1 Timothy 3 verse 16
The Redeemer must, of necessity, be both God and man, in order to mediate between God and men. “There is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” 1 Timothy 2 verse 5 Because God of very God, He undertakes for men, because Man of very man, he understands men. So we see how the Tabernacle speaks of the Person of Christ.
His Work
He is not only the perfect Tabernacle, He is the perfect Priest. “Christ being come an high priest of good things to come ... by his own blood ... entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.” Hebrews 9 verses 11 and 12 As perfect High Priest, he exercises the ministry of introduction at the door of the outer court, the ministry of reconciliation at the brazen altar, the ministry of separation at the laver, the ministry of illumination at the golden candlestick, the ministry of intercession at the altar of incense, and the ministry of communion at the ark of the covenant in the holy of holies.
As perfect High Priest he also offers gifts and sacrifices. Underlying all these minute instructions and descriptions there is a wonderful prefiguring of the redeeming work of our great High Priest, the Lord Jesus Christ. In Hebrews 5 verse 1 we are told that the high priest “is ordained ... that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins.” The gifts represented the dedicatory offerings, while the sacrifices represented the substitutionary offerings. A gift might be a bloodless offering, as in the case of the meal offering. A sacrifice on account of sin necessitates blood shedding, because “without shedding of blood is no remission” Hebrews 9 verse 22.
In the first 5 chapters of Leviticus we have instructions and descriptions concerning the 5 different offerings that were to be presented to God.
3 of these offerings were of the nature of gifts – the burnt offering, the meal offering and the peace offering. The last 2 were of the nature of sacrifices: namely the sin offering and the trespass offering.
These offerings all speak supremely of Christ. Christ’s death was both dedicatory and substitutionary. As Offerer and Offering he gave himself first and foremost as a gift of dedication to his Father. “Christ ... hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savour” Ephesians 5 verse 2. Then as Offerer and Offering he gave himself as a sacrifice on account of sins. “Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness.” 1 Peter 2 verse 24.
“I beseech you ... by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” Romans 12 verse 1
Chapter 3 The Erection
Exodus 25 verses 1 to 9, 31 verses 1 to 11, 35 verses 20 to 29, 36 verses 5 to 7 and 40 verses 17, 33 to 38
The story of the erection of the Tabernacle is one not only of spiritual significance but also of scientific magnificence. It is the record of a building which was perfect in every detail. Once completed, it never again required attention, addition or alteration. It lasted nearly 500 years including 40 in the waste and howling wilderness. God was behind its conception as well as its construction.
God’s pattern for its erection
Heavenly
“Let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them. According to all that I show thee, the pattern of the tabernacle and the pattern of all the instruments thereof, even so shall ye make it.” Exodus 25 verses 8 and 9
That was repeated again in Exodus 25 verse 40 “Look that thou make them after their pattern, which was showed thee in the mount” and again “Thou shalt rear up the tabernacle according to the fashion thereof which was showed thee in the mount.” Exodus 26 verse 30.
The Tabernacle appears to have been an exact replica of something which already existed in heaven. Hebrews 8 verse 5 states that Moses saw it. John on the Isle of Patmos saw the same pattern:–
an altar of sacrifice (Revelation 6 verse 9)
a “sea of glass” (Revelation 4 verse 6)
“seven golden candlesticks” (Revelation 1 verse 12)
a “golden altar” (Revelation 8 verse 3)
“hidden manna” (Revelation 2 verse 17)
and the “ark of his testament” (Revelation 11 verse 19).
The whole thing was a revelation.
3 chapters containing full and precise instructions for the erection of the Tabernacle - Exodus 25, 26 and 27. 3 chapters of command
3 chapters showing how fully and faithfully these instructions were carried out to the very letter – Exodus 36, 37 and 38. 3 chapters of obedience
Because the pattern is heavenly it must of necessity be orderly. Such orderliness is evidenced in the physical structure as well as the spiritual significance of the Tabernacle. Every single piece of this amazing structure had its own place. Each part exactly fitted its counterpart until the whole erection was complete. Detailed instructions were given as to the erecting, dismantling and transporting of the Tabernacle. God began where man would end. We would complete the Tabernacle before given attention to the furniture, namely, the ark of the covenant. The divine movement is from within to without.
“And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them. According to all that I show thee, after the pattern of the tabernacle ... And they shall make an ark.” Exodus 25 verses 1 to 10
Why did the ark come first? Because the ark essentially represented the Person and presence of God and God must be first. Personal, social, national and international life goes wrong when that order is reversed, God must ever and always come first.
God’s Provision for its erection
The Materials
God’s instructions to his people on the eve of their departure from Egypt was “Let every man borrow of his neighbour and every woman of her neighbour, jewels of silver, and jewels of gold.” Exodus 11 verse 2. They obeyed and borrowed from the Egyptians jewels of silver, gold and raiment. The word “borrow” means “ask” or “request” so that in no way were the Israelites obligated to repay the Egyptians. They had served them as slaves for hundreds of years so they were merely asking for their deferred pay and obtaining it.
2 and half million people left Egypt laden with valuables and jewellery to be used in the service of God as and when the occasion arose. About 4 months later the call of God to give was proclaimed throughout the camp.
The donation of the materials – “they came, every one whose heart stirred him up and every one whom his spirit made willing and they brought the Lord’s offering to the work of the tabernacle of the congregation and for all his service and for the holy garments.” Exodus 35 verse 21. “Moses gave commandment and they caused it to be proclaimed throughout the camp saying Let neither man nor woman make any more work for the offering of the sanctuary. So the people were restrained from bringing. For the stuff they had was sufficient for all the work to make it and too much.” Exodus 36 verses 6 and 7
Everything offered to the Lord must proceed from a heart made willing by His Spirit. It must be spontaneous and not merely as a result of external persuasion. 2 Corinthians 9 verse 7 “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.”
Acts 2 verses 44 and 45 “All that believed were together and had all things common: And sold their possessions and goods and parted them to all men, as every man had the need.”
Acts 4 verses 34 and 35 “Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, and laid them down at the apostles’ feet.”
The diversity of the materials – in metals there was gold and silver and copper; in colours, blue, purple and scarlet; in fabrics, fine linen, goats’ hair, rams’ skins and badgers’ skins; in wood, precious incorruptible acacia; in oil, both anointing and lighting oils; in spices, a rich variety for use in the anointing oil and for sweet incense; in stones, precious and rare stones for use in the high priest’s ephod and breastplate. It left no-one out! The rich gave gold and silver; the poor contributed goats’ hair. For those who had no substance there was the giving of skill and labour.
The Man Power
Exodus 31 verses 1 – 3, 6 “The Lord spake unto Moses, saying, See I have called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah: And I have filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship ... And I, behold, I have given with him Aholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan and in the hearts of all that are wise hearted I have put wisdom, that they may make all that I have commanded thee.”
Workmanship by divine appointment and with divine equipment!
Bezaleel = “in the shadow of God” beautifully illustrates the ministry of the Holy Spirit as the great Overseer in this present day of grace. Like the Holy Spirit Bezaleel gave “to every man his work.” He alone had the right to “devise curious works, to work in gold, and in silver and in brass.” Under his superintendence operated every wise-hearted man and woman until the Tabernacle was completed to the glory of Jehovah.
Paul tells us that there are “diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit, And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.” 1 Corinthians 12 verses 4 to 7.
God’s Position for Its Erection
When the pillar of cloud or fire moved the Israelites moved.
In relation to the Compass
It always faced east. It looked toward the sunrising. “as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” Matthew 24 verse 27
In relation to the Camp
The Tabernacle was always to be central, with an encampment of some 2 and half million people covering a circuit of some 12 miles. Numbers 2 and 3 verses 13 – 48.
East = tents of Issachar 54,500, Judah 74,600, Zebulun 57,400
West = tents of Manasseh 32,200, Ephraim 40,500, Benjamin 35,400
North = tents of Asher 41,500, Dan 62,700, Naphtali 53,400
South = tents of Simeon 59,300, Reuben 46,500, Gad 45,650
On all sides was the tribe of Levi divided into 4 families:
East = Moses, Aaron and sons of Aaron the priests
West = the Gershonites 7,500
North = the Merarites 6,200
South = the Kohathites 8,600
Between the Tabernacle and the first line of tents there was a reserved space where the nation assembled before God for worship and instruction – Numbers 2 verse 2.
The Levites had a double responsibility:
To keep the people from intrusion and thus preserve them
To keep the charge of the Tabernacle of the testimony
Lesson to learn: our Lord Jesus Christ of whom the Tabernacle speaks, should be ever and always central in the life of the Christian and the Church. “He is the head of the body, the church ... that in all things he might have the pre-eminence.” Colossians 1 verse 18
God’s Period for its Erection
It’s commencement
It took 2 and a half to 3 months to reach Mount Sinai – Exodus 19 verse 1. They remained at the foot of Sinai 40 days. That brings the time lapse to some 4 and a half months.
