THE GATE OF THE TABERNACLE

 

Text: Exodus 27:16-19; 38:18-19

 

The only door through which one could gain entrance to the outer court was located on the east side. It would have been lit up by the morning sun. The gate was 20 cubits wide (30 feet) and 5 cubits high (7.5 feet, same as courtyard). It was made up of 4 colors (blue, purple, scarlet, and white) sewed together (needlework or embroidery). It was held up by four pillars.

 

The four pillars were the same as those used in the courtyard fence. Made of wood that was set in brass socket foundations with silver caps and hooks.

 

Each section (between each post) of the gate was 5 cubits by 5 cubits. 5 represents grace. So there is abundant grace available to come to Jesus.

Acts 15:11; Eph 2:8-9; 2 Tim 1:9- Because of God’s grace (favor, goodwill, love) we are invited to come to the “gate”.

 

1. One Gate (one way into inner court – to salvation):

1. God has always had just one way to Himself, that one way is through Jesus His Son.

A.John 10:7-9- Jesus is the Door of the sheep. You have to go through Jesus to be part of the flock (for salvation) and to be part of His Church (pasture where sheep are fed).

John 14:6- Jesus is the ONLY Door (way) to God.

Acts 4:12- Jesus is the only One that can save us, salvation is not in any other way.

John 6:44- Only One Spirit can draw us to salvation to the One Jesus. Without the drawing of the Spirit we cannot be saved even if we want it… we can’t save ourselves.

John 10:1- Those who find other ways to God will be judged as thieves and robbers.

Matt 7:21-23- Those who think they have found a way through the Gate other than through Jesus will be sadly mistaken at judgment time.

 

1. The Gate:

1. The width of the gate is to teach man there is ample room for all who come on God’s terms.

Matt 11:28- It is like Jesus stands before us with out-stretched arms, “Come unto Me”.

Matt 7:13-14- Even though all are invited to enter the Gate into the Kingdom, the way is narrow or restricted by God’s requirements (Repentance and faith in Jesus).

Eph 3:14-21- In regards to sizing up God, Paul encourages us to know or comprehend (grasp) the fullness of God (v.19).

Eph 1:23- That fullness can be realized when we are part of His body, the Church.

Romans 5:8- How big is God’s love?

John 3:16- God’s love is big enough to give His only Son, enough so that “whosoever” or anyone that believeth, denoting no limitation to the door size, all can come in.

 

1. The Fine-Twined Linen:

1. The gate was a hanging of fine twined linen that was of needlework of four colors.
2. The four colors stand for the four Gospels.

1. Purple – Matthew – royalty:

Matt 1:21-23; 2:2- God with us. King of the Jews.

Rev 19:16- King of Kings.

Phil 2:9-11- All bow to Jesus.

Heb 8:1- sitting with God.

2. Scarlet – Mark – sacrificial suffering of our Savior: the color of blood.

Mark 10:45- Give His life a ransom for many.

Col 1:14- Redemption through His blood.

Heb 2:9- Lowered Himself, died for us.

3. White – Luke – His purity:

Luke 1:35- That Holy thing which shall be born.

Luke 2:14- At His birth, Glory to God in the highest.

Luke 23:4, 14- I find no fault in this Man.

Heb 4:15- Sinless.

4. Blue – John – Heavenly origin:

John 1:1-2; 3:13, 31; 6:32-33, 58- Come from Heaven.

1 Cor 15:47-49- the Man of Heaven.

1 Tim 3:16- God was manifest in the flesh.

 

1. The needlework of the Gate was the work of people filled with the Spirit. The stitching together of the four colors was of the finest linen the world had, and needlework of the embroiderer was God led.

Ex 35:25-26- God lead women.

Matt 19:23-24- The needlework of the Gate can be seen as going through the eye of a needle. Easy if you set your eye on the goal of getting through, hard if you are still hanging on to the world (your money is more important).

 

1. The four pillars, set in sockets of brass:

1. These pillars stand for the four Gospels anchored in judgment.

2 Cor 5:21- All who reject the Gospel will be judged by them because of what Christ suffered for us.

Acts 17:30-31- Brass stands for earthly judgment.

