Outline
I. Definition and Description
II. Vocabulary
III. Documentation
IV. Dispensations and Typology
V. The Tabernacle
VI. The Courtyard
VII. Outside the Courtyard
VIII. Pictures of Christ the Tabernacle
IX. Tabernacle
Overview
X. The Brazen Altar
XI. The
Brazen Laver of Water
XII. The Golden Lampstand
XIII. The Table of Show Breads
XIV. The Altar of Incense
XV. The Incense
XVI. The Veil
XVII. The Ark of the Covenant
XVIII. The Mercy Seat
I. Definition
and Description
A. The Tabernacle was the meeting place
between God (Jesus Christ) and Moses and later between Jesus and the High
Priest of the
B. The “first fully equipped” tabernacle was a
tent like structure so that it could be set up and taken down where ever God
wanted the Israelites to stay for a certain period of time. It was used during
the 40 years the Israelites were in the
C. When this tabernacle was completed, God
showed His approval of the construction by bringing His full glory into the
Holy of Holies. At this time, Moses nor
the Priests could enter. (Ex. 40:34-38)
For no man can see the full glory of the God and live.(Ex. 33:20)
D. The tabernacle in the desert (wilderness)
had a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night (TLJC) dwelling above it. When TLJC wanted to speak with Moses or vice
versa, or the High Priest the cloud or pillar of fire would descend into the
meeting tent. (Ex. 33:7:11)
E. The Tabernacle’s construction, its articles
and furniture showed the Israelites and us today many wonderful pictures of our
Lord Jesus Christ and of the Trinity.
F. There are several tabernacles that have
been created thus far in history, two in the wilderness, three built of a more
permanent nature - Temples (Solomon, Zerubbabel, Herod), one yet to be created
(in the process of being created today) and one final tabernacle in the New
Jerusalem.
G. Seven in all - with the seventh coming in
Glory with TLJC in the new Jerusalem, signifying Jesus’ completed work of
dwelling among men and the completion of man’s fellowship with God on Earth
ushering in the eternal state.
H. All tabernacles were patterned after the
Throne room of God the Father, created before the foundation of the world.
II. Vocabulary:
A. Hebrew:
1) Mishkan (/K^v=m!) (noun) -
of the Tabernacle, a dwelling
a) Ex. 25:9 "According
to all that I am going to show you, as the
pattern of the tabernacle and
the pattern of all its furniture, just so you shall construct it."
2) Hammishkan (/K*v=m!h^) (noun) - the Tabernacle
a) Ex. 36:13-14 “And he made fifty clasps of gold, and joined
the curtains to one another with the clasps, so the tabernacle was a unit. Then he made curtains of goats' hair for a tent over the tabernacle; he made eleven curtains in all.”
3) Lammishkan (/K*v=m!l^) (noun) - for the Tabernacle
a) Ex. 38:21 "This is the number of the things for the tabernacle, the tabernacle of the testimony, as
they were numbered according to the command of Moses, for the service of the
Levites, by the hand of Ithamar, the son of Aaron the priest."
b) 1 Chron 21:29 "For
the tabernacle of the LORD,
which Moses had made in the wilderness, and the altar of burnt offering were in the high place at Gibeon at that
time."
4) Ohel (O h# a)) (noun) - Tent
a) Ex. 33:7 "Now Moses used to take the tent
and pitch it outside the camp, a good distance from the camp, and he called it
the tent of meeting. And it came about, that everyone who sought the LORD would
go out to the tent of meeting which was outside the camp."
b) Ex. 40:6 "And you shall set the altar of
burnt offering in front of the doorway of the tabernacle of the tent of
meeting."
5) Mo edh (du@om) (noun) -
meeting
a) Ex. 40:6-7 "And you shall set the altar of
burnt offering in front of the doorway of the tabernacle of the tent of meeting.
And you shall set the laver between the tent of meeting and the altar,
and put water in it."
6) Sheveth (tb#v#l*) (verb) to dwell
a) Ex 2:21 "And Moses was willing to dwell
with the man, and he gave his daughter Zipporah to Moses."
7) Shakhan (yn!b+v*) (verb)
dwelling
a) Ex 29:46 "And they shall know that I am
the LORD their God who brought them out of the
B. Greek:
1)
Skene (skhnh/) (noun) A tent, booth, tabernacle, tents as dwellings, to dwell in
a tent or tabernacle (habitations)
a)
Matt
17:4 “And Peter answered and said to
Jesus, "Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, I will make three
tabernacles here, one for You, and one for Moses, and one for
Elijah."
b)
Mark
9:5 "And Peter answered and said to Jesus,
"Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; and let us make three tabernacles,
one for You, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah.""
c)
Luke
9:33 "And it came about, as these were
parting from Him, Peter said to Jesus, "Master, it is good for us to be
here; and let us make three tabernacles: one for You, and one for Moses,
and one for Elijah"-- not realizing what he was saying."
d)
Luke
16:9 "And I say to you, make friends for
yourselves by means of the mammon of unrighteousness; that when it fails, they
may receive you into the eternal dwellings."
e)
Heb
11:9 "By faith he lived as an alien in the
land of promise, as in a foreign land, dwelling
in tents with Isaac and Jacob, fellow heirs of the same promise;"
2)
Skenos (skh=nos) (noun) Of the body as the tabernacle of the soul
a)
2 Corn
5:1 "For
we know that if the earthly tent
which is our house is torn down, we have a building from God, a house not made
with hands, eternal in the heavens."
b)
2 Cor 5:4 “For indeed while we are in this tent, we groan, being burdened,
because we do not want to be unclothed, but to be clothed, in order that what
is mortal may be swallowed up by life.”