After Moses came down from the mount the work of making the Tabernacle began. The date of its completion and erection was New Year’s Day – Exodus 40 verse 2. If we subtract 4 and a half months from twelve we have 7 and a half, suggesting that the actual making of the Tabernacle took something like 7 and a half to 8 months.
It’s completion
It was set up on the anniversary of their departure from Egypt.
When a soul is delivered from the bondage of sin to enjoy the pardon and peace of God, it is then that the Holy Spirit seals by the gift of his indwelling. With the commencement of spiritual life, the body also becomes the temple of the Holy Spirit.
“Moses finished the work. Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. And Moses was not able to enter into the tent of the congregation, because the cloud abode thereon and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.“ Exodus 40 verses 33 to 35
This happened at the completion of the Temple – 2 Chronicles 5 verses 13 and 14. Both the completion of the Tabernacle and the Temple are typical of what happened on Pentecost for “when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.” Acts 2 verses 1 to 4
God always blesses with his Spirit and glory that which represents the completion of obedience. The Tabernacle represented the obedience of God’s people to divine commands; so did the Temple. On the day of Pentecost the disciples were gathered together in obedience to the Lord’s commands, so the Spirit fell upon them.
Chapter 4 The Structure
The curtained enclosure, known as the court or courtyard; the central erection or the Tabernacle itself and the covered entrances, which are referred to as the gate, the door and the veil.
The curtained enclosure
Exodus 27 verses 9 – 18; 38 verses 9 – 20
The Scriptural Specifications
The dimensions of the enclosure = 100 cubits long, 50 cubits wide and 5 cubits high.
A cubit = 21 ½ inches.
ie twice as long as its breadth and too high for any normal man to look over
60 pillars in the court; 60 chapiters or silver caps for the pillars; 60 brass sockets; 120 cords and brass pins; 60 silver fillets or connecting bars; and 1400 square cubits of fine twined linen.
The description of the enclosure – an uncovered area, surrounded by curtain of fine twined linen attached by silver hooks to 60 pillars. Pillars made of acacia wood, silver capped and fixed into 60 sockets of brass buried in the sand. The pillars were kept at an equal distance apart by silver, connecting bars and held erect by cords and brass tent pegs.
The Spiritual Significance
The linen = 1400 square cubits of fine twined linen excluding the embroidered curtains of the gate.
White linen speaks of righteousness – Revelation 19 verse 8 “fine linen is the righteousness of saints.” This righteousness of saints is imputed and imparted by God, through our Lord Jesus Christ. “Christ Jesus ... is made unto us wisdom and righteousness and sanctification and redemption." 1 Corinthians 1 verse 30. Human righteousness is nothing less than “filthy rags” Isaiah 64 verse 6. We see in the curtained enclosure a picture of the life of our Lord Jesus who was holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners – Hebrews 7 verse 26.
We also see the believer in his witness to the outside world – for every one of us should be “found in him, not having our own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith.” Philippians 3 verse 9 Our duty before God and men is to deny “ungodliness and worldly lusts” and to “live soberly, righteously and godly, in this present world.” Titus 2 verse 12. For this purpose we have been redeemed.
The pillars = made of imperishable acacia wood and speaks of the perfect humanity of our Lord. They also speak of the believer whose life has been cut off from the world outside, shaped and fashioned to become a pillar in the house of God. In 1 Timothy 3 verse 15 Paul describes the church of the living God as “the pillar and ground of the truth.”
The sockets = made of brass, speak of perfect endurance in the fires of judgment. In Revelation we read that “his feet were like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace” speaking of Jesus (chapter 1 verse 15). So the brass of the gospel testimony in the world is the enduring obedience of the Lord Jesus that went through death and emerged in resurrection. As pillars in the church we must be “fixed” or characterised by steadfast endurance if our witness is to tell in the world. We are told to “stand fast in the Lord” Philippians 4 verse 1 and again to be “stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord” 1 Corinthians 15 verse 58.
The chapiters = silver caps attached to the top of each pillar. Speaks ever and always of redemption; and therefore of the Captain of our salvation. The silver caps denote the experience of salvation. In all our witness to the Saviour, we must see to it that we neglect not the “so great salvation” Hebrews 2 verse 3 which God has made available to us through wondrous grace. Other silver include the connecting bars and the hooks. In the connecting bars we see again the outworking of the Redeemer’s purpose in keeping his people in fellowship with one another. “If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” 2 John 1 verse 7. The silver hooks held up the curtains and teach us that only on the basis of his cross work can God’s saving righteousness be displayed to a world of need. The link between ourselves and the righteousness we seek to preach is a crucified Saviour.
The pegs = made of brass and driven into the ground. Brass speaks of endurance through judgment; and so of the Lord Jesus as one who went down into death and rose again. The peg beneath the ground is a symbol of the death of Christ, while the part above the ground suggests his resurrection. In the bible these tent pegs are called “nails” and in another place “stakes” Isaiah 22 verses 23 and 24 “I will fasten him as a nail in a sure place; and he shall be for a glorious throne to his Father’s house. And they shall hang upon him all the glory of his father’s house.”
The cords = the tent pegs and cords, were used for the securing of the pillars of the outer enclosure. These cords speak of the infinite love of the Lord Jesus. “I drew them with cords of a man, with bands of love.” Hosea 11 verse 4. Because we can say “the Son of God who loved me and gave himself for me” we cannot but love him back. Galatians 2 verse 20. John reminds us “we love him, because he first loved us.” 1 John 4 verse 19. It is only such constraining love that keeps us erect in our witness and anchored to a life of endurance.
In general terms, the purpose of this enclosure was to keep man out. Man’s approach to the Tabernacle where God dwelt could only be by means of the “one Door and only one”. To come through that gate meant confronting the place of sacrifice and forgiveness of sin. While the curtained enclosure excluded the sinner, it protected the believer for purposes of worship and witness.
The central erection
Exodus 26; 36 verses 8 to 38
The Scriptural Specification
The dimensions of the erection – 30 cubits long, 10 cubits wide and 10 cubits high. The material used included 100 silver sockets, 48 boards size ten by 1½ cubits, 15 bars, 10 curtains, 50 taches or clips, 100 blue loops.
The description of the erection – stood on the west side of the court in line with the gate. The solid framework was composed of 48 boards – 20 on the north, 20 on the south, 8 on the west side (including the 2 corner boards). These boards were of acacia wood, overlaid with gold, having 2 tenons or feet which were inserted into 96 silver sockets, 2 sockets for each board. Each of these sockets weighed 125 pounds approximately, the estimated total of the silver sockets was something like 5½ tons. The boards were held together by 15 bars on each of the 3 sides of the Tabernacle. These wooden bars, overlaid with gold, passed through a series of rings which were in the boards.
On the east side of the Tabernacle was a door, made of find twined linen, embroidered in blue, purple and scarlet, and suspended on 5 pillars, each resting on a socket of brass. A veil of the same size, materials and colours hung on 4 pillars set into sockets of silver. This veil constituted a partition between the only 2 rooms in the Tabernacle; namely, the holy place and the holy of holies.
Over the wooden structure was a roof of 4 coverings: the first of fine twined linen; the second of cloth made of goats’ hair; the third of rams’ skins dyed red; and the fourth of badgers’ skins.
The Spiritual Significance
The Base = 100 sockets of silver were used as a base for the structure. This was atonement money and speaks of the redeeming work of Christ upon which our salvation rests.
“Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot” 1 Peter 1 verses 18 and 19
The Boards = Moses was told “thou shalt make boards for the tabernacle of shittim wood standing up.” These boards speak of Christ in his perfect humanity and deity; imperishable wood, covered with pure gold. He stands out in the gospels as the Son of Man as well as the Son of God. These boards also speak to us of the believer who has been cut down, shaped and fashioned and made a partaker of the divine nature – 2 Peter 1 verse 4.
The Bars = 15 of these bars, 5 for each of the sides: north, south and west. The centre bar went from one end to the other, while the others were apparently half lengths. These bars speak to us of the unifying work of the Holy Spirit. So we are exhorted to “keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” Ephesians 4 verse 3. As a result of this unifying ministry, the building of God is “fitly framed together and groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom, ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.” Ephesians 2 verses 21 and 22
The Covered Entrances
Exodus 26 verses 31 – 33, 36 – 37; 27 verses 16 – 17; 36 verses 35 – 36; 38 verses 9 – 19
The Scriptural Specifications
“And for the gate of the court shall be an hanging” Exodus 27 verse 26. “And thou shalt make an hanging for the door of the tent.” Exodus 26 verse 36 “And thou shalt make a vail.” Exodus 26 verse 31
The Dimensions of the Entrances – 3 in number:
The Gate – 20 cubits wide, 5 cubits high
The Door – 10 cubits wide, 10 cubits high (on 5 pillars)
The Veil – 10 cubits wide, 10 cubits high
The Description of the Entrance
The gate was the entrance into the outer court on the east side. The hangings of this gate were suspended on 4 pillars, probably of acacia wood, fixed in sockets of brass; the hooks, the connecting bars and chapiters being of silver. This gate stood exactly in the centre and was 20 cubits wide and only 5 cubits high, leaving 10 cubits of enclosure on either side. The hanging was of fine twined linen, wrought in blue, purple and scarlet.