Rev 1:15– Jesus was shod with brass, bringing judgment.

 

1. The Gate, in type, is the way into the Kingdom, it is one of three entrances of the Tabernacle:

The three doors represent Jesus:

John 14:6- The Way (first door, gate) salvation is the first door to God.

The Truth (door into Tabernacle proper) Church membership is the second door, gives access to Comforter, position to be part of the Bride.

The Life (veil into the holy of holies) Being part of the Bride gets you to the throne of God.

Rev 21:10-12, 21, 25- New Jerusalem will have 12 gates, all kept open.

 

 

 

 

                                                                           THE COURT OF THE TABERNACLE

 

Text: Exodus 27:9-19; 38:9-20

 

The court was a perfect oblong, twice as long as its breadth, being 100 cubits long and 50 cubits wide (about 150 feet long and 75 feet wide: a cubit is about 18 inches or 1.5 feet). It was 5 cubits high (7½ feet high).

 

The outer courtyard’s construction was upon 60 pillars.

They were all set into 60 brass sockets for a foundation.

Each pillar had a chapiter (ornamental head or cap), which was overlaid with silver.

Each had a silver hook, from which the curtains were hung.

There were 20 pillars on the South side, and 20 on the North side.

There were 10 on both the East and West side.

They were all united to each other by a silver connecting bar, called a silver fillet.

 

1. The need for the court wall:

1. To teach man he was outside and God was on the inside.

Ephesians 2:14- There is a wall between God and lost man.

Isaiah 55:6- Man was to come to the Tabernacle to find God.

Isaiah 59:1-2- Sin makes us hide from God, and separates us.

God desires for Man to find Him, Gen 3:8-9; Luke 19:10.

When God and Man come together (man gets saved) there is rejoicing.

A.

Once inside the court, man could have communion and fellowship with God in His Kingdom.

B.John 3:1-5- As Jesus taught Nicodemus, salvation gets you into the kingdom of God.

C.The Tabernacle proper (structure in the court) was in the court like the New Testament churches are in the Kingdom, but the churches are not the Kingdom, nor the Kingdom the churches.

 

1. The court is a picture of the Word of God:

A. The Word reveals how sin has been judged and put under foot (brass sockets)

Brass speaks of judgment.

Num 21:9– Brass serpent had to be looked at to be cured.

John 3:14– Brass serpent was a picture of looking to Jesus.

Rev 1:15– Jesus feet like fine brass, bringing judgment.

Col 1:20– Man must pass through the judgment of God before he can have peace (reconcile with God), and that is through repentance and faith in the shed blood of Christ.

 

1. The theme of redemption, running through the whole Bible, is sometimes called “the scarlet thread of redemption”. Here it is seen as the silver fillet of redemption, extending to the full measurement of the court.

1 Peter 1:18-21- Redeemed by the blood of Jesus.

Titus 2:11, 14- Redemption available for all.

1. The “fine twined Linen” hangings are a type of Christ, our Righteousness:

 

1. Our Holy God cannot bear the presence of sin, but in matchless love, He provided righteousness for every sinner who will receive it as a free gift of His grace.

John 3:16– He loved the whole world, gave His Son.

2 Cor 5:21– Jesus became sin for us so we could be right in God’s eyes.

 

2. The “fine twined linen” that formed the court of the tabernacle spoke eloquently of all that God is in His sinless, spotless Person, and of all that He requires of the sinner who would enter into His holy presence unafraid and unashamed.

Hebrews 4:14-16- We can come boldly to the throne of God because of Jesus.

 

3. The white linen hanging that surrounded the court of the tabernacle also served as a constant reminder to the sinning Israelite that God’s dwelling place is holy.

1. It reminds His people to live apart from the heathen, godless world, Romans 12:1-2.
2. The Hebrew tabernacle is a type of the church, as well as a foreshadowing of the Lord Jesus.
3. We are exhorted by the Holy Spirit to a life of separation from the godless, Christ rejecting world.

