BIBLE TOPICS

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path". Ps 119:105

Subjects

THE TABERNACLE OF ISRAEL

THE TABERNACLE BUILDING

Instead of a roof the building had four layers of different curtains draped over it, completely covering all but the front. The front was screened by a richly embroidered curtain. The interior was divided by a veil into two sections. The first was called the Holy Place, and the innermost called the Most Holy Place. The Holy Place had three items of furniture: a seven branched candlestick, an altar of incense, and a table bearing twelve loaves of bread. The Most Holy Place contained only the Ark of the covenant. The Ark was a gold covered chest containing the stone tablets of the law. It had a solid gold lid, known as the mercy seat from which arose two winged figures called Cherubim. It was from between these Cherubim that God manifested his presence.

THE COURT

THE SERVICE OF THE TABERNACLE

Ordinary Israelites were not allowed to enter within the court. They brought their offering to the gateway, where it was received by a priest and sacrificed according to a special ritual appointed by God. Within the Tabernacle the priests daily tended the lamps, offered incense in the Holy Place, and once a week changed the bread on the table. The Most Holy Place was entered only once a year, by the High Priest on the Day of Atonement. Then, in the presence of God, he sprinkled sacrificial blood on the mercy seat and made atonement for the nations sins.

THE TEACHING BEHIND THE DESIGN

The first thing to notice is that there was only one entrance into the court. This represents Christ. Jesus said "I am the door. By me if any man enter in, he shall be saved." Nearest the gate was the sacrificial altar, where the Israelites offered sacrifices for their sins. This shows us that forgiveness of sins is an essential stage in our approach to God. The slain animals pointed forward to the perfect sacrifice that Jesus was to offer. Then came the laver. This speaks of repentance and baptism, by which we are cleansed from all past sins.

Thus having been purified we can then enter into the Holy Place. The Bible tells us that this is a symbol of the present life of the true believer. So thus the furniture in the Holy Place is a symbol or 'type' of what our life must contain. The lamps to which daily attendance had to be given, represent the word of God - the Bible, which should be continually read and thought about. The alter of incense depicts the need for daily prayer. The bread which is a manufactured item, signifies work in God's service.

All those who, have followed this correct way of approach, and then led this acceptable way of life, will be invited to pass through the veil into the immortal state, where no barrier exists to perfect communion with God. However again this will only be achieved by the work of Christ. At his death on the cross, the veil which barred the way into the Most Holy Place miraculously split in two from top to bottom. Thus signifying that the way to eternal life had been opened up by the death of Jesus.

By these means the Tabernacle depicts in symbol, both in it's construction and ritual the various stages on the path to complete reconciliation with God. We hope that you also will consider these things, so that you may follow the one path to reconciliation with God your Creator. For if you do this, you will gain the eternal life he has promised to all who put their trust in him.