3)
Skenoma (skh/nwma) (noun) a booth, a tent pitched, dwelling place,
(metaphorically of the body as a temporary dwelling)
a)
Acts
7:46 "And
David found favor in God's sight, and
asked that he might find a dwelling place for the God of Jacob."
b)
Peter
1:13 “And
I consider it right, as long as I am in this earthly dwelling, to stir you up by way of reminder,”
c)
2 Pet 1:14 “knowing that the
laying aside of my earthly dwelling
is imminent, as also our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me.”
4)
Skenoo (skenovo) (verb) to pitch a tent, to tabernacle, dwell, dwelt, tabernacled,
shall dwell, spread a tabernacle
a)
John
1:14 "And
the Word became flesh, and dwelt
among us, and we beheld His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the
Father, full of grace and truth."
b)
Rev
7:15 ""For
this reason, they are before the throne of God; and they serve Him day and
night in His temple; and He who sits on the throne shall spread His tabernacle over them."
c)
Rev
12:12 ""For
this reason, rejoice, O heavens and you who dwell
in them. Woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has come down to you,
having great wrath, knowing that he has only
a short time.""
d)
Rev
13:6 "And
he opened his mouth in blasphemies against God, to blaspheme His name and His tabernacle, that is, those who dwell
in heaven."
e)
Rev
21:3 "And
I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, "Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men,
and He shall dwell among them,
and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be among them,"
5)
Oikeo (oijkevo) (verb) to dwell, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in the
Believer
a) Rom 8:9 “However, you are not in the flesh but
in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells
in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to
Him.”
b) Rom 8:11 But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus
from the dead dwells in you,
He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal
bodies through His Spirit who indwells you.”
6)
Oikos (oi@kos) (noun) a house, a dwelling
a) Mat 12:4 “how he entered the house of God, and they
ate the consecrated bread, which was not lawful for him to eat, nor for those
with him, but for the priests alone?”
7)
.Oiketerion (oijkhth/rion) (noun) a habitation, House (dwelling place of Angels)
a) Jude 6 "And angels who did not keep their own
domain, but abandoned their proper abode,
He has kept in eternal bonds under darkness for the judgment of the great
day."
b) Corn 5:2 "For indeed in this house we groan, longing to be
clothed with our dwelling from
heaven;"
8)
Katoikeo (katoikevo) (verb) To settle down in a dwelling, to dwell in a fixed
place (the indwelling of Christ in the hearts of believers)
a) Eph 3:17 "so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through
faith; and that you, being rooted and
grounded in love,"
9)
Katoiketerion (katoijkhth/rion) (noun) permanent dwelling, permanent
habitation, dwelling place of the Holy Spirit
a) Eph 2:22 "in whom you also are being built
together into a dwelling of
God in the Spirit."
10)
Enoikeo (ejnoike/w) (verb), to dwell in, spiritual indwelling of God the Holy
Spirit in believers
a) Corn 6:16 - God "Or what
agreement has the
b) Rom 8:11 "But if the Spirit of Him who
raised Jesus from the dead dwells
in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your
mortal bodies through His Spirit who indwells you."
c) Col 3:16 "Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom
teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual
songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God."
III. Documentation:
A. Mosaic Tabernacle: (tent of Meeting,
tabernacle of the congregation)
1) Acts 7:44
"Our
fathers had the tabernacle of testimony in the wilderness, just as He who spoke
to Moses directed him to make it
according to the pattern which he had seen."
2) Heb 8:5
"who
serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things, just as Moses was warned by God when he was about to erect the
tabernacle; for, "SEE," He says, "THAT YOU MAKE all things
ACCORDING TO THE PATTERN WHICH WAS SHOWN YOU ON THE MOUNTAIN.""
3) Heb. 9:1,2,3,6,8,21,26
B. Heavenly prototype:
1) Heb 8:2; 9:11; Rev 13:6; 15:5
2) Rev 21:3 "And I heard a loud voice from
the throne, saying, "Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He
shall dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be
among them,"
C. Eternal abodes of saints:
1) Luke 16:9 "And I say to you, make friends
for yourselves by means of the mammon of unrighteousness; that when it fails,
they may receive you into the eternal dwellings."
D.
1) Heb 13:10
"We
have an altar, from which those who
serve the tabernacle have no right to
eat."
E. The house of David:
1) Acts 15:16 "AFTER THESE THINGS I will
return, AND I WILL REBUILD THE TABERNACLE OF DAVID WHICH HAS FALLEN, AND I WILL
REBUILD ITS RUINS, AND I WILL RESTORE IT,"
F. The Portable shrine of the false god
Moloch:
1) Acts 7:43 “YOU ALSO TOOK ALONG THE TABERNACLE OF
MOLOCH AND THE STAR OF THE GOD ROMPHA, THE IMAGES WHICH YOU MADE TO WORSHIP
THEM. I ALSO WILL REMOVE YOU BEYOND
IV. Dispensations and Typology:
A. Dispensations: Lewis Sperry Chafer: “A
period of human history in which God in His prehistoric plan established a
specific, divine economy, a commitment from God to man of a responsibility to
discharge that which God has appointed in order to execute the Christian way of
life.”
1) The dispensations include; Garden of
2) Salvation of mankind throughout all of
Human history transcends the dispensations in that Jesus Christ - the messiah -
the Lord Jehovah is the focal point.
3) The Atonement for sins is the issue and
man’s belief in the One who would have, had, and now has had our sins imputed
to him and then was judged in our place.
4) Our focus in this study is on the Jewish
Dispensation when God gave Moses the Law to show what sin was and gave him the
Tabernacle as types of who the Redeemer was and what He would do about those
sins.