II Cor 6:11-18– be separate.

Titus 2:12– live godly.

1 Peter 1:16– Be holy as God is holy.

4. Cords attached to pillars:

Hosea 11:4- Cords of the tabernacle drew man to God. Connected to silver on the pillar, attached to ground via brass stakes. Shows Jesus holds our spiritual lives secure, as He is our Redeemer and Judge.

 

1. The hooks and chapiters of silver are symbolic of Christ, our Redeemer:

Silver stands for redemption.

1. This silver was a part of the redemption money given by the children of Israel.

Exodus 30:11-16; 38:25-28- The redemption money was a memorial, to make an atonement (redeem) for them. It was used to get the silver for the pillars (fillets, hooks, and capiters) and for the sockets for the sanctuary.

Matt 26:14-15- 30 pieces of silver was the price of Jesus betrayal.

Matt 27:3-10; Zech 11:12-13- Drove Judas to suicide, money used to buy the potter’s field.

Compare:

Before an Israelite could be a soldier for God’s people, he had to present to the Lord a ransom for his soul. Redemption money.

 

Before we can become soldiers of the cross, we must be redeemed by the blood of the Son of God.

Eph 2:13, 19– We are no longer strangers, we become part of the household of God, “nigh” or close to God. Our ransom has been paid.

2 Tim 2:3-4- As soldiers we are not to be traitors, and to remember who redeemed us.

 

 

 

THE ANALOGY (similarity) BETWEEN THE TABERNACLE AND NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH

 

Text: Exodus 25:8; Psalm 77:13; Hebrews 8:2

 

1. God appointed the holy place for the construction of the Tabernacle and the foundation of the New Testament Church:

1. The Tabernacle: God appointed the Holy Place for its construction, Exodus 3:5, 12, 18.

The foundation (Jesus) of the New Testament Church was appointed by God, 1 Cor 3:11; Isaiah 28:16; Eph 2:20; Matt 16:18; Acts 10:37-43.

 

1. Divine blueprint:

1. The Tabernacle was built after Divine blueprint, Exodus 25:9; Hebrews 8:5.
2. The New Testament Church was built by God:

1. Ephesians 3:9-10 (from the beginning was planned, now known by the church).
2. John 17:4 (finished the work Thou gave Me to do).
3. Matt 16:18 (I will build My Church).
4. Hebrews 8:2 (God pitched not man).

 

1. Sanctified (made holy) by God:

1. The Tabernacle was sanctified by the Glory of God, Exodus 29:42-46.
2. God sanctified His Church by giving it His glory:

1. John 17:22 (all the glory God the Father gave to Jesus, He gave to His church).
2. Hebrews 2:11 (He that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified).
3. Hebrews 13:12 (Sanctified by His blood).
4. Hebrews 10:14 (His one offering made us acceptable forever in God’s eyes).
5. Rev 1:6 (Made us kings and priests, holy).

 

1. No fleshly (sensual pleasure) worship:

1. The Tabernacle was to have NO sensual (pleasure) worship:

1. Exodus 30:34-38- The perfume (incense) was not to be used for personal fleshly use (like we would use perfume today), it was strictly for worship, pure and holy.

1. The New Testament Church is not to have also:

1. John 4:23-24- God is spiritual, worship must be spiritual, not flesh pleasing, and be based on truth of His word.
2. 2 Cor 3:17-18- God has allowed that veil or barrier to be removed between Himself and us (liberty) and as He is spiritual and glorious, so are we (in the same image).
3. Ephesians 2:22- We are the Church, a habitation of God through the Spirit.
4. Colossians 2:2-23- God has all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge(v.3), we are complete in Him(v.10), we have buried the old fleshy person(v.12), now part of the Body(v.19), no longer subject to satisfying the flesh(v.23).
5. Hebrews 2:3- We need to heed to the spiritual things we have, not to neglect the salvation and life we are to live for God, to no longer be subject to the flesh.
6. Jude 17-19- As we get closer to the Lord’s return, will we fall back to our sensual ways, turning our backs on God, and walk after ungodly lusts?