The door of the tabernacle was of the same material and pattern, attached by gold hooks to 5 pillars, overlaid and capped with gold, and fixed in sockets of brass. The main differences to the gate were that there were 5 pillars instead of 4 and that the height was 10 cubits instead of 5.
The veil was another hanging of fine twined linen with the same pattern as the gate and the door but with the added cherubim cunningly worked into the material. The veil was suspended by gold hooks on 4 pillars, overlaid with gold, fixed in the sockets of silver.
The Spiritual Significance
The gate – the curtain which hung across this gate clearly speaks of the Lord Jesus in a fourfold aspect, for we are reminded that “the gate of the court shall be an hanging of 20 cubits, of blue and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, wrought with needlework; and their pillars shall be four and their sockets four.” Exodus 27 verse 16. This sets forth the Lord Jesus as:
The divine Son – blue = John – for the believers
The divine Sovereign – purple = Matthew – wrote for the Jews
The divine Saviour – scarlet = Luke – wrote for the Greeks
The divine Servant – white = Mark – wrote for the Romans
The door – Moses “made an hanging for the tabernacle door of blue, and purple and scarlet, and fine twined linen, of needlework; and the 5 pillars of it with their hooks; and he overlaid their chapiters and their fillets with gold: but their 5 sockets were of brass.” Exodus 36 verses 37 and 38. The door here is a picture of the Lord Jesus as the door into a life of blessing. “I am the door by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out and find pasture.” John 10 verse 9
The material and pattern of the door was exactly the same as that of the gate. The only difference was that there were 5 pillars instead of 4 and that these pillars were overlaid and crowned with gold.
5 speaks of human responsibility and also of the grace of God
It is our responsibility to enter fully into the enjoyment of God’s sovereign grace. “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace, wherein we stand and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” Romans 5 verses 1 and 2
The door of the tabernacle was higher than the gate of 5 cubits, suggesting higher heights of the experience of God’s saving and satisfying grace.
The veil – “Thou shalt make a vail of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen of cunning work: with cherubims shall it be made: And thou shalt hag it upon four pillars of shittim wood overlaid with gold: their hooks shall be of gold, upon the four sockets of silver.” Exodus26 verses 31 and 32
The veil was the curtain which shut off the holiest of all. Like the hangings of the gate and the door, it was of fine twined linen, with a similar pattern. The only difference was that Bezaleel, anoined by the Spirit, cunningly wrought cherubim on the linen. We read in the epistle to the Hebrews that Jesus has consecrated for us a new and living way, through the veil that is to say, his flesh – Hebrews 10 verse 20. Just as Bezaleel, under the operation of the Holy Spirit, produced this wonderful curtain, so God, by the operation of the Holy Spirit, brought about miraculously that prepared body which was to incarnate the Godhead. The angel said to Mary “The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.” Luke 1 verse 35
The 4 pillars typify the apostles who tell the story of his earthly life, with special emphasis on his death.
The Cherubim were God’s guardians. They appeared with flaming sword in the Garden of Eden, after the expulsion of Adam and Eve – Genesis 3 verse 24. They stood over the ark, to protect it: and here, worked in the veil, they represented God’s sentinels against any unauthorised intrusion. Only once a year did the high priest enter the holiest of all, and this in a strictly prescribed way, “Thank God, however, that when Jesus cried, ‘It is finished!’ on the cross, the veil of the Temple (materially different, but symbolically the same) was rent from top to bottom. The record tells us: ‘Behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom” (Matthew 27 verse 51). That means to say it was supernaturally rent – “rent in twain from the top”. It was also completely rent – “rent in twain from the top to the bottom.” As believers we can enter the holiest of all, none daring to make us afraid; for the Word says: “Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus. By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh ... Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith.” Hebrews 10 verses 19 and 20, 22
Chapter 5 The Coverings
Exodus 26 verses 1 – 14, 36 verses 8 – 19
The roof of the Tabernacle consisted of 2 inner curtains and 2 outer coverings, each being quite different from the other, and yet together making one composite whole. They all speak of the Lord Jesus, in terms of his glorious Person and victorious work. Like the 4 Gospels, each covering is complete in itself, but all are needed to give a full-toned testimony of the Saviour.
The Inner Curtains
These were known, respectively as “the tabernacle” (verse 6) and “the tent” (verse 11).
The Tabernacle – verses 1 and 6. This set of curtains was called “the tabernacle” because it actually comprised the roof of the main structure.
a. The Scriptural Specification
T The curtains were 10 in number, each 28 by 4 cubits. Sewn together in 2 sets of 5 and joined by a hundred blue loops and 50 golden taches or clasps. The material was find twined linen, worked in blue, purple and scarlet and further beautified by cunningly wrought cherubim. The complete curtain was stretched breadthwise across the Tabernacle, north to south. As the width of the sacred building was 10 cubits and the height 10 cubits, this linen curtain left on cubit exposed on the north and south sides. Lengthwise it covered the roof and the west side completely.
b. The Spiritual Significance
In appearance it must have looked indescribably beautiful, and so fittingly represents the inner glory of the Lord Jesus Christ which is hidden from all but those who have eyes to see. “We beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1 verse 14 Peter, in particular recalls his experience on the mount of Transfiguration where he witnessed the majesty of the Lord Jesus Christ (2 Peter 1 verse 16). We too, may behold that glory, if we take advantage of our privilege as priests unto God and habituate not only the holy place, but the holy of holies.
To understand the spiritual significance of these curtains we must study carefully the materials and the measurements.
1. The Material – linen speaks of the purity of Christ’s humanity. It was fine twined linen: that is to say, there was a variety in the unity of his personality. Every trait of perfect humanity was included in his make-up. The blue speaks of the mystery of Christ’s divinity. We look up into the heavens and see the serene and unsullied blue of God. Clouds may come and go but God’s blue remains unaffected and untainted. The blue declares the divinity of Christ. How this divinity was embodied in the flesh will ever be a mystery. Jesus spoke of himself as the living Bread sent down from heaven. Speaking to Nicodemus he said that he was “the Son of Man which is in heaven.” The purple speaks of the majesty of Christ’s regality. Purple is the colour of royalty, and declares the kingly character of our Lord Jesus Christ. The scarlet speaks of the quality of Christ’s humility. 3 thoughts associated with scarlet. Firstly, when God created our first parent, he gave him the name “Adam” which means “red earth”. When the Lord Jesus would become our Saviour, we read that like the children of earth who are the “partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is the devil; and deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.” Hebrews 2 verses 14 and 15. Then those who know Palestine will realise that the earth of that country is red in colour and it was to this spot on God’s earth that Jesus came. As the divine Servant and Saviour, he became humble enough to soil his feet with the dust of the Palestinian roads. Scarlet is a symbol of blood, and therefore of death. It singularly typifies the quality of the Saviour’s humility, which caused him to be “obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” Philippians 2 verse 8. The cherubim speak of the intensity of Christ’s severity. Cherubims are God’s messengers of judgment and protection. They appeared with flaming sword in the garden of Eden, after the expulsion of Adam and Eve. As cunningly embroidered on this inner curtain, they speak of the Lord Jesus in his severity of judgment. In this glorious inner curtain, we have a full-length portrait of God’s Son in his humanity, his divinity, his regality, his humility and his severity in coming judgment. The 2 sets of curtains were made one whole by loops and clasps. The blue loops speak of his divine holiness while the gold clasps his divine righteousness. Holiness tells of what Jesus is in character, while righteousness represents his conduct. In the function of the loops and clasps we see holiness and righteousness uniting all that is signified by “the curtain of tabernacle.”
2. The Measurement – 10 curtains, 28 cubits by 4 cubits. 10 is the typical number of division. 10 Commandments – divided in 2 sections: 1 showing our duty to God and the other our duty to man. 10 virgins: 5 wise and 5 foolish. 10 fingers divided by 2 hands. 10 toes divided by 2 feet. It speaks of Christ in the purity of his humanity, the mystery of his divinity and the intensity of his severity, as the great divider. As Jesus moved among men and women during his lifetime on earth, he always created a division. This is characteristic of every life that is full of the Holy Spirit. Either there is attraction or antagonism but never apathy. 50 clasps of gold: 50 is the number of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit was poured out.