B. Typology is the study of divinely purposed
illustration of some truth, usually illustrating or revealing Jesus Christ.
1) In the Bible there are five different means
of typology:
a) the study of a person, i.e. Melchizedek
b) the study of an event; i.e. lifting up the
brazen serpent
c) a thing or object; i.e. the tabernacle
d) an institution; i.e. animal sacrifices
e) a ceremonial; i.e. Old testament
appointments for the service of God.
V. The Tabernacle: Ex. 25:1-10
A. The inner rooms of the tabernacle were 45
long by 15 wide. Built of shittim
(acacia) wood overlaid with gold and then covered with various skins and
cloth. It had two unequal chambers
divided in two by a magnificent curtain called a veil.
B. The larger room was 30 long by 15 wide
called the
C. The ministering priests had access to the
D. The
E. There were three articles of furniture in
the
F. The second chamber was 15 by 15 called the
Holy of Holies.
G. The Holy of Holies could only be entered by
the High Priest once each year on the Day of Atonement
H. He had to be cleansed and consecrated
before entering.
I. On the Day of Atonement He would take the
golden censer with burning coals and smoking incense in his hands, pass through
the veil and there made atonement in the immediate presence of God for himself
and for the people.
J. He had to wear bells on the robe because if
he did not cleanse himself of sin prior to entering he would be killed
instantly. The other priests would tie a
rope around his leg and if the did not hear the bells jingling they assumed he
was killed and would drag him out, for they could not enter this room.
K. Within the Holy of Holies the only piece of
furniture was the Ark of the Covenant with its lid or cover called the Mercy
Seat.
L. The order of the design of the tabernacle
given to Moses: Ex. 25 - 29
1) Materials
2)
3) Table for Show Breads
4) Lampstand
5) Curtains
6) Boards
7) Veils
8) Bronze Altar of Sacrifice
9) The Court Yard
10) the Oil for the Lamp
11) The priests garments
12) The priests Consecration
13) The Altar of Incense
14) Offering of Money
15) Bronze Laver
16) Priest’s anointing oil
17) Incense for the Altar of Incense
M. The Order of the construction of the
Tabernacle: Ex. 35 - 40
1) Curtains
2) Boards
3) Veil
4)
5) Table of Show Breads
6) Lampstand
7) Altar of Incense
8) Bronze Altar of Sacrifice
9) Bronze Laver
10) The Court yard
11) Garments for Aaron
N. The Seven Tabernacles Throughout History:
1) Ex. 33:7,11 First meeting place with God -
Moses.
2) Ex. 40 - the second tabernacle in the
wilderness
3) Kings 5 - 7 - The third Tabernacle - the
1st temple - Solomon
4) Ezra 3 w/ 6:15-18 - the fourth Tabernacle -
the 2nd temple - Zerubbabel.
5) John 2:20 - the fifth Tabernacle - the 3rd
temple - Herod
6) The one being built today in
7) Ezk 37:26-28 w/ 40:all - 48:all - the
seventh and final tabernacle - Christ’s
in the New Jerusalem.
O. Synonyms for the Tabernacle:
1) Sanctuary - Ex. 25:8, 2 Chron 20:8,
2) Tent of meeting - Ex 27:21,
3) Tabernacle of Testimony Ex. 38:21,
4) Tent of Testimony - 2 Chron 24:6,
5)
6) House of the Lord - Joshua 6:24, 2 Chron
23:5,12, Jerm 28:5,
7) Holy
8) Holy House - 1 Chron 29:3,
9) House of God - 1 Chron 29:2, 2 Chron 23:9,
10) Father’s House - John 2:16,
11) House of the God of Jacob - Isa 2:3,
12) Glorious House - Isa 60:7,
13) House of Prayer - Isa 56:7, Mat 21:13,
14) House of Sacrifice - 2 Chron 7:12,
15) House of their Sanctuary - 2 Chron 36:17,
16) Holy and Beautiful House - Isa 64:11,
17) Holy Mount - Isa 27:13,
18) Mountain of the Lord’s House - Isa 2:2,
19) Palace - 1 Chron 29:1,19,
20)
P. Why the Tabernacle:
1) The tabernacle was given to the Jews to
provide for them various pictures through objects and ritual about the person
and saving work of the messiah.
2) During this time in history only the book
of Job had been written and was most likely not widely distributed.
3) Even during Job’s time they performed
sacrifices and before then even. (Cain and Abel)
4) The Jewish people saw that other nations
had gods and images of god(s) and that their God was invisible and only shown
through the words of prophets. This was
not enough for them.
5) They wanted a visible God like the other
nations had, along with rules and regulations about how to execute their
lives.
6) Later they also desired to have a “king” to
rule over them just like other nations, instead of being led by The King (TLJC)
through their prophets. This caused the
transition from Samuel to Saul.
7) In addition they did not have the cannon of
scripture as an instruction manual, if you will, of how to execute their faith
and worship or to show them who and what God is and who and what the Christ is.
8) In God’s plan He knew that they would yearn
for visible signs and wonders and would need pictorial or object lessons to
learn and know about God and his plan for their lives and so, He provided for
them according to their desires by instructing Moses to write the next 5 books
know as the Pentateuch: Genesis, Exodus,
Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy, which include the establishment of the Law
and the Tabernacle.
9) The tabernacle is filled with rich and
wonderful lessons about Christ and God’s plan.
10) With its design, structure, furniture and
priestly worship we see a vivid picture of the glory and grace of Jesus Christ
and the privileges of His redeemed people.
11) And in that picture we see Christ as the
cornerstone just as He should be in our lives today.