 

1. Fed by God:

1. The people for whom the Tabernacle was constructed were fed in the wilderness:

Psalm 78:19-26- God supplied the needs of the people with water and food (manna and quail) while they were in the wilderness.

Deut 8:2-4- Clothes never wore out.

Water (Ex. 17:6, Num 20:11; 1 Cor 10:3-4) – water was picture of spiritual.

Manna (Ex. 16:4, 14-15, 31, 33-35)

Quail (Ex 16:12-13; Num 11:31)

2. So our Lord fed the people from which He built the New Testament Church:

1. Matthew 15:32-38; Mark 8:1-9- Jesus fed the 4,000 with 7 loaves of bread and some fish.
2. John 21:1-14- After Jesus’ resurrection, He helped feed the disciples.
3. Matthew 17:24-27- Jesus supplied money to pay taxes.
4. Matt 4:4- God feeds us spiritually via His Word.
5. John 4:31-38- Jesus food was the Father’s will.

 

1. Anointed before God’s glory filled it:

1. Aaron and his sons were anointed before Tabernacle was filled with the glory of the Lord:

1. Exodus 28:40-41- Before Aaron and sons could minister as priests, they had to be anointed, consecrated, and sanctified.
2. Exodus 29:5-7- Anointed with oil by pouring on his head.
3. Exodus 30:30-33- the anointing oil could not be used for anything else.
4. Exodus 40:12-15- Washed with water, then anointed. Set apart for God’s service.
5. Numbers 7:1- After being erected and before it could be used, this anointing had to occur.

1. It was also true with the Lord and His Church:

1. Matthew 3:16-17- Jesus was baptized, anointed, to do the work of a priest.
2. Luke 4:18-19 (from Isaiah 61:1-2) – Jesus came as the anointed One.
3. Hebrews 1:9; 2:9, 11- Jesus was anointed by God as we are, but Jesus higher (above thy fellows), more superior.
4. John 20:21-23- Jesus appeared to the disciples after His resurrection and breathed on them the Holy Spirit (anointed). This was to comfort and encourage them until the day of Pentecost. They did not receive Comforter here, but was done on day of Pentecost.
5. 2 Cor 1:21-22- Anointed us. Given us “earnest” portion of Spirit to seal us.
6. Eph 1:13-14- Earnest of our inheritance. We have to be saved before God’s glory can fill us.

 

1. God spoke out from after it was assembled:

1. God spoke from the Tabernacle, Leviticus 1:1.
2. God is forever with His Church, speaks to us through the Word and Spirit. As we (church members) preach the gospel, we are speaking His words, and should be as if God Himself is speaking:

1. Matthew 28:18-20- Jesus promised to be with us to the end of the world.
2. Mark 16:15- As we preach the gospel, we are conveying God’s words.

Heb 4:12- The Word of God is what is alive that we are using.

Isa 55:10-11- Word is alive, it grows where planted.

Acts 7:38- “Lively”, is alive.

3. John 13:20- As we go in the name of God, it is as if God goes.
4. Revelation 1:12-20- Jesus will forever speak as the Head of His Church (alive for evermore). He holds the keys to Heaven and Hell.

 

1. The place of testimony (definition of testimony: evidence in support of God; declaration of the precepts of God; support of, or proof of):

1. The Tabernacle was the place of testimony, Numbers 1:50. Everything about the Tabernacle was a testimony to God, even the Levites themselves.
2. The New Testament Church is the place of testimony:

1. 1 Corinthians 1:6- The work that Jesus came and accomplished, the results are seen (should be reflected) in us.
2. Revelation 12:17; 19:10- The testimony of Jesus. The gospel (teachings of, message of, doctrines).

 

1. Lord walked in:

1. The Lord walked in the Tabernacle:

1. Acts 7:37-38- “He that was in the church in the wilderness”; God was visible as the cloud by day and fire by night.
2. Leviticus 26:11-12- Set His Tabernacle among them; “I will walk among you.”
3. 2 Samuel 7:6-7- David’s desire to build the Temple. God had always dwelt and walked in the Tabernacle.

