The Tabernacle Of Moses
The study of the Tabernacle is an awe-inspiring story. It teaches us God's plan
to redeem us and it reveals God's desire to dwell with man after the fall of
Adam.
THE TABERNACLE WAS:
(1). The dwelling place of God among Israel while they were in the Wilderness
and in Canaan.
(2). A natural visual picture that reveals the spiritual pattern of God
(3). The Tabernacle reveals God's plan to redeem Adam (MANKIND) and to
return him to paradise.
(4). The Tabernacle reveals the ONENESS of God
(5). The Tabernacle reveals the mystery of the pattern of the completed and one
body of the Lord Jesus Christ.
(6). The Tabernacle reveals the fullness of the Godhead.
(7). The Tabernacle reveals the revelation of Jesus Christ and the Son-Ship
WHY SHOULD WE STUDY THE TABERNACLE?
There are 50 chapters in the Bible on the Tabernacle. No other topic is more
talked about in the word of God than the Tabernacle of Moses. Everything about
the Tabernacle points to the Revelation of Jesus Christ or the Messiah.
(1). The TABERNACLE was a type and shadow of the spiritual building of
God, which was to come. (Heb 9:8 KJV) The Holy Ghost this signifying, that
the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first
tabernacle was yet standing: (Heb 9:9 KJV) Which was a figure for the time then
present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make
him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience; (Heb 9:24
KJV) For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are
the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence
of God for us: (Heb 10:1 KJV) For the law having a shadow of good things to
come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices
which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.
(2). The pattern of the Tabernacle gives us the one eternal pattern of God.
Without the schoolmaster that brings us to Christ there would be no revelation
of him. Without the experiences that happened to Israel we would have no
examples to learn from. (1 Cor 10:9 KJV) Neither let us tempt Christ, as some
of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. (1 Cor 10:10 KJV) Neither
murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer.
(1 Cor 10:11 KJV) Now all THESE THINGS HAPPENED UNTO THEM FOR ENSAMPLES:
and they are WRITTEN FOR OUR ADMONITION, upon WHOM THE ENDS OF THE WORLD
ARE COME. (1 Cor 10:12 KJV) Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take
heed lest he fall. (Heb 8:5 KJV) Who SERVE UNTO THE EXAMPLE and SHADOW OF
HEAVENLY THINGS, as Moses was ADMONISHED OF GOD when he was about TO MAKE
THE TABERNACLE: for, See, saith he, that thou MAKE ALL THINGS ACCORDING TO
THE PATTERN showed to thee in the mount.
(3). The TABERNACLE DEPICTS THE LORD JESUS CHRIST AND THE CHURCH in
explicit detail revealing the pattern of God unto all. These are the oracles of
God that all Christians should know. Jesus started with the law and the prophets
and explained in detail that the prophecy was about him. (Luke 24:27 KJV) And
BEGINNING AT MOSES and ALL THE PROPHETS, he expounded unto them in all the
scriptures the THINGS CONCERNING HIMSELF. (John 1:14 KJV) And the Word
was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of
the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. Through the
scriptures of the Old Testament we have a clear testimony and picture of Jesus
through the pattern of the Tabernacle. (John 5:39 KJV) SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES;
for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they WHICH TESTIFY OF
ME.
I. THE TABERNACLE - The Habitation and Dwelling place of God.
The definition of the tabernacle is: 7931. shakan, shaw-kan'; a prim. root
[appar. akin (by transm.) to H7901 through the idea of lodging; comp. H5531,
H7925]; to reside or permanently stay (lit. or fig.):-- abide, continue, (cause
to, make to) dwell (-er), have habitation, inhabit, lay, place, (cause to)
remain, rest, set (up). TEMPORARY DWELLING PLACE":
[A]. THE TABERNACLE OF THE OLD TESTAMENT was used approximately, for a
span of, four hundred years until the Temple of Solomon was built.
[B]. While JESUS was on the earth he was the dwelling place of God, as we
are the habitation of God now. Jesus now lives in the hearts of the believers
and our heart is the throne of God our King. (1 Cor 3:16 KJV) Know ye not
that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
Our bodies can also be likened unto the Tabernacle. The body is the outer court,
the soul is the holy place, and the spirit is the holy of holies.