Peter 2:5 “you also as living stones are
being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up
spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”
Eph 2:20 - 22 “having been built upon
the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the
cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together is growing into
a holy temple in the Lord; in whom you also are being built together into a
dwelling of God in the Spirit.”
VI. The Court yard
A. Surrounding the Tabernacle was the court
yard which was 87 by 175 with an opening or gate on the eastern side. Anyone could enter the court yard bringing
their offerings for sin.
B. The courtyard had two objects of worship:
the first was near the gate, The Brazen Altar of Burnt Offering, and the 2nd
was farther into the court yard, the Brazen Laver, a basin type object.
VII. Outside
of the courtyard was the encampment of the people of
A. 3 of
the 13 Tribes were assigned to each of the four sides of the courtyard
with the 13th (Levitical Priests) camping directly around the Tabernacle.
1) To the East and directly outside the gate
to the courtyard, signifying a place of honor, was the tribe of
2) In the book of Numbers, chapter 2, we are
told of the number of male warriors, 21 years of age and older, that resided in
each Tribe. So for the Tribes of Judah,
Issachar and Zebulun, there were 74.6k, 54.4k and 57.4k warriors,
respectfully.
3) To the South were the tribes of Reuben,
Simeon and Gad, with warriors numbering 46.5k, 59.3k, 45.65k
respectfully.
4) To the West were Ephraim and Manasseh,
both are tribes of Joseph but based on his double blessings his sons each were
named with Jacob’s sons as the tribes of Israel, and the third tribe - Benjamin. With warriors of 40.5k, 32.2k and 35.4k,
respectfully.
5) To the North were Dan, Asher
and Naphtali, rounding out the sons of Jacob aka
6) So the camps on each side surrounding the
encampment of the Levitical priests and the tabernacle totaled:
N 157.6k
W 108.1k Levities E 186.4k
S 151.45k
7) So, based on the assignment of each tribes
encampment and the number of warriors in each tribe and that the encampments
were set in an orderly fashion and not randomly sprawled, the assignment
created the shape of the cross.
Coincidence?
8) It is also interesting to note that the
Levitical priests where at the center of the encampment, just like our high priest,
in the order of Malchizedek (Heb. 7:17), Jesus Christ, is at the center of our
salvation through the cross.
9) Malchizedek was not a Levitical Priest, but
was the Priest of the Most High God (Heb 7:1) during the time of Abraham. Malchizedek was the King of Salem.
VIII. Pictures of Christ in the Tabernacle:
A. The tabernacle was designed to represent and
prefigure the most import teachings of Christ
B.
The
word Tabernacle is used with reference to Him in John 1:14 “And the Word became flesh and dwelt
(tabernacled) among us and we beheld His glory.”
1) Aorist, Active, Indicative of Skenoo
Eskenosen, ejskhvnwsen - to fix one’s tabernacle, have one’s
tabernacle, or live in a tabernacle (tent)
Aorist Tense - indicating a past action with results that continue
Active Voice - The Word produces the actions of dwelling
Indicative Mood - declarative of the reality that He did and continues to dwell
among us.
C. And in Hebrews 9:12 we see the shedding of
blood that the Jews were commanded to perform and the subsequent rituals the
priests performed, were merely pictures of the individual saving work that
Christ perfectly performed once and for all.
1) Heb. 9:12 “but through His own blood, He entered the holy place (heaven) once for
all having obtained eternal redemption.”
D. There are two accounts of the Tabernacle’s
construction in Exodus. In Ex 25:40 we
see the tabernacle as it was planned in heaven in eternity past and shown to
Moses on mount Sinai as a pattern of the actual building. Ex 25:40 “And
see that you make them after the pattern for them, which was shown to you on
the mountain.”
1)
Likewise,
Christ’s incarnation was designed in eternity past. Peter 1:20 “For He was foreknown before the foundation of the world, but has
appeared in these last times for the sake of you.”
E. In Ex 35 we see the actual construction
according to the divine plan.
1) Likewise we have the actual incarnation of
Christ according to God the Father’s perfect plan through the virgin
birth. John 1:14 - word became flesh.
F. Later in history we see the permanent, more
exquisite, building of the tabernacle,
The Temple of Solomon. 1 Kings 6.
1) Likewise Christ takes up permanent
residence in our souls today at the moment of salvation and will establish is
more beautiful kingdom during the millennium.
2 Corn 6:16 - 7:1
G. The entrance to the Tabernacle was by the
camp of
1)
As
we see in Mat 1:3, Christ was descended of the tribe of
H. The combination of the indestructible
shittim (acacia) wood, (a gnarled and twisted wood that grew in the desert)
overlaid with pure gold was used to build the tabernacle and the articles.
1) The wood is a picture of Christ’s humanity:
who was “the root out of dry ground.” Isa 53:2,
2) The wood is also a picture of His
disfigurement
3) And the gold depicts His supreme deity.
4) The combination of these two materials,
Wood and Gold gives us a clear picture of Christ’s humanity and deity - noted
as the Hypostatic Union
I. The colors that were mingled in the
Tabernacle and its veil and curtain doorway represent various aspects of
Christ:
1) White - His spotless purity and
righteousness - no stains of blood showing the cleansing
from sin. Posse non picare ABEL NOT TO SIN
2) Blue - Showing His heavenly origin.
3) Scarlet - depicting the pain and suffering
He endured and the eventual deaths. (Coccus Ilicis worm)
4) Purple - Indicating His glorious Kingship
as Lord of Lords and King of Kings.
J. The
contrast between the inner construction of gold with the outward construction
of skins and clothe.
1) The skins are a type of sin covering for
humanity just like Adam and the woman in the garden.
