The Tabernacle: Messiah Promised

A second understanding of the Hebrew Tabernacle is its clear pointing to the promised Messiah. In a sense, all things point to Him, who is the all-in-all, the Alpha and Omega. Yet the Tabernacle specifically anticipates the salvation He brings and His ministry thereafter.

Perimeter

The outer perimeter is a reminder that no-one may approach God from any old direction. All the religions of the world claim to offer entry to the divine presence, but none can pass the perimiter of God’s holiness. Only by entering via Christ, the Way and Truth to the Father, can one hope to approach heaven and its great King. By its entrance was a colourful fabric screen through which one would pass, made from threads of purple (denoting imperial majesty and kingship), scarlet (symbolising blood sacrifice), blue (the colour of the high priest’s ephod) and plain linen (speaking of purity and righteousness). Christ alone combines the office of righteous king, holy priest and bloody sacrifice. To even begin to enter the presence of God, one must come through Christ who is the Door; no other name is given to men by which they must be saved.

Outer Courtyard

The Brazen Altar is the place where animals were slain, and their blood poured over the horns or corner pieces. Their meats were then burned on the grate, the aroma passing up into the sky. So Christ crucified, our offering for sin, is the first of His great offices through which we must proceed. His offering at Calvary was received by the Father, and duly accepted.

The Bronze Laver, or bowl for ritual washing, reminds us of Christ’s purity and righteousness, for He was uncontaminated by Adam’s corruption. Being Himself pure, He is able to minister to others, bestowing on them the benefits of His own righteousness. Furthermore, He is the Water of Life, from whom we drink without cost, and in whom we are buried in baptism.  

Holy Place:

The Table of Showbread reminds us of Christ being our sustenance. Not only does God save us by sacrifice, but He maintains our faith and guarantees our perseverance. Though hungry and weak, He supplies all we need: the strength, the joy, the grace. Furthermore, Christ is the Bread of Life. We feed on Him by faith and at the communion table, whereat we ingest those edible symbols of His body and proclaim His death until He comes.

The Menorah or golden candlestick reminds us that Christ is the Light of the World. He is the light of men, even though most of us prefer darkness, our deeds being evil. In His presence, we arise, for on us His light has shone. Only by knowledge of His truth do all other things come together. Furthermore, as the branches come off the main stem, so Christ is the source of all illumination and knowledge, for He is the very wisdom of God. 

The Golden Altar of incense demonstrates His priestly office. Until His return, he intercedes for us before the Father’s throne, as he did in the book of Zechariah for old Joshua. He sympathises with our weaknesses and supplies the strength and grace we need to carry on the race. His prayers to the throne ascend like sweet incense, as He lifts His hands at evening sacrifice.

Most Holy Place:

No-one could enter the Most Holy place, save the high priest. It too was separated by a cloth screen made of those fabulous threads of blue, purple, scarlet and white, but this time cherubs were there depicted, a reminder of those commissioned to guard Eden’s eastern gate, that no man may enter. Yet this veil was rent in two at the time of Christ’s death; entry to God’s presence was purchased and procured by Calvary’s sacrifice. On the Day of Atonement, the high priest would sprinkle the Ark’s mercy seat with sacrificial blood; by offering His own blood in payment for sin, Christ obtained mercy for His people. Upon that blood the two cherubic models gaze. Observing that sufficient payment has been made, they reach not for their flaming swords to destroy mankind and thwart its readmission to God’s fair paradise. The Tablets of Law within are satisfied that propitiation has been made and justice truly served. 

To we who were far off, He came and preached peace; all wilderness dwellers and dying victims of the world’s desert are invited into the cool tents of the tabernacle. Through Christ and Christ alone can we come to the God of Moses. 

Image by 12138562 from Pixabay