The Tent – verse 7
a. The Scriptural Specifications – curtains comprised a set of 11, each 30 cubits long and 4 cubits wide: joined together by blue loops and brass clasps, making 1 great tent. They were made of goats’ air and therefore their colour was black. White goats are a rarity, if not completely unknown, in the east. Bedouin tents were made of goats’ hair and are described in the Song of Solomon as being black “I am black, but comely, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, as the tents of Kedar, as the curtains of Solomon.” This tent of goats’ hair completely covered the firs curtain of the tabernacle.
b. The Spiritual Significance – speaks of the inwardness of the Saviour’s Person and work.
The Material – goats’ hair. The goat in scripture is mentioned in connection with the sin offering and sinners – Leviticus 9 verse 3 and 16 verses 5 – 28, Numbers 28 verse 15, Matthew 25 verse 32. The tent of goats’ hair speaks of the Lord Jesus as the divine sin-bearer. Leviticus 16 Day of Atonement. 2 goats represent the death and burial of Christ. 1 goat was slain and the blood sprinkled on and before the mercy seat, thus satisfying God’s holy demands against a broken law. Second goat is identified with the blood of the former one, as well as the sin of the nation and is taken away by the hand of a fit man into a land uninhabited. Jesus must die before he can bear away the sin of the world.
The Measurements – second curtain there are 5 and 6 sets united by 50 brass clasps attached to a hundred loops. 11 is the number of disintegration or disorganisation. Example: Joseph’s dream of 11 stars and Judas betraying the Lord causing disorganisation of other 11 disciples. It is interesting to think of the Lord Jesus as the sin-bearer, filled with the Holy Spirit, disintegrating the works of the devil.
The Outer Coverings – Exodus 26 verse 14
2 in number and are distinguished from the inner curtains by the term “coverings”
1. The rams’ skins
a. The scriptural specifications – no measurements just materials used.
b. The spiritual significance – speaks of the outwardness of the Saviour’s person and work
Materials – ram speaks supremely of consecration. Christ in his absolute consecration to God. The object of the solemn ceremony performed for Aaron and his sons was that they might be consecrated to minister to God in the priest’s office – Exodus 29 verses 35 and 44. Jesus was chosen and anointed of God, sanctified to minister unto God in a life of priestly service. The rams’ skins were dyed red, which speaks of consecration unto death. Nothing would turn him aside until his work on earth was completed; and even now he lives in the power of an endless life – bearing the marks in his hands, feet and side of his love to his master. Are our lives characterised by the rams’ skins’ dyed red?
Measurements – no specific measurements for the rams’ skins. There can be no limitations set on a life of consecrated service to God. That was true in the life of our Lord Jesus Christ and to the extent of our capabilities and capacities, it should be true of our lives.
2. The Seal Skins
a. The scriptural specifications – no specifications other than reference to materials used. It was either a porpoise or a seal for badger skins. Both of these teemed abundantly in the Nile and Red Sea and their hides made excellent leather. The Israelites would have no trouble in obtaining large supplies before they came out of Egypt – Exodus 35 verse 23. This second and last covering of the Tabernacle also speaks of the outwardness of the Saviour’s Person and work.
The Material – seal skins. Hard, unattractive leather, calculated to resist beating rain, baking sun or biting frost. How this speaks of the Lord Jesus in his walk of separation. “He hath no form nor comeliness, and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him. He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised and we esteemed him not.” Isaiah 53 verses 2 and 3. “He was in the world and the world was made by him and the world knew him not. He came unto his own and his own received him not.” John 1 verses 10 and 11.
The Measurements – none, suggesting that there are no limits to which we can go in our life of separation to God. The more we are separated, the more the power of God will rest upon us and the more effective will be our witness.
They all point to Christ! The badgers’ skins speak of Christ in separation; the rams’ skins of Christ in his consecration; the goats’ hair of Christ in his expiation; the fine twined linen of Christ in his exaltation.
Chapter 6 – The Furniture in the outer court
Exodus 27 verses 1 – 8; 38 verses 1 – 5; 30 verses 17 to 21 and 38 verse 8
The 2 pieces of furniture in the outer court of the Tabernacle were the brazen altar and the brazen laver.
The Brazen Altar - Exodus 27 verse 1
The brazen altar was the first and largest article of furniture which confronted the worshipper who entered the gate of the outer court.
The Scriptural Specifications
Form of a hollow box: 5 cubits long, 5 cubits broad and 3 cubits high. It was without a base or top. Possibly filled with earth or stones upon which the offerings would be burned. It was made of acacia wood, overlaid with brass or copper. At each of the 4 corners was an ornamental horn, made of 1 piece with the altar.
The position and function of the grate of network, mentioned in Exodus 27 verses 4 and 5 is most obscure and uncertain. In all probability, it was a form of protection for the sides of the altar from the feet of the ministering priests, as well as the animals which were tied to the horns of the altar before being slain.
The “compass” of the altar was a projecting shelf or ledge, halfway between the top and the base of the altar, supported all around its outer edge by the vertical netlike grating of bronze that rested on the ground. Its purpose was either to catch any portions of the sacrifices which might have fallen accidentally from the altar or to enable the priests to carry on their work conveniently on the top of the altar. The ledge also would have been used to hold some of the utensils which were used to hold some of the utensils which were used directly in the manipulating of the sacrifices.
At each corner of the bronze gate were rings, through which the 2 staves were passed, for the carrying of the altar when on the march.
Associated with the altar were 5 utensils:
a. The pans, used for carrying the ashes from the altar to a prescribed place outside the camp.
b. The shovels, used for picking up ashes and for feeding the fire
c. The basins, used for holding the blood of victims, which was sometimes carried inside and more often poured out at the foot of the altar
d. The fleshhooks, used for adjusting the pieces of that victim upon the wood. They were 3-pronged instruments
e. The firepans, or censers, used for carrying burning embers from the brazen altar to the altar of incense.
When journeying, it was particularly specified that the altar should be draped first with a purple covering and then with a second covering of badgers’ skins. This was the only piece of furniture which was carried in the royal colour.
The Spiritual Significance
The materials – the altar, the acacia wood speaks of our Lord’s holy and incorruptible humanity. The brass speaks of his divine righteousness expressed in human life, and enduring suffering even unto death. So it is recorded that Jesus “endured the cross, despising the shame.” Hebrews 12 verse 2
The wood overlaid with brass constituted a fireproof combination. How wonderfully this combination speaks of the person of our Lord Jesus Christ who endured the fires of Calvary without being consumed; like the bush which Moses saw in the wilderness which burned with fire but was not destroyed – Exodus 3 verses 1 to 5.
One piece with the altar were the 4 horns. The horn in scripture is always a symbol of strength, salvation and security. The horns on the altar speak of the victory of the cross and the saving power of the gospel. Through his cross, the Son of God “spoiled principalities and powers, and made a show of them openly, triumphing over them.” Colossians 2 verse 15. The horns also speak of security. The blood of the sin offering was smeared on these horns – Exodus 29 verse 19, Leviticus 4 verse 7, 8 verse 15, 9 verse 9, 16 verse 18. Thus to have laid hold of the horns was an emphatic mode of laying claim to the right of the sanctuary. Instances occur in scripture of those who sought refuge by taking hold of the horns of the altar
The grate of network, appears to have been a protection for the altar against the feet of the ministering priests and particularly the sacrificial animals that were tied before being slain. The network of brass speaks of God’s principle of righteousness and justice which protects the gospel of the cross from all who kick against the blood and attempt to deny its efficacy.
The rings and staves for carrying the altar also have a message for us. There were 2 staves, speaking of the 2 aspects of the gospel: namely, his death and resurrection. “Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; ... he was buried, and ... rose again the third day according to the scriptures.” 1 Corinthians 15 verses 3 and 4. The rings and staves made the altar portable, and so suggest that the message of the cross is for all the world.
The brazen altar in its various aspects speaks of the Lord Jesus as the conquering Christ of Calvary.
The appurtances
The pans suggest the thoroughness of the Saviour’s cross work. They were used for the ashes, which speak of the completed sacrifice.
The shovels suggest the faithfulness of the Saviour’s cross work. These were used for picking up the ashes – and particularly for tending or feeding the fire. There was never an instance in the life of Christ when he avoided the cost of the cross.
The basins suggest the selflessness of the Saviour’s cross work. They held the blood of the sacrifices, which was carried inside, or more often poured out at the foot of the altar. What selflessness characterized the life of the Son of God! He emptied himself of his heavenly glory in order to become our Saviour.
The fleshhooks suggest the steadfastness of the Saviour’s cross work. These were 3-pronged instruments for arranging the sacrifice in order upon the wood. If and when the sacrifice moved from its place, it was deliberately brought back to the centre of the flame with the use of the fleshhook. Even in his lifetime, the Lord Jesus steadfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem and to the cross. The application of the fleshhook involved him in self-imposed weakness in order that he might become your Saviour and mine.
The firepans suggest the zealousness of the Saviour’s cross work. These censers were employed to carry the burning embers from the brazen altar to the altar of incense. Although the fire on the altar speaks of the wrath of God against sin, it also signifies the zeal, passion and love which burned in the Saviour’s heart to deal with the matter of sin, and to accomplish man’s redemption. Only living coals from off that altar can set alight the altars of our hearts. We capture the zeal of our Saviour from the censers associated with the altar of burnt offering. The fire from heaven that burned on the brazen altar never went out – Leviticus 6 verse 13.