2) This shows the contrast between deity and
humanity.
K. Because the Tabernacle was subject to the
elements, and moved from place to place,
1) this also is a type of the humiliation
Christ endured when taking on the form of a man while always possessing deity.
L. Bars
to hold the boards together went from end to end.
1) Christ is the Alpha and the Omega, Rev
1:8,11, 21:6, 22:13
M. The
bars were the framework holding it together.
1)
Christ
holds the universe together even as a babe.
N. There were four pillars at the entrance to the
tabernacle court yard. These represent
Christ’s four sonship’s as depicted in the four Gospels:
1) Matthew - Son of Abraham in His home
2) Matthew - Son of David - His
triumphal precession
3) Mark 2:10 - Son of Man, who has
power to forgive and in Luke 21:24-27 executing judgment
4) John 1:14, 20:28 - Son of God
O. The
five pillars at the doorway to the inner rooms of the tabernacle might
represent the prophetic announcement of His birth:
1)
Isa
9:6 - “A Child will be born to us ....
and His name will be’
a) Wonderful,
b) Counselor,
c) The Mighty God,
d) the Eternal Father,
e) The Prince of Peace
P. The
four pillars to uphold the Veil were cut off on the top.
1) Christ was to be “cut off out of the land of the living.” Isa 53:8.
2) Those same four pillars also picture for us
the believers 4 fold strength in Christ:
1 Corn.1:30
a)
“wisdom,
b)
righteousness,
c)
sanctification and
d)
redemption.”
Q. The
contrast between the Tabernacle and the
R. The
tabernacle was God’s meeting place with
1) Likewise Christ is our mediator and the
only way to access a presence before the Father. John 14:23, John 14:6. John 14:23 “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him,
and WE will come to him, and make OUR abode with him.”
S. The
Tabernacle was the place of sacrifice, (the flowing and sprinkling of blood was
its most vivid spectacle). Every part of
the Tabernacle speaks to us of the sacrifice of Christ.
T. As
Christ is, the Tabernacle was a place of cleansing.
U. The
blood atoned for and the water washed away the stains of defilement. Zech 13:1, Eph 5:26-27 w/ 1 John 2:2. John 2:2 “And
He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but for
those of the whole world.”
V. Conclusion:
Through these pictures and many more we see the Jewish Dispensation object
lesson concerning the Christ. (The messiah, the savior, the atonement, the son
of Abraham, of David, of Man, the son of God, our propitiation, our wisdom,
etc.). TLJC came Himself to fulfill the
Plan of God the Father, which is shown to us in the Tabernacle, with a fullness
that He will yet enable us to more fully understand in every detail respecting
the pattern given to Moses on the mount.
Over the next three weeks we will explore many of the articles in and
rituals performed within the Tabernacle and see how each in its own way is a
magnificent picture of our Lord and Savior and the efficacious work He
performed on our behalf.
IX. Tabernacle Overview:
Exodus 40:33 - 38
A. As we read about the construction of the
Tabernacle we again see many analogies to the Christian way of life today.
B. If we were to put ourselves in the shoes of
an Israelite of that time we would see:
C. Beginning with the encampment, that it is
analogous to being in the world
D. There we see a continual fire burning
outside of our camp.
E. The place where they would burn all the
refuse including the carcasses of the animals that had sins transferred into
their bodies and therefore were unrighteous
F. This dumping ground fire is analogous to
the eternal burning of all who have unrighteousness in their bodies at the end
of their time on earth because they have not accepted the fact that God the
Father transferred all of their sins to the perfect sacrificial animal,
TLJC. John 3:36
1)
John
3:36 “He who believes in the Son has
eternal life; but he who does not obey the son shall not see life, but the
wrath of God abides on him.”
2) Likewise Jesus was crucified outside the
city walls and the bodies of those crucified were put in the city dump of
G. While living in the world we see the gate
way to the court yard (salvation). We
can enter this court yard freely. Their
is no barrier to entrance here. John
10:9
1)
John
10:9 “I am the door; if anyone enters
through Me, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.”
H. The first thing we see as we enter the
court yard is the smoking Brazen Altar that immediately gives us the impression
of the sacrifice on the cross and the blood through which we have redemption
from sin. We place our hand on the head
of the sacrifice and become partakers of the great expiation (the means of
atonement = Christ’s spiritual death for
our sins)
I. Next we see the Brazen Laver which is used
for cleansing before the Priest could conduct a sacrifice and before they could
enter the inner rooms of the tabernacle.
1) This is a picture of Jesus Christ and the
Holy Spirit, whereby through the blood and the water we are regenerated and
cleansed from our sins.
2) We must first have the blood on us to atone
for our sins and then cleanse ourselves (Rebound) before we can enter into a
more intimate fellowship with God (in the Holy Place, and holy of Holies), Heb 10:22
a) Heb 10:22 “let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith,
having our hearts sprinkled [clean] from an evil conscience and our bodies
washed with pure water.”
J. After leaving the Laver and further within
the courtyard we see the
1)
Rev
1:5-6 “and from Jesus Christ, the
faithful witness, the 1st born of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the
earth. To Him who lovers us, an released
us from our sins by His blood,” vs6 “and
He has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father, to Him be the
glory and the dominion forever and ever, Amen.”
2)
Peter
2:9 “But you are a chosen race, a royal
priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, that you may
proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His
marvelous light.”
K. As we leave the darkness the Cosmos, (Court
yard and outer encampment) and enter into the light our Politeuma, (Inner
Tabernacle), (Holy Place) we see to the left the Golden Lampstand or
Candlestick, and to the right the table of Show Breads, and to the back the
Altar of Incense.