1. The Lord walks in His Church:

1. Revelation 1:13- The Lord has always been in the midst of His Churches.

 

1. We are to encamp next to:

1. The Levites were to encamp near it:

1. Numbers 1:50-53- The Levites made the work of the Tabernacle their whole life. They lived next to it.

1. The Lord’s church members are to do the same:

1. Hebrews 10:25- If we are not near it, how can we assemble with it?
2. Ephesians 3:21- If we are not present during services, how can we give Him glory?
3. James 4:7-8- Living lives close to God means God is close to us.
4. Acts 2:44-47- Were together, had things in common, one accord, Church was a priority.
5. See Last paragraph of the Church Covenant. We are to always be members of, and in attendance, within the Lord’s Church.

 

1. God is always present to lead the people:

1. The cloud was always above to lead the people:

1. Numbers 9:15-23- God was the cloud by day, pillar of fire at night. When the cloud moved, they moved.

1. The Holy Spirit is always ready to lead His Churches today:

1. Matthew 28:20- “I am with you always”.

Psalm 23- Shepherd is always with His sheep.

2. Acts 1:8- At the day of Pentecost the “Holy Spirit is come upon you”, the Comforter resided with the Church.
3. Romans 8:14, 26- Spirit is here to lead us, we are to be receptive to Him.
4. 2 Corinthians 3:17- The Spirit in our midst is the same as Jesus being in our midst, they are both God.
5. Luke 11:13- God gives the Holy Spirit to us, as Comforter.
6. John 14:26- God is in our midst as the Comforter.

1John 5:7- Spirit is God.

 

1. God is leading:

1. The Tabernacle and it’s people were led from one wilderness to another by the Lord:

1. Numbers 10:11-12- Where God led, they followed.

1. The Lord is leading His Churches today by the Holy Spirit in their midst:

1. Ephesians 5:18; 4:30- We are to be filled with the Spirit, to be led by Him.
2. Romans 8:36-39- Nothing can separate us from God.

 

1. Followed God by following the structure God put in place:

1. The tabernacle people, by tribes in their own particular service, marched under their own standard, and leader:

1. Numbers 10:14-28- There was structure when they moved. God expects things to be done orderly and without confusion.

1. New Testament Churches should follow their leader, as he follows Christ:

1. Acts 20:28- Paul admonished the leaders of the churches to feed the congregations, to watch over them.
2. 1 Corinthians 4:16- As Paul followed God, they were to follow him.
3. Ephesians 4:11-16- God gives the Church leaders such as pastors to help the body, help it mature and be strong for God, Heb 13:7, 17.
4. 1 Tim 5:1, 17-19; 1Cor 14:33, 40- God has a structure in place to not have confusion.

 

1. No other place of worship:

1. The Tabernacle people were commanded not to build any other place of worship:

1. Joshua 22:19, 29- Any other worship outside of what God instituted was rebellion and idolatry.

1 Kings 12:25-33- Man made church created out of convenience.

1 Kings 13:34- This was sin.

1. All “church-makers” today are forbidden:

1. Matthew 15:8-13- If God did not start it, it was/is not God’s.

Acts 8:11-17- Example of church starting a church (lineage).

2. 1 Corinthians 3:11- The only foundation God recognizes is the one Jesus laid (Matt 16:18).
3. 2 John 9- For God to be part of it, it needs to follow the doctrine of God.

1 Tim 3:15- The truth is in the church Jesus started, not man made churches.

4. Revelation 2:1-4- Leaving God out of our worship means leaving “our first love”. Nothing else matters to God. He will have “somewhat against us”.

 

1. Have keepers to watch:

1. The Tabernacle had keepers to watch:

1. 1 Chronicles 9:17-25- These porters were to watch over the Tabernacle and it’s service.

1. New Testament Churches have watchers:

1. Matthew 28:20- teaching them to observe (watch over).
2. Mark 13:34- As church members we are to be a porter, to watch over, be busy working while the Master is away.
3. John 10:1-5- There is only one way to enter the door of the Church, only one Porter, that Good Shepherd is Jesus. Only one Porter for the sheep to follow.
4. 2 Timothy 4:5- Watch and endure, share the gospel (evangelize).
5. Ezekiel 33:7-8- Watchman is like a keeper. (Acts 20:31: 2 Thess 2:3- watching, not deceived).