The Measurements – Exodus 27 verse 1. It was the largest article of furniture. Only through the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ can we understand and enjoy the many other blessings that accompany salvation. “Five cubits, foursquare” suggests the universal appeal of the grace of God manifested through the cross. 5 is the number of grace, 4 speaks of universality. In the “3 cubits high” there is a hint of the third day, when our great and sufficient sacrifice was accepted by a satisfied God, who raised him from the dead for our justification.
The Ministry – represents a twofold ministry
1. The Ministry of Expiation – Hebrews 5 verse 1 we are told that the high priest is “ordained ... that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins.” The sacrifices constituted the expiatory offerings. Among the 5 offerings mentioned in the first 5 chapters of Leviticus, the 2 that are related to the ministry of expiation are the sin offering and the trespass offering. They made atonement or reconciliation for those on whose behalf they were presented. So we read that “without shedding of blood is no remission” Hebrews 9 verse 22.
2. The Ministry of Consecration – the high priest is “ordained ... that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices” Hebrews 5 verse 1. The gifts represent the dedicatory offerings. Such a gift might be a bloodless offering, as in the case of the meal offering. On the other hand it included also the burnt offering and the peace offering. While there is an expiatory aspect of the burnt offering, the main idea in this offering was that of a life devoted or dedicated to God. It was a recognition of and response to God’s claim upon the individual. Jesus was a perfect sin offering, the Lamb of God without blemish, because of his utter consecration to the will of God. He was an offering of “a sweetsmelling savour” unto God – Ephesians 5 verse 2 who could say of him “this is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” Matthew 3 verse 17
The Brazen Laver - Exodus 30 verse 17 – 21, 38 verse 8 and 40 verse 7
The brazen laver constituted the second piece of furniture in the outer court of the Tabernacle. It stood between the altar and the door of the Tabernacle.
1. The Scriptural Specifications
The brazen laver and its foot were to be made out of the mirrors of the women who assembled at the door of the congregation – Exodus 38 verse 8. These women seem to have voluntarily given up these articles of luxury for this purpose. Highly polished copper mirrors were much used by the ancient Egyptians and the women of Israel must have brought out with them great quantities of these looking glasses. There are no specifications as to its size or shape of this laver. The brazen sea and 10 lavers that served the same purpose in the Temple of Solomon were elaborately made with exquisite designs which are minutely described in 1 Kings 7 verses 23 to 29.
2. The Spiritual Significance
a. The Materials - made of bronze or polished copper, looking glasses provided by the women who assembled at the door of the Tabernacle – Exodus 38 verse 8. Once again the brass speaks of the divine righteousness of the Lord Jesus, expressed in human life and enduring suffering unto death. In the provision of this material by the women of Israel, we see self-judgment on that which speaks of outward adornment. When we are confronted with the righteousness of the Lord Jesus as expressed in his cross work, we cannot fashion ourselves according to the course of this world. If truly yielded to God, we must not be “conformed to this world: but .. transformed by the renewing of our mind” Romans 12 verse 2. The brazen laver contained water which, without doubt, speaks of the Spirit of God, operating through the Word of God. The Lord Jesus “loved the church and gave himself for it; that he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word” Ephesians 5 verses 25 and 26. The Word only convicts and cleanses in the measure in which the Holy Spirit interprets and applies it, for “the letter killeth but the spirit giveth life.” 2 Corinthians 3 verse 6. Jesus said “The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit and they are life.” John 6 verse 63.
b. The Measurements – no dimensions given for this article of furniture. The suggestion in this omission of measurements in that the laver was limitless in its application. The priests were constantly having to wash at the laver, if their service was to be acceptable to God. Indeed, not to wash was to die. The laver followed the altar and yet was dependent upon the altar. Like all other articles of furniture, it was sprinkled with the blood of atonement. Moses sprinkled “with blood both the tabernacle and all the vessels of the ministry. And almost all things are by the law purged with blood.” Hebrews 9 verses 21 and 22. The laver could not be used until after the blood had been shed. The Spirit cannot operate through the Word without the foundation work of the cross. When Christ entered into heaven by his own blood, he sent the Holy Spirit to convict the world of sin, of righteousness and of judgment. There is a sense, then, in which the altar speaks of Calvary while the laver speaks of Pentecost.
c. The Ministry – the laver speaks of the ministry of separation or sanctification.
The Initial Cleansing – when the priests were inducted to their high and holy office, they were bathed all over at the laver. Moses was to bring Aaron and his sons to the door of the Tabernacle of the congregation and wash them with water – Exodus 29 verse 4. The only other occasion when anyone was bathed completely was on the Day of Atonement – Leviticus 16 verse 4 which represented a new beginning each year for the whole nation. The initial cleansing answers to regeneration by the Spirit through the Word. Remember Jesus washing his disciples feet!
The Continual Cleansing – the word for the priests was “When they go into the tabernacle of the congregation, they shall wash with water, that they die not; or when they come near to the altar to minister, to burn offering made by fire unto the Lord: So they shall wash their hands and their feet, that they die not.” Exodus 30 verses 20 and 21 The priests dare not touch either the altar or the tabernacle without washing, lest they contact with defilement. They were never allowed to sit down, so that in moving about they were unavoidably brought into contact with the dust of the desert; and yet they knew all the time that God’s unalterable demand was “be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the Lord.” So hands and feet were washed continually at the brazen laver; hands speaking of their work, and feet suggesting their walk. God will not allow us to touch his work without being clean. The Old Testament priests had to wash hands and feet because their life depended upon the works of the law. Believers under grace wash only their feet; and if our walk is right with God then what we do is blessed of God. This daily cleansing is the application of the word of God to our hearts and lives by the power of the Holy Spirit. Paul reminds us that the Lord Jesus is constantly sanctifying and cleansing the Church “with the washing of water by the word” Ephesians 5 verse 26. How important then, that we should daily and hourly apply the Word of God, by the power of the Spirit, to our lives. Let us never forget that even the food we eat and all things are “sanctified by the word of God and prayer” 1 Timothy 4 verse 5.
The brazen altar teaches us the way of reconciliation, while the brazen laver leads us into the way of sanctification. Without reconciliation we can never know sanctification. But if we are truly reconciled to God then let us see to it that we know both positional and practical sanctification. Positional sanctification is the once-for-all washing of regeneration by the Word that established the indissoluble relationship. Practical sanctification is the day-by-day and moment-by-moment cleansing by the Word through the Spirit. Without this practical sanctification there is no fellowship with God and worship and witness become ineffective and barren.Chapter 7 The Furniture in the Holy Place
Exodus 25 verses 23 – 40, 30 verses 1 – 10, 34 – 38, 31 verse 8, 37 verses 10 – 28, 39 verse 37, Leviticus 24 verses 5 to 9, Hebrews 9 verse 2
The 3 pieces of furniture in the holy place of the Tabernacle were the golden candlestick, the table of showbread and the altar of incense.
The Golden Candlestick
Exodus 25 verses 31 – 40; 37 verses 17 – 24; 39 verse 37
The golden candlestick would be the first piece of furniture to engage the attention of the worshipper as he entered the door of the Tabernacle into the holy place. With its 7 lights burning brightly, it would present an attractive object of golden splendour.
The Scriptural Specifications
The golden candlestick consisted of a central stem (“called “the candlestick”) with 3 branches at each side of it. The lamps with their wicks and oil were set on the stem and its 6 branches. Each branch was intricately wrought with the likeness of almond blossoms, pomegranates (or knops) and lilies. There were 3 of these ornaments on each branch and 4 on the central shaft. The ornaments were of 1 piece with the whole candlestick.
Associated with the golden candlesticks were the tongs, to trim the wick; and the snuff dishes, to hold the trimmings. The lamps were to be fed with pure olive oil.
The Spiritual Significance
The materials – the candlestick and its adjuncts were all of pure gold. They consisted of the lampstand, the lamps (which contained the oil and wicks), the tongs and the snuff dishes.
The lampstand – 4 considerations:
The composition of the lampstand – “his shaft and his branches”. The Hebrew word translated “shaft” means “thigh”, “loins” or even “body”. Christ is the Shaft, out of whom we – the branches – have been made. Just as Eve was taken out of Adam’s side, so the Church has come into being through the piercing of the Saviour’s body. The candlestick was to be of “one beaten work of pure gold”. It was through the beating that the shaft was made of 1 piece with the branches. We know that it was through the wounding and bruising at Calvary that the union between Christ and his Church was established. Isaiah 53 verse 5 “He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him and with his stripes we are healed.”