L. Next we step through the dividing Veil and
enter the 2nd room, the holy of Holies where only the high priest could enter,
and only once a year, we see the Ark of the Covenant with its lid, the Mercy
Seat with the covering Cherubim Angels.
M. So if we did a helicopter fly by we would
see the articles in the court yard and tabernacle, the Altar, Laver, Lampstand,
Show-Breads, Altar of Incense and the Ark of the Covenant with the Mercy seat,
in the form of a cross. Again like the
Passover doorways and the encampment around the Tabernacle, showing the picture
of where Christ would gain the victory.
X. The Brazen Altar
Exodus 27:1 - 8
A. Lev 17:11 “For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you
on the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood by reason of
the life that makes atonement.”
B. Peter 1:18-19 “knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver
or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers,” vs 19
“but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of
Christ.”
C. The altar was the first article just inside
the court yard accessible to all the people.
D. It was a large frame of wood covered in
brass and had two poles on each side in order for it to be carried.
E. Their was a fire burning continually on it
where daily the sacrifice was renewed.
F. It was constantly stained with blood.
G. Always open to any guilty Hebrew who might
want to approach it.
H. The blood shed at the altar had to be
brought into the
I. In addition the High Priest had to use the
blood from the altar when he entered the holy of Holies and sprinkle the blood
on the Mercy Seat, first for himself the blood of the Bull, then for the
nation, the goat/lamb.
J. The sacrifice Altar being at the entrance
of the courtyard shows us that Christ is at the entrance of our access to
fellowship with God and that entrance is made available to all but only
effectual for those who believe.
1)
John
3:16 “For God so loved the WORLD, that he
gave his uniquely born son, that WHOSOEVER, should believe in Him should not
perish but have eternal, life.”
K. Having two poles speaks to the two messages
of the Gospel: Christ’s spiritual death, and His resurrection.
1) The other messages of the Gospel are
important but don’t on their own Save us: Burial, accession, session. “Lord of all or not Lord at all” does not
save you.
L. The blood was related to the inner rooms
just like the blood of Christ (spiritual death) is necessary for our entrance
into the presence of God (or a further relationship with Him).
M. There was nothing ornamental about the
Altar. (Speaking to Christ’s humanity)
N. It was made of Brass so that it could sustain
the heaviest of sacrifices showing that God can sustain our heaviest
burden/sins.
O. It was constantly bathed in blood baring
the continually mark of sin.
P. So Christ bore our sins on the cross
redeeming us from the bondage of sin, having paid the price, with the result
continuing for all eternity.
“Tetelastai”
Q. And Christ was also literally bloody when
He was on the Cross to complete the picture.
R. So the altar also is a picture of the cross
of Christ. The place where the sacrifice
occurred.
S. So the Blood stands for:
T. Redemption, signified by the blood on the
door posts.
U. Atonement, shown through the blood on the
Altar
V. Cleansing, as of leprosy in Lev. 14, and (1
John 1:7),
W. Seals the covenant (Exodus 19:9), sprinkled
on the Law, God keeps His promises
X. Consecration (sanctification), sprinkled on
the Priests Right ear, thumb and toe,
Y. Intercessory “Pleading for Us”, sprinkled
on the Mercy Seat on our behalf before God the Father
Z.
Living
Blood, giving us spiritual life, (John 6:54) “He that drinks my blood dwells in me and I in Him”
AA. Conclusion: So it was through the blood sacrifice on
the Altar that showed the Israelites the atonement for their Sins and Christ’s
spiritual death which atoned everyone.
What a Magnificent picture the altar with its sacrifices and the
ever-present blood was to the Israelites and still is for us today.
XI. The Brazen Laver of Water: Exodus 30:17-20
A. The Laver or Basin was the second article
in the Tabernacle.
B. It was situated between the Altar of Blood,
which was by the gateway, and the entrance to the
C. It was made from the brass mirrors of the
women of
1) God drew from them memorials of their old
life and used them for a higher purpose.
2) The mirrors spoke of sin such as vanity and
was use for the object depicted cleansing of those sins.
3) God asked the women to give freely in order
to build the Laver, not under compulsion.
Likewise, we are to give to God freely of our time, talent, treasure and
worship not under compulsion.
4) We are to do all these things after we have
rebounded and through the filling of the Holy Spirit. As the Laver depicted for the Jews.
D. The basin was used by the Priests only,
before they entered the
1) The Priests had to cleanse themselves of
any spot or stain before performing their ceremonies.
a) Prior to the sacrifice showing
Impeccability -
b) After the sacrifice showing Rebound before
entering into a closer relationship with God.
E. The Laver’s Brass, which was highly
polished, allowed the Priests to see themselves and then wash in the water it
held.
1) Just as the word shows us our sins.
F. So here we are viewing water as the Word of
God which allows us to see within ourselves any spot or blemish and secondly to
wash away any spot or blemish.
2Tim 3:16 - 17, 1 John 1:9
1) We are commanded to cleanse ourselves
through the word. Eph 5:26 “that He might
purify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word.”
a) It is interesting to compare that God calls
the Church her, and the fact that He asked the women to provide the material to
build the Laver, not the men.
G.
By
knowing the word we are made clean.
1)
John
15:3 “You are already clean because of
the word which I have spoken to you.”
H. Looking at the Laver as a fountain that
cleanses also gives us the analogy of God the Holy Spirit. Water is predominately used in the Bible as a
symbol of the Holy Spirit.
1) While blood tells us of the Lamb; water
tells us of the dove.
2) Water and Blood poured out as they pierce Christ’s
side on the cross to see if he was alive or not.