 

1. Laws to govern:

1. There were laws demanding certain actions so they could abide in the tabernacle:

1. Judges 17:6- Man needs laws, left to himself we go against God.
2. Psalm 15:1-5- Walk uprightly, act a certain way, heart in right place.
3. Numbers 15:30-36- Break the laws and you were put outside the camp, and killed at times. There was no sacrifice or offering for intentional sins (Achan and family).
4. Numbers 12:14-15- Miriam’s sin, going against Moses, caused her to be put out of the camp for 7 days, to be removed from where God was, and away from the Tabernacle.

1. The Lord’s Churches also have laws:

1. 1 Corinthians 5:1-13- Practice Church discipline to keep the Church blameless, unspotted (Eph 5:25-27- part of bride).
2. Matt 16:19- Eternal ramifications if outside the church.
3. Heb 10:26-31- Church members outside the church are not in a good place.
4. Acts 5:5- To mistreat the church can lead to bad things.

 

 

THE PURPOSE OF THE TABERNACLE

 

Text: Hebrews 10:9, 19-20

 

By definition, “Tabernacle” means: a temporary shelter, such as a tent; a temporary dwelling place.

 

Someone has said, “The New Testament is in the Old Testament contained, and, the Old Testament is in the New Testament explained by a new and living way”. The doctrines of the New Testament Church, by type, are in the Old Testament.

God’s great purpose and desire is to surround Himself with mankind, and this is shown in the words He brought: “Let them make Me a Sanctuary…”, Exodus 25:8; “God’s way is in the Sanctuary”, Psalm 77:13; “A minister of the sanctuary..”, Hebrews 8:2.

Sin hindered God’s way and desire being fulfilled in the Tabernacle. Now, in this age, His way is in His Church, Ephesians 2:19-22; 3:21.

His desire will be fully realized in the eternal age, Ezekiel 37:27-28; Revelation 21:1-3.

 

1. In type, the Tabernacle and the New Testament Church have similarities:

In the name of the place where the material was taken:

Exodus 19:1-3- The Tabernacle in the wilderness of Sinai.

1. The New Testament Church in the wilderness of Judea, Matthew 3:1-6; 4:18-20; Mark 1:20.

1. In the fact that Spirit filled men prepared the material for the assembling of both buildings:

1. Bezaleel, Exodus 31:2-3; 35:30-35.
2. John the Baptist, Luke 1:15-17.
3. Both men stayed in the wilderness until their mission was accomplished, Isaiah 40:3-5; Luke 15:4; John 3:22-29.

1. Bezaleel received the word of his calling and commission in the wilderness, Exodus 35:30-35.

1. So did John the Baptist, Luke 3:2.

1. The tabernacle received a special anointing by the builder, and so with the Lord’s church, Exodus 30:26; Leviticus 8:10-12; Psalms 133:1-3; Acts 2:1-4(Comforter came); 2 Cor 1:21; 1 ohn 2:27.
2. Bezaleel and his brethren were complimented by Moses, their leader, on the completion of their work; and so was John the Baptist on his work by Christ, Exodus 39:42-43 ( Bezaleel could not enter into Tabernacle after completed, John could not be a member of Church whose material he prepared).

Luke 7:24-28- Jesus praises John.

John 17:4-6, 22- Jesus finished the work of the Father, prayed for His children.

1. The similarity of experiences of the two who assembled the Tabernacle and the New Testament Church; Moses and the Lord Jesus.

1. Both tested 40 days and nights.

1. Moses was tested 40 days and nights without food or drink, Exodus 24:18 (first time, God wrote Ex 31:18); Exodus34:28 (second time, God had Moses do the writing); Deut 9:9-11, 18, 25; 10:10.