[C]. The Tabernacle of Moses was a type and shadow of heavenly things (Heb
8:1 KJV) Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an
high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the
HEAVENS; (Heb 8:2 KJV) A minister of the sanctuary, and of the TRUE TABERNACLE,
WHICH THE LORD PITCHED, and NOT MAN. (Heb 9:23 KJV) It was therefore necessary
that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but
the HEAVENLY THINGS themselves with better sacrifices than these. (Heb 9:24 KJV)
For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the
figures of the true; BUT INTO HEAVEN ITSELF, now to appear in the presence of
God for us: (Rev 11:19 KJV) And the TEMPLE OF GOD WAS OPENED IN HEAVEN, and
there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were
lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail. (Rev
21:3 KJV) And I heard a great voice OUT OF HEAVEN saying, Behold, THE TABERNACLE
OF GOD IS WITH MEN, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people,
and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.
II. THE TABERNACLE IS A VISUAL AID OF SPIRITUAL THINGS - THE COMPLETE PICTURE
OF REDEMPTION
The Tabernacle is a visual aid that depicts the complete picture of the Lord
Jesus Christ, his body and how it is to function. The Tabernacle is a picture of
saints dwelling in Christ. The Tabernacle is a complete picture of the PLAN
OF REDEMPTION, and the PLAN OF SALVATION.
In God's redeeming plan there are seven steps to the plan of salvation. The
seven pieces of the Tabernacle's furniture gives us that plan through it's
pattern.
We can enter back into the garden or paradise through Jesus and be separated
from the world by the pure white linen fence. Salvation starts by entering into
Christ Jesus. However the completed journey into the most holy must be
completed. Jesus states: (Mat 10:22 KJV) And ye shall be hated of all men for
my name's sake: but
HE THAT ENDURETH TO THE END SHALL BE SAVED.
Jesus is the door and the first thing that you must find from the outside of the
Tabernacle is that door. The door will be shown unto you by the priests and the
saints of God. (1 Cor 1:21 KJV) For after that in the wisdom of God the world
by wisdom knew not God, IT PLEASED GOD BY THE FOOLISHNESS OF PREACHING to
save them that believe.
Jesus is the first and the last in the Tabernacle of Moses. (Rev 1:17 KJV)
And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon
me, saying unto me, Fear not; I AM THE FIRST AND THE LAST:
Jesus is the door that we must enter through. Jesus is the Ark of the Covenant,
judgment and the Mercy Seat. As we travel into the Tabernacle of Moses we have a
deeper and fuller revelation of Jesus Christ and we have a deeper relationship
with Messiah Jesus.
(1). BRAZEN ALTAR OF SACRIFICE
As sinners that are on the outside we must first enter through the gate or door
(JESUS). We do this by repenting of our sins. We must STOP at the
ALTAR (THE CROSS) and present our body as a living sacrifice. We must be
crucified with Christ. (Rom 6:6 KJV) Knowing this, that our OLD MAN IS
CRUCIFIED WITH HIM, that the BODY OF SIN MIGHT BE DESTROYED, that henceforth we
should not serve sin.
(2). LAVER
The blood of Jesus cleanses us and we must be washed and made white in the blood
of Jesus. Baptism is necessary for Salvation as shown by the pattern of the
Tabernacle. (1 Pet 3:21 KJV) The like figure WHEREUNTO EVEN BAPTISM DOTH
ALSO NOW SAVE US (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the
answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
(Acts 2:38 KJV) Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of
you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive
the gift of the Holy Ghost.
(3). TABLE
When I think of the table I think about communion and fellowship with God. There
was bread on the table and there is nothing better than having dinner with the
Lord by candlelight. (Exo 25:30 KJV) And thou shalt set upon the table
showbread before me always. A Communion dinner of love between the husband
and the bride or church. Wine was not allowed to be used in the service of the
Tabernacle that I can find. (Lev 10:9 KJV) Do not drink wine nor strong
drink, thou, nor thy sons with thee, when ye go into the tabernacle of the
congregation, lest ye die: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your
generations:
(4). CANDLESTICK
Jesus is the light of the world and we must learn to walk in the light. Jesus'
words are life we must learn of him. Jesus is the tree of life. (John 8:12
KJV) Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I AM THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD: he
that followeth me SHALL NOT WALK IN DARKNESS, but shall HAVE THE LIGHT OF LIFE.
In order to be saved we must walk in the light that lightens our path that leads
to eternal life.