3) The Blood and water combined depict the
fact that now that Christ had fulfilled His work the Holy Spirit was taking over the body to
cleanse it on a day to day basis.
4) The Holy Spirit has been sent to build upon
the redemptive work of our Savior Jesus Christ (blood), by helping us to grow
to spiritual maturity through the word (water) and His business is to make us
clean on a day to day basis (water) so we are able to learn and grow through
metabolized bible doctrine.
5) So don’t be condemned or shy away from
bringing your “dirty laundry” to God the Father
That’s the job He sent the Holy Spirit to do.
6) The analogy here is the washing away of
sin. Even though Christ took on all of
our sins upon the cross and paid the price for them, therefore providing for
our salvation, we still have the stumbling block of day to day sins in our
lives, in that our fellowship with God, through the power of the Holy Spirit,
is dependent upon where sin is in our lives.
7) Is it part of our lives and controlling us
through the OSN, or are we dealing with the sin in our lives by utilizing the
technique of rebound and allowing the blood of Christ by the power of the Holy
Spirit to cleanse us from our sins.
8) Are we living according to:
a) Psalm 19:12-13 “Who can discern his errors?
Acquit me of hidden faults.” Vs
13 “Also keep back your servant from presumptuous sins; let them not rule over
me; then I shall be blameless and I shall be acquitted of great transgression.”
b)
Or
by: 2 Corn 7:1 “Therefore, having these promises, beloved let us cleanse ourselves
from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the respect of
God”
c)
Or
by: 2 Peter 1:4 “For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent
promises, in order that by them you might become partakers of the divine
nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust.”
d) Or by: 1 John 2:1 “My little children, I am writing these things to you that you may not
sin. And if anyone sins, we have an advocate
(defense attorney) with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous;”
e)
And
always utilizing: 1 John 1:9 “If we
confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to
cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
I. So what is the cleansing.
1) First
we come to the Altar of blood and leave our sins there with the
sacrificed.
2) Then the Holy Spirit regenerates our soul
through the imputation of a new nature, that cannot sin.
3) Then we wash out the garbage that has taken
up residence in our souls through the intake of Bible Doctrine (dipping our
hands into the water).
4) And finally cleansing the spots and
blemishes off of our soul at the Laver through the technique of rebound.
5) This is the Washing of Regeneration!
J. There is a more complete washing which is
the sanctifying grace of Jesus Christ.
1) There are three sanctifications: Positional, Ultimate and Experiential.
2) Experiential sanctification is our
Christian walk, it is being filled by the Holy Spirit for the maximum amount of
time, learning, metabolizing and applying bible doctrine thereby effecting a
consecration/anointing of our souls.
3) When we are sanctified, every spot or
blemish has been removed.
4) This does not say that we will always be
cleansed from the spots and blemishes but when we have confessed our sins we
are forgiven of those sins and cleansed from all unrighteousness. (Until the next time we sin).
5) Positionally we have a nature that is 100%
of the time consecrated, our new nature that can not sin. But in the flesh, because of our old sin
nature, we do sin and need to be cleansed again.
6) So the Laver meant that EVERY spot was
taken from them.
K. If there had been one blemish on them the
Priests would not have dared enter the
1) Likewise if we confess our sins we are
cleansed from all unrighteousness.
2) If there is one sin that we committed and
have not confessed it, we can not enter into a relationship with God today, or
3) If we have a sin we can not remember or
didn’t know about and have not confessed at least a known sin, we can not enter
into a relationship with God today.
4) Once the Priests had cleaned every spot
they could enter the
5) Likewise, God accepts us as pure when we
stand before Him, after we have done the “ceremony” for today. Named our sins in prayer. “A right thing done in a right way”
a)
Ezk
36:25 “Then I will sprinkle clean water
on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and
from all your idols.”
L. Cleansing is continual:
1) The washing of the body is permanent and
done once, the cleansing of the feet is a continual process based on the sins
we pick up along the way.
2) John 13:10 “And Jesus Said: “He who has
bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean; and you are clean,
but not all of you.””
Bathed - leloumenos leloume/nos
root word louo
Perfect tense, mid or pass voice,
Nominative case, participle mood
The washing of a dead person, to
cleanse from the blood of wounds, he that has bathed
Wash - nipsasthai ni/yasqai
Nipto root word
Aorist, Middle, Infinitive
To wash ones own hands or feet, a
partial washing.
3) So, our fellowship with God is interrupted
by the sins we commit until we are cleansed again, but our salvation occurred
once for all time. You don’t go in and out of salvation!
M. Other Analogies:
1) The level of the Water.
a) It was at the level of the Priests about 4
feet high.
b) They did not have to climb up to it. It was right there.
c) The Law put salvation away up in Sinai, but
Christ has come to the level of every one from the weakest to the strongest
where anyone can reach in and dip their hands!
2) The fountain was ever full showing the
infinite supply for all of our needs, there is enough for all to wash.
3) The fountain also speaks to Christ eternal
reign. Rev 21:6
4) Who were cleansed at the Laver?
a) The priests who had to minister God’s work,
not the common people who were unsanctified.
b) Just after the Priests performed the
sacrifices they would wash at the Laver and then enter the Holy place to have
fellowship with God.
c) The elders of a city in the old testament
had to cleanse themselves if a crime was committed outside of their city. Deut
21:6-9
d) Today we are all Priest based on our union
with Jesus Christ.
e) And the access to the Laver is there for
all to wash and then we are able to enter into fellowship with God.
N. Conclusion:
1) We trusted in the Savior at the Altar of
Blood sacrifice, are we relying on the power of the word of God and the Holy
Spirit to cleanse us as well?
2) God has given everyone free entrance to the
sacrifice, with no strings attached.