2. Jesus was tested 40 days and nights without food or drink, Matt 4:1-11; Mark 1:12-13; Luke 4:1-13.

3. Both Moses and Jesus’ experiences were on a mountain in the wilderness.

1. Both finished their buildings before their deaths.

1. Moses, Exodus 39:32; 40:33.
2. Jesus, John 4:34; 17:4; Acts 20:28; Ephesians 5:25.

1. The words of Moses and the Lord Jesus were placed in the building which they built before their death.

1. Moses, Exodus 40:20; Deut 31:24-27; Heb 9:16-22; Isaiah 8:16.
2. Jesus, John 17:6, 14-17.
3. Exodus 24:7-8- The word was to be kept (obedient to), reverenced (directed lives by), and contended for (Jude 3).

1. The buildings of both Moses and our Lord were finished before the sacrifice was made.

1. Moses, Exodus 40:27-29; Lev 1:12. Building was done before sacrifices were made.
2. Jesus, John 17:4, 8 (Church started before crucifixion); John 4:34; Heb 9:11-15; Heb 10:10 (once for all); Lev 17:11- Jesus’ blood was the atonement all the sacrifices pointed to.

1. The Shekinah Glory filled both the Tabernacle and the New Testament Church after they were finished, and after the sacrifice was offered.

1. Tabernacle, Exodus 40:33-34. Temple, 1 Kings 8:10-11.
2. New Testament Church, Acts 2:1-4.

1. Neither Moses nor Jesus entered their completed buildings when the Shekinah Glory filled them.

1. Moses, Exodus 40:35; Lev 16:1-5 (conditions met); 1 Kings 8:11; 2 Chron 5:14; Exodus 3:5 (Our flesh cannot be in God’s direct presence).
2. Jesus, Acts 2:32-33; John 20:17 (Jesus after the resurrection and atonement is at God’s right hand). The Holy Spirit as Comforter is in the Churches today, John 14:16, 26; 15:26.

1. The building by Moses and the building by our Lord were not begun until after their baptism.

1. Moses, 1 Cor 10:1-4.
2. Jesus, Matt 3:13, 17; Matt 4:18-20.

 

 

 

                                                                      Introduction to the TABERNACLE
Text: Exodus 25:8; Psalm 77:13; Hebrews 8:2
o The tabernacle portrays many things about God, including many types of Christ, such
as His work of salvation represented in the sacrificial acts. It shows a type of worship
of the saved in the church today.
o It is the first habitation that God ever caused to be built for Him.
o The tabernacle is a type of the church and of Heaven. A “shadow of Heavenly
things”(Heb 8:5). The part of the Tabernacle called the “Holy Place” is a type of the
church, the part called the “Holy of Holies” is a type of Heaven, and the “Courtyard” is
a type of the Kingdom of Heaven.
o The tribe of Levi supported the daily operation of the Tabernacle, with the priesthood
handling all the sacrifices in the courtyard. Only the high priest could enter into the
“Holy of Holies”(Num 8:14-26).
o All of the sacrificial offerings brought to the Tabernacle pointed to the sacrifice of
Christ on the cross(Heb 10:14).

 Materials:
To the casual observer, it was just a skin covered tent with a wall of snow white linen around it. You could not tell from the outside what it was made up of:
o Over two thousand four hundred pounds of gold.
o Over eight thousand pounds of silver.
o Over eight thousand pounds of brass.
o The best fabrics, cloth of blue, purple, scarlet, and hundreds of yards of the finest
twined linen ever spun.
o The finest lumber was hewn and sawed.
o Goats hair and animal skins were prepared and finished to perfection.
o The most expensive studded gems, oil for light, sweet spices, anointing oil, and
incense.
o Cords for the brass pins were made ready.
o This structure was worth more than one and one half million dollars.
o It was built by a people transit from Egyptian slavery who were camped in the
wilderness, at the foot of Mt. Sinai. It was built to be portable and was moved many
times.
o Outside the courtyard wall, thousands of people were encamped. The Tabernacle with
the pillar shaped cloud above was the center of attraction.
o It was used for about 500 years, until the Temple was built, 1 Kings 8:1-11.