The lamp stand had seven light holders that represents the seven churches of
Revelation. The seven churches in Revelation contain all of the problems and
abominations of the one church, being represented by the number seven. Judgment
starts with the house of God and when that church refuses to walk in the light,
then the candlestick is removed.
The candlestick also had almonds upon it. We, as trees, bear fruit. As the
almond is the first fruit of the season, we are the first fruits unto God.
(Rev 14:4 KJV) These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are
virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were
redeemed from among men, being the first fruits unto God and to the Lamb.
ALMOND - 8247. shaqed, shaw-kade'; from H8245; the almond (tree or nut;
AS BEING THE EARLIEST IN BLOOM):--almond (tree).
(5). TABLE OF INCENSE
Incense in the book of Revelation represents prayer. (Rev 8:3 KJV) And
another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was
given UNTO HIM MUCH INCENSE, that he should offer it with the prayers of all
saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. (Rev 8:4 KJV) And the
SMOKE OF THE INCENSE, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up
before God out of the angel's hand. Prayer is a great tool of praise, power,
and intercession. Prayer must take place in order for one to be saved. Prayer
lets us have communication with God and through true worship we enter into God's
presents with praise. Our prayers of praise and worship are a sweet smell unto
God.
(6). MERCY SEAT
Under the wings of the Cherubim's we are protected. As a hen protects her chicks
we are protected by God. The Cherubim's represent the two witnesses, the
completed church, one body of the Son, and the oneness of God.
God gives judgment with mercy. As we learn the ways of Jesus, our God, we learn
not to be like the Pharisees.
(Mat 23:23 KJV) Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay
tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of
the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to
leave the other undone. If we do not learn to have mercy and to give
righteous judgment according to the word of God, then we cannot be saved. He
that is spiritual judges all things through the word of God. (1 Cor 2:15 KJV)
But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.
There is no hope for one who cannot judge what is good and what is evil through
the word of God.
(Eccl 8:11 KJV) Because sentence against an evil work is not executed
speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do
evil.
(7). ARK OF THE COVENANT
The Ark of the Covenant represents the Son-Ship of Jesus in the fullness of his
body the church. It contained the manna a type and shadow of the bread of life.
The Ark of the Covenant contained Aaron's rod that budded and brought forth
Almonds, which is a type and shadow of the Kingship and the rule of Jesus. The
Almonds represented the fruit that Jesus would bear, and that he was the first
fruit or firstborn of many brethren. (Rom 8:29 KJV) For whom he did foreknow,
he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that HE
MIGHT BE THE FIRSTBORN AMONG MANY BRETHREN.
[A]. The Ark Of The Covenant Had A Golden Crown.
Jesus Christ is King of kings now in my life. Jesus sits on the throne of this
spiritual temple. We the saints are kings and Jesus is the King of kings, us the
saints. We have been crowned with the glory of God and we sit in heavenly
places. (Eph 2:6 KJV) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit
together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: The crown of gold on the Ark of
the Covenant represents the glory of King Jesus.
[B]. Acacia Wood
The Ark of the Covenant was made out of Shittim wood or acacia wood over laid
with gold. The definition of acacia in the Hebrew language is: 7848. shittah,
shit-taw'; fem. of a deriv. [only in the plur. shittiym, shit-teem', mean. the
sticks of wood] from the same as H7850; the acacia (FROM ITS SCOURGING THORNS):--shittah,
shittim. See also H1029.
The wood that was used in the Ark of the Covenant represented the humanity of
Christ Jesus. Jesus was going to be scourged and persecuted by the ones that
would reject him. The acacia wood was a type and shadow also of what Christ
would suffer and how that he would be scourged. (Isa 50:6 KJV) I gave my back
to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my
face from shame and spitting.
[C]. Two Staves Of The Ark Of The Covenant
The Ark of the Covenant had two staves of Acacia wood over laid with gold. I
believe these two poles represent the priesthoods of the Old and New Testaments.