The decoration of the lampstand – this sevenfold candelabra was wrought in bowls, knops and flowers. The bowls were almonds, while the knops represented pomegranates, and the flowers were lilies. The lilies speak of Christ in his life of purity. The Song of Solomon speaks of our Lord as “the lily of the valleys” and as such, he was “holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners.” The pomegranates speak of Christ in his life of productiveness. The pomegranate is the emblem of fruitfulness. It was seen on the hem of the high priest’s garments, in the decorations of Solomon’s Temple and in the garden of fruitfulness in the Song of Solomon (7 verse 12). Jesus said to his disciples “He that abideth in me and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit, for without me ye can do nothing.” John 15 verse 5. The almonds speak of Christ in his life of power. Almond blossoms symbolize resurrection. Aaron’s rod budded, blossomed and bare almonds overnight thus typifying our Lord in his resurrection.
It is interesting to note that these ornaments appeared 3 times on the branches and 4 times on the shaft. 3 times on the branches speaks of our completeness in Christ, in his purity, productiveness and power; 4 times on the main shaft marks Christ off as distinctive from us, as the One who appeals universally in terms of his life of purity, peace and power.
The Illumination of the Lampstand – 7 lamps were probably like those used by the Egyptians and other nations; usually a shallow covered vessel, more or less of oval form, with a mouth at one end from which the wick protruded. The central lamp speaks of Christ as the Light of the world. The 6 other lamps represent his believing people. The lamps were fed with “golden oil” or pure oil of olives. Oil, as we know, is a symbol of the Holy Spirit, who is spoken of in the New Testament as “the anointing”. In our lives, as in the life of the Lord Jesus Christ, we are utterly dependent upon the Holy Spirit for maintaining the spiritual glow.
The wicks quite obviously represent the human life and how comforting to know that however weak our wicks may be, a “smoking flax will he not quench”. Our ambition should be ever to burn out for God, even as did our Saviour.
The Supervision of the Lampstand – the priests were responsible for cleaning, replenishing and lighting the lamps each morning and evening, for the lamps were to “burn always” or “burn continually”. To maintain this “clear, pure light” the priests had to use 2 accessories, namely, the tongs and the snuff dishes. The tongs were for trimming the wicks, and the snuff dishes were for carrying the trimmings away. In the life of the Lord Jesus, the tongs and snuff dishes represented self-discipline and obedience to his heavenly Father. “Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered.” Hebrews 5 verse 8. A similar discipline is needed in our own lives if we would burn brightly for God.
The measurements – height about 3 feet and width 2 feet but there are no scriptural specifications as to its size. This very omission shows the limitless of its influence. The weight of the candlestick was 1 talent = 125 pounds. The candlestick was of one single piece of solid gold, speaking of Christ in the glory of his divine nature, first of all; and then secondly of his believing people who have been made partakers of the same divine nature. The candlestick stood on the south side of the holy place, thus directly casting its light across to the table of showbread on the north side.
The ministry – the instructions were that the priests were to light the lamps that they might give light over against it. When the Tabernacle was first erected, Moses “lighted the lamps before the Lord” Exodus 40 verse 25. The ministry of the candlestick was twofold. It provided:
The light of attraction – the light of the lamps drew attraction to the glory of the candlestick – Jesus said “I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness.” John 8 verse 12. We too as followers of Christ have no greater privilege than to attract people to Christ with the very light that we have been divinely given.
The light of perception – Moses “lighted the lamps before the Lord”. In the holy place the glow of the lamps enabled the priests, in the presence of God, to worship and serve intelligently. Whether it is direct light from Christ, or diffused light through the Christian, all light is given us for perception. In his light shall we see light.
“If we walk in light as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” 1 John 1 verse 7 In his light also we are attracted to perceive deeper meaning in the altar of incense, which speaks of adoration and intercession.
The Table of Showbread
Exodus 25 verses 23 – 30; 31 verse 8; 37 verses 10 – 16; Leviticus 24 verse 5 – 9 and Hebrews 9 verse 2
On the inner side of the holy place stood the table of showbread with its 12 loaves of bread. It represents fellowship and satisfaction.
The Scriptural Specification
Made of shittim wood, 2 cubits in length, one cubit in breadth and 1½ cubits in height, overlaid with pure gold and having a golden crown to the border thereof round about. Just below the top of the table was a border of about 4½ inches which encircled the table to keep it firm. This border also had a ridge like a golden crown. Its purpose was to contain the various utensils that were used in connection with the ministry of the table of showbread. Within the first border were contained the 12 cakes, or loaves of showbread. The bread, in all probability was placed on 12 golden dishes. On each loaf was a golden censer, or saucer, containing frankincense, which when fired smoked continuously. Then there were jugs, or cups, of pure gold that probably were used for the drink offering. Other utensils were the spoons, used for putting the incense on the bread. Attached to the 4 legs of the table were rings, to take 2 staves for bearing the table when the camp was on the march.
The Spiritual Significance
The Materials:
The Table – “thou shalt also make a table of shittim wood ... and thou shalt overlay it with pure gold”. Here is our Lord Jesus Christ seen once again in his perfect divinity and humanity. The table resting on 4 legs, suggests the Lord Jesus in his risen glory. The 2 crowns are suggestive of him crowned; with thorns on the cross, and then with glory on the throne. The rings and staves speak of our Lord Jesus Christ in his perpetual and personal presence with us. The rings speak of his perpetuity, while the staves denote his mobility and intimacy.
The Showbread – literally means “the bread of the faces”. It was also called “the bread of the presence”, the “perpetual bread” and “holy bread”. Jesus is our living bread, come down from heaven, ministered to us through the Word, by the power of the Holy Spirit. When Jesus spoke of this bread he called it “the bread of truth”, “the bread of God” and “the bread of life”. No wonder the disciples said “Lord evermore give us this bread.”
The Vessels – “thou shalt make the dishes thereof, and spoons thereof and covers thereof and bowls thereof, to cover withal; of pure gold shalt thou make them.” Exodus 25 verse 29. The dishes or chargers, were used for conveying the bread into the sanctuary; or alternative, might have been employed for carrying the fine flour which formed part of the offering of the princes of Israel – Numbers 7 verse 13. The spoons were small cups that were filled with frankincense and burned on top of the bread – Leviticus 24 verse 7 and Numbers 7 verse 14. The covers, or bowls, according to the best authorities were the flagons such as were used for the rite of the drink offering, which appears to have regularly accompanied every meat offering – Leviticus 23 verse 18; Numbers 6 verse 15, 28 verse 14.
All these vessels were made of pure gold and speak of Christ in the various ways in which he presents to us, by the Spirit, the Bread of life. When the Lord promised the Comforter, he said “He shall glorify me; for he shall receive of mine and shall show it unto you.” John 16 verse 14.
The frankincense upon the bread speaks of his preciousness – “unto you ... which you believe he is precious.” 1 Peter 2 verse 7.
The Measurements
“Thou shalt make a table of shittim wood, two cubits in length, one cubit in breadth, and one and a half cubits in height.” Exodus 25 verse 23. The measurements imply limitation and restriction but we can learn from this that the table was large enough for all who were worthy to come, which is the whole priesthood and small enough to exclude all who were not worthy. The warning concerning the Lord’s table states: “Let a man examine himself and so let him eat of that bread and drink of that cup ... he that eateth and drinketh unworthily eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.” 1 Corinthians 11 verses 28 and 29
Instructions were also given as to the making of the bread. We read that two tenth deals should be in one cake – Leviticus 24 verse 5. Each of these loaves represented the food of a man and his neighbour. The 12 loaves represented the 12 tribes and there was a fresh supply every sabbath – Leviticus 24 verses 5 to 9. The priests ate the bread as God’s representatives of the nation. Our Lord Jesus is God’s fresh and full supply for his people.
The Ministry
The supreme ministry of the table of showbread with its vessels was to provide food and fellowship for God’s priestly people.
The food – “thou shalt set upon the table showbread before me alway.” Exodus 25 verse 30 This was bread of a superlative quality. It was made of fine flour, the product of the earth and the necessity of man. The human body of Jesus Christ is seen here. His earthly life was like fine flour, perfect in its whiteness and evenness. Pilate had to testify to this when he said “I find no fault in this man.” Luke 23 verse 4 Our Lord Jesus in suffering was the fine flour kneaded and baked, so that he could become the bread of life to us “The bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” John 6 verse 51 This then is the food on which we can feed to our everlasting satisfaction.
The fellowship – “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock; if any man hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to him and will sup with him and he with me.” Revelation 3 verse 20 Paul warns “ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord’s table and of the table of devils. Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than he?” 1 Corinthians 10 verses 20 – 22.
The Altar of Incense
“Thou shalt make an altar to burn incense upon: of shittim wood shalt thou make it.” Exodus 30 verse 1.