 How it came to be:
Exodus 24:12, 18; 25:1, 8-9; 31:1, 18- Idea and plan came from God. During the forty days and nights Moses spent on the mountain, he received not only the tablets with commandments of God, but also the Divine instructions for the construction of the tabernacle.

 Tabernacle statements of facts:
1. Where God met, dwelt, and revealed Himself to His people,
Exodus 25:8, 22; 29:42-46.
Today He does this through His Churches, Matt 16:18; John 14:18-26; 2 Cor 6:16-18;
Eph 3:21.

2. The place where God spoke to His people, Exodus 29:42.
Did speak to His people while He was here, Hebrews 1:2; Acts 1:2-3.
Continues to speak today, Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 29; 3:6, 13, 22.

3. The place where God accepted offerings, Lev 1:1-4. The animal was the sacrifice for
the person’s sins (atonement).
Today we are acceptable through Jesus, through His grace, Eph 1:6; 2:8-9;
Rom 5:8-10.
Then we are acceptable through service, Rom 12:1-2; 14:17-18; 1 Tim 2:1-4;
1 Peter 2:20.

4. The place where God forgave the sins of the people, Lev 4:20, 26; 6:7(even trespass
sins against each other).
Our sin nature is forgiven through Jesus, Eph 1:7; Mark 2:10.
The Church is to practice forgiveness, Eph 4:32; Matt 6:14-15; John 20:23(eternal
consequences); 2 Cor 2:6-7(Church can’t hold forgiveness ransom).

5. The place where God received gifts, Exodus 23:15(none shall appear before Me
empty); 28:38(hallow in all their holy gifts).
Now Jesus receives these through His Churches, Heb 7:8; 13:15-16.

 Why Teach From the Tabernacle?
I. Its place in Scripture:
A. 2 Timothy 3:16-17- The study will be profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.
B. John 5:39, 46- With this study we can better know the “all things” of God.

II. Its picture to the present:
Hebrews 9:9- The Tabernacle is a “figure” (likeness) of the present.
A. Hebrews 3:1-6- Moses’s house (Tabernacle) was a picture of Christ’s house (Church).
B. 1 Cor 10:6, 11- The Old Testament (including the teachings of the Tabernacle) is to be our example for today.

III. Its Use as a dictionary to the New Testament:

A. The Tabernacle helps give meaning to our study of the New Testament.

B. The book of Hebrews is an example, how the contrast of the tabernacle to Jesus

and the Church gives us a better understanding of the New Testament,

Hebrews 3:5-6; 5:1, 5; 8:1-2; 9:11.

IV. Its order of building:
A. Several times God ordered Moses to build it according to the pattern shown to him while he was on Mt. Sinai, Exodus

25:9, 40; 26:30; 27:8; Acts 7:44; Numbers 8:4; Hebrews 8:5.

B. No human invention (thinking we can improve what God has already shown us)
was allowed, Isaiah 55:8-9; Proverbs 3:5; 16:25.
C. Its pattern was to represent the things of Heaven and of the future Church,
Hebrews 3:5; 9:23-24; Acts 7:37-38.

V. Its teaching was used by Christ:
A. Luke 24:27, 45- Jesus used the Old testament (including the Tabernacle) to help
show Himself. To help our understanding of what He has done for us and what it
means.

VI. Its study spotlights Christ as worthy:
A. Christ is worthy of more glory than the house He built (the Church) in His earthly ministry, and the Tabernacle built by

Moses, Heb 3:1-6. Matt 16:18- He built His Church, and died for it.

Acts 7:37-38- Everything pointing to Jesus, Who was to come.
Ex 25:8- His place to meet with His people.
Heb 8:1-2- He is our High Priest forever.
John 17:4- what more could He have done or given?
Eph 2:20-22- the building (Church made up of us “stones”) has Jesus as the corner stone, the central piece, the foundation.

VII. Its prophetic study shows us what Heaven will be like:
A. Rev 13:6; 15:5; 21:3- Everything about the Tabernacle had a purpose in regards to
showing how Heaven was going to be. A picture or model of Heaven.