The priests bore the Ark of the Covenant upon their shoulders. These two
priesthoods through their ministries have lifted up Jesus. The ones who are
strong bear the infirmities of the weak. The saints of old and the New Testament
saints have proclaimed Jesus Christ unto the whole world. The prophecy of these
two witnesses is not finished yet. All the burdens of all are cast upon the
priesthood of Jesus. (Mat 11:28 KJV) Come unto me, all ye that labour and are
heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
One reason I believe these two witnesses are the Old Testament saints and the
New Testament saints is due to a prominent fact. The Two Witnesses prophecy for
the same length of time that the church is in the wilderness. (Rev 11:3 KJV)
And I will give POWER UNTO MY TWO WITNESSES, and they shall prophesy a
THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED AND THREESCORE DAYS, clothed in sackcloth. Notice
that the church is protected in the wilderness for the same length of time.
(Rev 12:6 KJV) And the WOMAN FLED INTO THE WILDERNESS, where she hath
a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a THOUSAND TWO
HUNDRED AND THREESCORE DAYS. Here again we have time, times, and a half
of time, which most see as a three and a half year period. I do not believe this
traditional doctrine.
We know as a fact that this period of time is the same in both cases, concerning
the Two Witnesses and the Church, because of this verse. (Rev 12:14 KJV) And
to the WOMAN were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly
into the wilderness, into her place, where SHE IS NOURISHED FOR A TIME, AND
TIMES, and HALF A TIME, from the face of the serpent. While on earth we
are in our wilderness journey. The visual picture to this spiritual revelation
is the type and shadow of the children of Israel and their wilderness journey.
The Cherubim's on the Ark also represent the Two Witnesses. The Old Testament
Saints and the New Testaments Saints are the witnesses around the throne of God.
The number two is the number of witness and is demonstrated in the types and
shadows of the Tabernacle of Moses. (Mat 18:16 KJV) But if he will not hear
thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of TWO OR THREE
WITNESSES every word may be established.
[D]. Four Rings Of The Ark Of The Covenant
The four rings of the Ark of the Covenant were to bear the Ark upon the
shoulders of the priests. That way the Ark of the Covenant could be lifted up in
the sight of all. (John 12:32 KJV) And I, if I BE LIFTED UP FROM THE
EARTH, WILL DRAW ALL MEN UNTO ME.
The four rings of the Ark of the Covenant also gave balance to the ark. God has
an order and everything in God's plan is done very precise. Everything in God's
plan is perfectly balanced. The four rings gave balance to the Ark, as the faces
of the Lion, Ox, Eagle, and the face of a man does on the behalf of Jesus.
Jesus' lion nature is depicted by Matthew. Jesus' Ox nature is depicted by Mark.
The man nature is best depicted by the gospel of Luke. The last nature of the
eagle is depicted by the book of John. The eagle nature represents the heavenly
nature of Jesus. Read about the cherubim's in this writing.
The Vision By The River Of Chebar
Jesus' ministry started at age thirty. Thirty is a number that represents
maturity. Jesus started performing miracles in his ministry at the age of
thirty. Jesus was given all power in heaven and all power in earth during this
ministry. Did you know Jesus could have had a greater kingdom here on earth than
Solomon if he had wanted it?
The article that I wrote about Ezekiel's vision at the river of Chebar took
place in Ezekiel's thirtieth year. (Ezekiel 1:1) Now it came to pass in the
THIRTIETH YEAR, in the fourth month, on the fifth day of the month, as I was
among the captives by the River Chebar. Ezekiel's ministry must have began
at the age of thirty and this vision is the same revelation of Jesus Christ that
Apostle John saw.
Priest were thirty years old when they entered the Priesthood. This is a type
and shadow of the priesthood of Jesus beginning at age thirty.
(Num 4:3 KJV) From THIRTY YEARS OLD and upward even until fifty years old,
all that enter into the host, to do the work in the tabernacle of the
congregation. (Num 4:47 KJV) From THIRTY YEARS OLD and upward even unto fifty
years old, every one that came to do the service of the ministry, and the
service of the burden in the tabernacle of the congregation, (2 Sam 5:4 KJV)
DAVID WAS THIRTY YEARS OLD when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years.
(Gen 41:46 KJV) And JOSEPH WAS THIRTY YEARS OLD when he stood before Pharaoh
king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh, and went
throughout all the land of Egypt.