The Scriptural Specifications
The altar stood directly before the entrance to the Tabernacle, though further within than either of the other 2 pieces of furniture. Its position was before the veil. It was only a small piece of furniture, standing 2 cubits high, 1 cubit broad and 1 cubit long – just large enough to serve its purpose. It was made of acacia wood, overlaid with pure gold. It was surrounded by a golden crown, which kept the fire from falling to the ground. It had a horn on each of the 4 corners and was supplied with rings and staves for portability. Its purpose was for the burning of incense, compounded in equal proportions of stacte and onycha, galbanum with frankincense.
The Spiritual Significance
The Materials
The Altar – “And thou shalt make an altar ... and ... shalt overlay it with pure gold, the top thereof, and the sides thereof round about and the horns thereof; and thou shalt make unto it a crown of gold round about. And two golden rings shalt thou make to it under the crown of it.” Exodus 30 verses 1, 3 and 4. The twofold nature of our Lord Jesus is prefigured in the acacia wood and the pure gold. In the crown we see him as the exalted One, seated at the right hand of the throne of God as our Intercessor. “He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing that he ever liveth to make intercession for them.” Hebrews 7 verse 25.
The horns speak of power; but this time of power in prayer. 2We have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” 1 John 2 verse 1
The rings and staves, once again, speaks of movement and mobility; and what a joy it is to know that we can offer prayer anywhere, at any time. Paul says “I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.” 1 Timothy 2 verse 8. Jesus reminded the woman of Samaria that worship and prayer would no longer be localised: “The hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father ... They that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” John 4 verses 21 and 24.
So the altar of incense identifies us with our great Advocate, who waits to receive our expressions of adoration and intercession and present them faultless to his Father in heaven. Before the altar of incense could have any acceptance before God, it had to be sprinkled with the blood of the atonement. The solemn word was “Aaron shall make an atonement upon the horns of it once in a year with the blood of the sin offering.” Exodus 30 verse 10. Our great High Priest advocates for us and our approach in prayer is on the basis of grace.
The Incense – “And the Lord said unto Moses, take unto thee sweet spices, stacte and onycha and galbanum; these sweet spices with frankincense of each shall there be a like weight ... Whosoever shall make like unto that, to smell thereto, shall even be cut off from his people.” Exodus 30 verse 34 and 38. The value of the altar lay in the incense. This incense typifies the merits of our great Saviour and Intercessor. It was made by the compounding of 3 spices of equal proportions, to which was added the same weight of frankincense.
In the stacte we see the merit of Christ’s life
In the onycha the merit of his death
In the galbanum the merit of his resurrection
To which is added the frankincense of his ascension
No-one was allowed to compound anything like it, without being cut off from his people. Nadab and Abihu attempted to offer strange first to God and they were at once slain before the Lord. To come to God in the virtue of our own merits is an unspeakable abomination. It is only as we name the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ and all his merits, fired by the flame of God’s acceptance that we can truly touch the throne.
The Measurements
“A cubit shall be the length thereof and a cubit the breadth thereof; foursquare shall it be ... the horns thereof shall be of the same.” (Exodus 30 verse 2) It was 2 cubits high, which means that it was higher than any other of the articles of the holy place. Perhaps the suggestion in this height is that as our Intercessor God has raised him from the dead and set him “far above all” (Ephesians 1 verse 21). He is now head over all the church.
The altar was foursquare, which speaks again of the availability of our Lord in prayer from any part of the earth. As to its position it stood not only in the centre of the holy place, but in a straight line with the brazen altar, the laver, the ark of the covenant and the mercy seat. This straight line represents the articles that speak of the divine provision for our approach unto God. It stood immediately before the mercy seat, which is the throne of God. How near God comes to us in prayer – perhaps nearer than at any other time. In those days a veil separated the altar of incense from the ark of the covenant, but today there is not even a veil, for it has been rent from top to bottom.
The Ministry
The ministry of the altar of incense was that of adoration and intercession.
Adoration – the priests never came to offer incense without giving thanks to God. “By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.” Exodus 13 verse 15
Intercession – “Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.” Psalm 141 verse 2
When Zacharias was burning incense in the Temple of the Lord, we read that the people were praying without – Luke 1 verse 8 to 10. The fragrance from this sweet incense was burning continual. So Christ ever lives to make intercession for us and we through him may offer our acts of adoration and intercession.
In the candlestick we learn the secret of illumination; in the table of showbread the source of satisfaction; and in the altar of incense we experience the strength of intercession. They are all inseparable to a life of worship and witness in the holy place.
Chapter 8 The Furniture in the Holy of Holies
Exodus 5 verses 10 -22, 37 verses 1 – 9, 16 verses 11 – 31, 19; 20 verses 1 - 17; Numbers 11 verses 1 – 9, 16 – 17; Psalm 78 verses 24 and 25; Matthew 22 verses 36 to 40; John 6 verses 30 – 38 and Revelation 2 verse 7
The 2 pieces of furniture in the holiest of all were the ark of the covenant and the mercy seat. Although these 2 appeared as 1 article, they are, in fact, referred to quite distinctly.
The Ark of the Covenant
Exodus 25 verses 10 – 16; 27 verses 1 – 9
“And they shall make an ark of shittim wood: two cubits and a half shall be the length thereof, and a cubit and a half the breadth thereof, and a cubit and a half the height thereof. And thou shalt overlay it with pure gold, within and without shalt thou overlay it, and shalt make upon it a crown of gold round about.” Exodus 25 verses 10 and 11
Notice firstly – God begins where we conclude. The very first articles to be constructed were the ark and the mercy seat. These were the most important of all the vessels of the Tabernacle and the ones to which every other part of the building and its furniture had reference. The ark, with its mercy seat was the throne of God. Here God focused his divine presence throughout all the years the tabernacle was in existence, and until Solomon’s Temple was built. No wonder the innermost place of the Tabernacle was called the holy of holies.
The Scriptural Specifications
The ark was a chest or box made of acacia wood, overlaid within and without with pure gold. Its length was 2½ cubits. Surrounding its top was a crown of gold, which held the precious mercy seat and cherubim. 2 rings on each side at the base, with staves, made the ark portable. Inside the ark were 4 items of supreme significance: the 2 tables of the law (Exodus 25 verse 16), the book of the covenant (Exodus 24 verse 7), the pot with an omer of manna (Exodus 16 verse 33; Hebrews 9 verse 4) and Aaron’s rod that budded (Numbers 17 verse 10; Hebrews 9 verse 4)
The Spiritual Significance
The Materials
The ark and its contents speak pre-eminently of our Lord Jesus Christ. Here is centered the meaning of his person and work.
The Ark – “and they shall make an ark of shittim wood ... and thou shalt overlay it with pure gold, within and without ... and shalt make upon it a crown of gold round about” Exodus 25 verses 10 and 11. In the acacia wood we see his perfect humanity, while in the pure gold his perfect divinity. The overlay of gold was “within and without”, speaking of the reality of that divine nature. In other words, the Spirit of truth is he who witnesses not only to the pre-existence of Christ, but to the manifestation of God of very God in the flesh; pure gold within and without.
We notice also that the ark was surrounded by a crown of solid gold. Man crowned him with thorns but God has crowned him with the glory and honour (Hebrews 2 verse 9) and set him at his own right hand.
The 4 rings of gold and the 2 staves speak of his constancy and availability to all the people of God. There is no beginning nor end to a ring, which teaches us that our Lord Jesus is “the same yesterday, today and for ever” Hebrews 13 verse 8. The staves remind us of his word, when he says ‘I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.’” Hebrews 13 verse 5
So the ark points to our ascended Lord as Son of God and Son of Man, crowned with glory, ever living, and ever present to all who call upon him.
The Manna – within the ark of the covenant was “the golden pot that had manna.” Hebrews 9 verse 4. Moses was commanded to “take a pot, and put an omer full of manna therein and lay it up before the Lord to be kept for your generations” Exodus 16 verses 33 and 34. This manna which in the Hebrew means, “What is it?” in the Chaldean, “it is a portion” and in the English “bread” was God’s miraculous and bountiful provision for his ancient people throughout their journeying in the wilderness.
· The manna was small speaking of the humility of Christ – he “made himself of no reputation” Philippians 2 verse 7
· The manna was round speaking of the perfection of Christ – “the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth” John 1 verse 14
· The manna was white speaking of the holiness of Christ – “holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners” Hebrews 7 verse 26
· “as the hoar frost” speaking of the freshness of Christ – “the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit and they are life” John 6 verse 63
· “like coriander seed” speaking of the fragrance of Christ – “thy name is as ointment poured forth” Song of Solomon 1 verse 3
· “as the taste of fresh oil” speaking of the authority of Christ as the Anointed One – “He whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him” John 3 verse 34
· “like wafers made with honey” speaking of the sweetness of Christ – “I sat down under his shadow with great delight and his fruit was sweet to my taste” Song of Solomon 2 verse 3
· “as the colour of bdellium” speaking of the preciousness of Christ (bdellium is thought to be the beryl crystal) – “unto you ... which believe he is precious” 1 Peter 2 verse 7
This manna was
Sufficient provision – “He that gathered little had no lack; they gathered every man according to his eating” Exodus 16 verse 18. So God provided for his people throughout the 40 years. This bread from heaven never failed.
