The Tribes (Num 2)

·        12 tribes surrounded the tribe of Levi

·        The tribe of Levi encircled the Tabernacle

·        God was at the center of the entire community

·        God should always be the focus of our lives

 

The Court (Ex 27:9-19)

·        100 cubits x 50 cubits x 5 cubits

·        1 cubit was about 18-20 inches

·        White linen symbolized a holy perimeter

·        Saints must be holy (Lev 11:44, 1 Pet 1:15-16)

 

The Entrance (Ex 27:14-16)

·        20 cubits wide centered on the eastern side

·        Red symbolized propitiation (Lev 14:4, Josh 2:17-18)

·        Blue symbolized the Law (Num 15:38-40)

·        Purple symbolized royalty (Mark 15:17-18)

·        Jesus is the only way to God (John 10:9, 14:6)

 

The Altar (Ex 27:1-8)

·        5 cubits (L) x 5 cubits (W) x 3 cubits (H)

·        Symbolized the act of sacrifice (Heb 9:22)

·        Jesus died as a sin offering (John 1:29)

·        Christians are to be living sacrifices (Rom 12:1)

 

The Laver (Ex 30:17-21)

·        The priests used it to wash their hands & feet

·        Washing symbolized baptism & purity (John 13:10)

·        Jesus baptizes with the Holy Spirit (John 1:33)

·        Believers are cleansed in baptism (Acts 22:16)

 

The Tabernacle (Ex 26)

·        Made of red, blue & purple fabric (Christ)

·        God was dwelling among His people (Ex 25:8)

·        Jesus came as God in the flesh (Col 2:9)

·        Christians are the temple of God (1 Cor 3:16)

 

The Lampstand (Ex 25:31-40)

·        Seven branches with seven lamps (Rev 1:20)

·        Placed on the south side of the Holy Place

·        Jesus is the Light of the world (John 8:12, 9:5)

·        Christians are the light of the world (Mt 5:14-16)

 

The Showbread (Ex 25:23-30)

·        2 cubits (L) x 1 cubit (W) x 1.5 cubits (H)

·        Placed on the north side of the Holy Place

·        12 unleavened loaves = the 12 tribes (Lev 24:5-9)

·        Leaven associated with sin (Lev 2:11, 1 Cor 5:7-8)

 

The Altar of Incense (Ex 30:1-10)

·        1 cubit (L) x 1 cubit (W) x 2 cubits (H)

·        Placed before the veil of the Holy Place

·        Symbolized the prayers of the saints (Rev 5:8)

·        Our prayers should be a pleasing aroma

 

The Veil (Ex 26:31-33)

·        Divided the Holy Place & the Most Holy Place

·        Made of red, blue & purple fabric (Christ)

·        Formed a separation between God & humanity

·        Torn when Jesus died (Mt 27:51)

·        He gave us access to God (Heb 10:19-20)

 

The Ark of the Testimony (Ex 25:10-16)

·        2.5 cubits (L) x 1.5 cubits (W) x 1.5 cubits (H)

·        Placed behind the veil in the Most Holy Place

·        Also called the ark of the covenant (Num 10:33)

 

The Mercy Seat (Ex 25:17-22)

·        Golden lid with 2 cherubim on top of the ark

·        God would appear above it (i.e., a throne)

·        Linked to atonement, propitiation (Lev 16:15)

·        Greek term is hilasterion (Rom 3:25, Heb 9:5)

 

The Golden Pot of Manna (Ex 16:32-34)

·        An omer (3 quarts) placed inside the ark

·        Stored within a golden pot (Heb 9:4)

·        Symbolized the Bread of life (John 6:32-33)

 

Aaron’s Rod (Num 17:1-10)

·        12 rods placed before the Testimony as a test

·        Aaron’s rod produced blossoms and ripe almonds

·        Authenticated Aaron as God’s chosen instrument

·        Every prophet authenticated by a sign (Deut 18:22)

·        Jesus authenticated by the resurrection (Mt 12:38-40)

The Ten Commandments (Ex 25:16)

·        Also known as the Testimony (Ex 34:28-29)

·        Was the foundation of the Old Covenant

·        Written on 2 tablets of stone (Deut 4:13)

·        Placed within the ark (Heb 9:4)

·        New Covenant is superior to the Old Covenant

·        God’s law is written on our hearts

·        Placed within our mind (Jer 31:33)

 

Summary

·        God should always be the focus of our lives

·        God’s people must be holy to approach Him

·        Jesus Christ is the only way to God

·        He died to take away our sins

·        We must be living sacrifices (serving Him)

·        We approach God via baptism & the Holy Spirit

·        God tabernacles with us and dwells in us

·        We must let our light shine before men

·        We must remove sin (leaven) from our lives

·        Our prayers should be a pleasing aroma

·        Christ’s death gives us access to God

·        His blood provides atonement, propitiation

·        He is the Bread of life, God’s chosen instrument

·        Through Him, God puts His law in our hearts, minds

Tabernacle Video Scripture References

 

Main Elements

Reference

Keyword

The Sanctuary

Ex 25:1-2, 8-9

Dwell

The Altar

Ex 27:1-2, 6-7

Sacrifice

The Laver

Ex 30:17-21

Wash

Lampstand

Ex 25:31-32, 37-40

Light

The Bread of Presence

Ex 25:23-30

Unleavened

The Altar of Incense

Ex 30:1-5

Aroma

Ark of the Covenant

Ex 25:10-14, 17-20

Mercy

Golden Pot of Manna

Ex 16:32-34, Heb 9:4

Bread

Aaron’s Rod

Num 17:1-5

Chosen

Ten Commandments

Ex 20:1-17

Righteousness