Jesus ministry was cut off after three and 1/2 years. Representing time, times
and a half of time. Time, times, and a half of time represents an in completed
time. In the midst of Christ ministry Jesus was cut off, but through his death,
burial, and resurrection his ministry will be brought to completion. This is
being done through his resurrected body, the church. We are in our wilderness
journey under the protecting wings of the Lord. We will be protected there for
time, times, and a half of time. When these types and shadows are completely
fulfilled Jesus our heavenly father will become all in all. (Rev 12:6 KJV)
And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God,
that they should feed her there a THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED AND THREESCORE DAYS. (Rev
12:14 KJV) And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she
might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for A
TIME, AND TIMES, AND HALF A TIME, from the face of the serpent.
Jesus was cut off in his ministry in the midst of his ministry here on earth and
not allowed to reach the completed symbolic number of God, which is seven. These
types and shadows I hope to make planner in my writings on the book of
Revelation later, Lord permitting.
I believe I could write and teach about the Tabernacle the rest of my life and
not reveal the depth of God's plan. However, we will endeavor to teach what God
has revealed unto us. It is all about knowing him in the power of his
resurrection, and in the pain of his suffering. It is knowing Jesus Christ in
this manner that will draw us closer and give us a deeper walk with him.
III. THE TABERNACLE PATTERN
Three is a divine number of God that defines perfection. These types and shadows
are important to understand.
(1 John 5:8 KJV) And there are THREE THAT BEAR WITNESS IN EARTH, the Spirit,
and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one. (Mat 12:40 KJV) For
as Jonas WAS THREE DAYS and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son
of man BE THREE DAYS and three nights in the heart of the earth. (Mat 26:61 KJV)
And said, This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build
it IN THREE DAYS. (John 14:6 KJV) Jesus saith unto him, I am THE WAY, THE TRUTH,
and THE LIFE: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
1. THE OUTER COURT - The fence, the brazen altar, the laver.
2. THE HOLY PLACE - The table of shewbread, the candlestick, the altar of
incense.
3. THE HOLIEST OF ALL - The ark, the mercy seat, and the dwelling place
of the spirit .
IV. THE FOURTEEN MATERIALS
Fourteen is the number of TESTIMONY. The Tabernacle is a place of
COMMUNION, FELLOWSHIP, and TESTIMONY.
Each natural symbolic material reveals a spiritual truth. These types and
shadows are the same wherever they are found in the Tabernacle. The Tabernacle
is the full revelation of Jesus Christ unto the one church of God.
(1). GOLD - Deity
(2). SILVER - Redemption
(3). BRASS - Judgment
(4). Blue - Heavenly nature and origin
(5). PURPLE - Royalty
(6). SCARLET - Sacrificed blood
(7). FINE LINEN - Spotless righteousness
(8). GOAT'S HAIR - The sin bearer
(9). RAM'S SKINS DYED RED - The suffering of Christ, the depth and
devotion of Christ
(10). BADGER'S SKINS - Humility of Christ
(11). SHITTIM WOOD (Acacia) - Humanity of Christ
(12). OIL FOR THE LIGHT - The Holy Spirit
(13). SPICES FOR ANOINTING, OIL - Sweetness and preciousness of Christ
(14). PRECIOUS STONES - God's people, which are God's precious jewels
V. SEVEN ARTICLES OF FURNITURE - Seven is the number of perfection:
ARK, MERCY SEAT, ALTAR OF INCENSE, TABLE OF SHEWBREAD, CANDLESTICK, LAVER,
BRAZEN ALTAR
VI. THE BLOOD OF THE TABERNACLE
All of the blood that was shed, by the sacrificing of animals, while Israel was
under the first covenant was symbolic. It was a type and shadow of the sacrifice
of Jesus, the lamb, or the Son of God. Through the blood of Jesus we enter back
into the Garden of Eden and have access to the tree of life.
(1). We have redemption through Jesus' blood. (Eph 1:7 KJV) In whom we have
redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches
of his grace;
(2). We have justification through Jesus' blood. (Rom 5:9 KJV) Much more
then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through
him.
(3). We have sanctification through Jesus' blood. (Heb 10:10 KJV) By the
which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ
once for all.
(4). We have forgiveness through Jesus' blood. (Eph 1:7 KJV) In whom we have
redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches
of his grace;
(5). We have victory through Jesus' blood. (Rev 12:11 KJV) And they overcame
him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved
not their lives unto the death.
(6). We have cleansing through Jesus' blood. (1 John 1:7 KJV) But 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.
(7). We have peace through Jesus' blood. (Col 1:20 KJV) And, having made
peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto
himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.