Satisfying provision – “The taste of it was like wafers made with honey” Exodus 16 verse 31. It suited every palate, young and old, weak and strong.
Sustaining Provision – “And the children of Israel did eat manna forty years, until they came to a land inhabited; land of Canaan” Exodus 16 verse 35. The nutrition in this bread from heaven must have contained all the required vitamins, for it maintained the strength of this pilgrim nation right throughout the forty years of their wilderness wandering.
In the Lord we find our sufficiency, satisfaction and sustenance – “I am the living bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world” John 6 verse 51.
The Rod
Within the ark was a pot that had manna, and Aaron’s rod that budded – Hebrews 9 verse 4. This rod was the emblem of God’s chosen priesthood. The circumstances in which it budded are recorded in Numbers 16 and 17. There had been a rebellion against the priesthood of Moses and Aaron; and God had to judge the rebels and then vindicate the authority and ministry of his chosen servants. So a rod was taken from each of the 12 tribes and laid before Jehovah in the tent of meeting. Among these was Aaron’s rod. Here then were 12 sticks dead, separated from mother earth, the source of all vegetable life. They were allowed to die overnight and in the morning Moses went to examine then and we read that “the rod of Aaron for the house of Levi was budded and brought forth buds, and bloomed blossoms and yielded almonds” Numbers 17 verse 8.
In the rod we have a picture of the Saviour’s incarnation. He was “as a root out of a dry ground” Isaiah 53 verse 2. “He was cut off out of the land of the living” Isaiah 53 verse 8. The buds speak of his resurrection. Having died for our sins, the third day he rose again, according to the scriptures – 1 Corinthians 15 verse 4. Christ is the only one who ever rose from the dead. Both in the Old and New Testaments, men and women and children were resuscitated to a fresh lease of life but subsequently they died again. As far as Jesus is concerned “in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.” Romans 6 verse 10. “Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him” Romans 6 verse 9.
In the blossoms we see his exaltation, for the flower is ever the glory of the tree. After his resurrection we read that he was “received up into glory” 1 Timothy 3 verse 16.
The almonds typify his reproduction. The manifestation of life is beauty; and the purpose of beauty, all through God’s fair creation, is the reproduction of life for the maintenance of succeeding generations. So our Lord Jesus from heaven is reproducing his life in every sinner who repents and believers. Isaiah tells us that, having made his soul an offering for sin, “he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days” Isaiah 53 verse 10. So the risen Christ has a seed and one day he will present the precious fruit that he has produced saying “Behold I and the children which God hath given me” Hebrews 2 verse 13. The Psalmist also tells us that “a seed shall serve him; it shall be accounted to the Lord for a generation” Psalm 2 verse 30.
The 2 Tables of the Law.
In the ark was “the golden pot that had manna and Aaron’s rod that budded and the tables of the covenant” Hebrews 9 verse 4. The instruction to Moses was “And thou shalt put into the ark the testimony which I shall give thee” Exodus 25 verse 16. The testimony was the moral law, written on 2 tables of stone, consisting of the Ten Commandments which are detailed for us in Exodus 20 verses 1 to 17. The law, which men and women could not keep, was deposited within the ark of the covenant and beneath the mercy seat – a type of the only one who kept the whole law.
“Lo I come; in the volume of the book it was written of me, I delight to do thy will, O my God; yea, thy law is within my heart” Psalm 40 verses 7 and 8. When he appeared in the flesh, he soul say: “Think not that I am come to destroy the law or the prophets: I am not come to destroy but to fulfil” Matthew 5 verse 17. The apostle Paul reminds us that “Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth” Romans 10 verse 4.
The Book of the Covenant
In Exodus 24 verse 7 we read that Moses “took the book of the covenant and read in the audience of the people: and they said, All that he Lord hath said will we do, and be obedient.” Later in Deuteronomy 31 verses 25 and 26 “Moses commanded the Levites which bare the ark of the covenant of the Lord, saying, Take this book of the law and put it in the side of the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God that it may be there for a witness against thee.” It included such laws as those appertaining to murder, property, divorce, servants, injuries and so on.
If the 2 tables of the testimony represented the moral law, the book of the covenant stands for the civil law. As in the moral law, so in the civil law our Lord Jesus is the final embodiment of God’s thought. When on earth he declared “Ye have heard that it hath been said An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth: But I say unto you, that ye resist not evil; but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also” Matthew 5 verses 38 and 39. Just as the civil law was contained in the ark of the covenant so God’s ideal for men and women was outworked in the life of the Lord Jesus in human history.
The measurements
“And they shall make an ark of shittim wood: two cubits and a half shall be the length thereof, and a cubit and a half the breadth thereof, and a cubit and a half the height thereof” Exodus 25 verse 10. The holiest of all speaks of heaven itself and the ark and mercy seat speak of the Lord Jesus crowned and enthroned “far above all principality and power and might and dominion and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come” Ephesians 1 verse 21.
God’s thought – the ark was central to everything else. The first word from heaven to Moses was “Let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them ... And they shall make an ark of shittim wood.” Exodus 25 verses 8 to 10
We build a house and then think of the furniture afterwards; but not so with God. He would teach us that the ark speaks of his beloved Son and that he is “before all things and by him all things consist” Colossians 1 verse 17.
The Ministry
In the ark we see Christ our All in all. The ark includes and sums up everything else in the Tabernacle and its furniture. So with the apostle we can say “Christ ... is made unto us wisdom and righteousness and sanctification and redemption” 1 Corinthians 1 verse 30. As our “wisdom” he is our book of the covenant; as our “righteousness” he is the tables of testimony; as our “sanctification” he is the pot of manna; and as our “redemption”, he is the rod that budded, for the final intention of our God in redemption is to produce eternal fruit unto his name.
The Mercy Seat
Exodus 25 verses 17 – 22
Here we come to the throne of the Tabernacle, where God manifested himself in Shekinah glory.
The Scriptural Specifications
The mercy seat was a slab of solid gold, 2½ by 1 ½ cubits which fitted exactly inside the crown of the ark of the covenant. The cherubim were placed at the 2 ends of the mercy seat, not standing separately upon it but of one beaten piece with the mercy seat. Their wings were raised to cover the mercy seat and the faces were bent downwards gazing at the mercy seat.
The Spiritual Significance
The Materials
“Thou shalt make a mercy seat of pure gold ... and thou shalt make two cherubims of gold, of beaten work shalt thou make them” Exodus 25 verses 17 and 18.
The Mercy Seat
Made of pure gold – relates to Jesus’ divinity in relation to righteousness. Without divine righteousness being satisfied by the shedding and application of blood, there could be no outflowing of grace to guilty men.
We learn from both Old and New Testaments that it was the place of propitiation. Upon the mercy seat was the blood of propitiation, sprinkled every year on the Day of Atonement. “Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God” Romans 3 verse 25. “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins” 1 John 4 verse 10. Because of the blood-sprinkled Mercy Seat, we can know reconciliation, forgiveness, justification and peace.
The Cherubims
These with the mercy seat were of one beaten piece of pure gold. The cherubim speak of divine justice. We meet them first in Genesis when they were placed at the east of the Garden of Eden with “a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.” Genesis 3 verse 24. We see them appearing again in the prophecy of Ezekiel and later in Revelation but essentially they are messengers of judgment. Here on the mercy seat they stand poised to strike, were it not for the blood-sprinkled mercy seat.
When God passed through Egypt in judgment, he first of all warned his own people to shelter beneath the blood-sprinkled doorposts and lintels of their homes. “When I see the blood, I will pass over you” Exodus 12 verse 13. Here again judgment holds back its sword because the blood has been shed and sprinkled. “Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other” Psalm 85 verse 10.
The Measurements
The measurements of the mercy seat are as mysterious as those of the ark, telling us again that God’s wisdom and love are infinite and therefore past the comprehension of our finite minds. While the mercy seat was detachable, it was fitted so perfectly that it could not slip off the ark without cause. It was held fast by the crown that surrounded the ark.
God’s abundant mercy to us is held fast by the crowning glory of his determination to save man. Jesus would never have been crowned with glory had he not fulfilled God’s perfect plan of redemption. The mercy seat will never become a throne of judgment until the elect are complete.
The Ministry
The writer to the Hebrews invites us “to come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4 verse 16 What would have been a throne of judgment is for us a throne of grace, because Jesus, as the merciful and faithful High Priest, has made “reconciliation for the sins of the people” Hebrews 2 verse 17. We praise God for the mercy seat, where we can find grace to help “in the nick of time”.
We see in the ark of the covenant and in the mercy seat a glorious picture of our exalted Lord, who comes out to us in mercy because of the work he accomplished at Calvary’s cross. In the ark of the covenant we have presented a sufficient Saviour, while in the mercy seat we have portrayed to us an efficient Saviour.
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