3) He has transferred our sins to the perfect
sacrificial Lamb so we do not have to pay the price for them.
4) He has provide His word for us to wash
ourselves and the Holy Spirit to make the washing efficacious.
5) What a tremendous thing He has given to
us.
6) And all He asks in return is for us to Love
him by believing and trusting in Him.
7) To borrow a phrase from contemporary poets
- The Back Street Boys
When you can hear Christ say.... I don’t care: Who you are!
Where your from! Or, What you
did! As long as you love Me! You will understand the Altar of Blood and
Laver of Water. Do you love Him!
XII. The Golden Lampstand: Exodus 25:31-40
A. We now enter into the
B. It stood on the left of the sanctuary just
inside the doorway. It was the first
thing the Priests would see.
C. It was made from one piece of gold weighing
one talent.
1) Pure signifies pure deity no humanity like
God the Father, Holy Spirit and the Deity only of Jesus Christ.
2) According to the Union Bible Dictionary: A
talent is a weight measure used in the days of Moses which equaled 3,000
shekels. A shekel weighed about 1/2 an
ounce, so a talent was 1,500 ounces or 93 lbs 12oz.
3) According to the Ryre Study Bible notes a
talent was between 58 and 80 lbs.
4) According to Vines Dictionary a talent was
114lbs
5) According to the complete Biblical Library a talent was
107lbs
6) The gold alone would cost over a half
million dollars today.
D. This light was the only illumination within
the
E. Its purpose was to give light not for
itself, or for its own glory but to provide light for the Priest to conduct
their work and to shine on or highlight the Table of Show-Breads. (The bread of
life)
F. When we mention light, immediately many
analogies come to mind. And throughout
God’s word we see various figures of light but none more vivid than: Christ as
the light of the world.
G. We also see Christ as our seven fold
perfect light of:
1) truth,
2) heavenly vision,
3) guidance & direction (shown in the
wills of God),
4) continual presence,
5) the light that reveals Himself (lampstand
to show-breads),
6) that brings sight to the blind and
7) the light that shines through us, that is
the divine light of His word that should illuminate in our hearts (right lobe).
H. We also see the sevenfold lamp which speaks
to the combination of Christ and the Holy Spirit. Compare with John 1:5 - 7
I. To create the light from the Lampstand a
specific oil was produced.
1) It was specifically prescribed by God and
highly guarded from being counterfeited.
2) The Oil’s ingredients were compounded
together in a mysterious way for its sacred use only. Not to be duplicated.
3) If any one were to counterfeit it and/or
use it for any reason other than with the Lamp, he was to be cut off from the
among the people.
J. Oil itself has many interesting analogies:
1) as elements of life - joints / bones
2) for healing - ointments
3) in connection with the consecration of the
priesthood - ritual
4) in the anointing of a king (David) - by
Samuel ritual
a) The Holy Spirit anointed Jesus Christ, Luke
4:18, and thus Jesus was called Christos because He is the anointed one and is
our perfect light.
b) The Holy Spirit who sheds the light abroad
in our hearts has anointed you: 1 John 2:7-11
5) and combined with fire the elements of
light
K. When
combined with fire to create light, we see a perfect picture of oil being the
enabler for fire to give off its light.
L. So,
God the Holy Spirit is our enabler (the flame) and with the Mind of Christ
(oil) we individually and as members of the church, body of Christ and royal
family of God, can shine the light of His glory on the darkness of this sinful
world.
1)
Mat
5:14-16 “You are the light of the
world. A city set on a hill cannot be
hidden.” Vs 15 “Nor do men light a lamp
and put it under a cover, but on the lampstand; and it gives light to all who
are in the house.” Vs 16 “Let your light shine before men in such a way that
they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”
M. Just
as there was no light in the Tabernacle other than the Lampstand, likewise
there is no light inside of man without the Balance of Residency = Maximum
Metabolized Bible Doctrine in your souls, ready for application, plus the power
of the filling of God the Holy Spirit.
N. The key to keeping the fire alive was the
burning oil (word of God/mind of Christ) which was burned by the flame (God the
Holy Spirit) which shined its glorious light in the room (Jesus Christ in all
His Glory) and the entire process and
production was made possible by the lampstand (design of God the Father).
O. So the Lamp stand shows us a beautiful
picture how the trinity works together to glorify Jesus Christ. And you can be part of that mix as the wick
in the candle.
P. It is also interesting to note that the
Lampstand had 7 lights. These seven lights are represented in Rev 1:4 where the
Holy Spirit is called the Seven Spirits before Gods throne. He is the Spirit
of:
1) Peace = Prosperity/Rest
2) Sonship = Sustainer of the Son, we as
children/heirs
3) Joy = +H
4) Love = Personal Love for God the Father,
Impersonal Unconditional Love Man
5) Trust = Faith Rest Drill
6) Prayer = Speaks in Groans to deep for Human
understanding.
Q. The
seven lights also refers to the eyes of God (Jesus Christ) which see all and
are everywhere - Omnipresence. Rev 5:6
R. Next we see 7, as the number of completion,
indicating that The Light generated is complete. Christ completed the Fathers plan, and the
plan of God for enabling and sustaining His children is complete through Christ
and the power of the Holy Spirit. It’s
up to us to tap into that light.
S. The lamps where to continuously burn and
had to be filled with oil daily and the wicks were trimmed daily.
1) This shows us the picture of our lives
which should be continuously doing the will and work of the Lord by taking in
doctrine daily (Oil) and Applying it daily (light).
2) It shows us that the lamp can not burn on
its own, it has be replenished daily just like our minds have to be filled
daily with the Word in order to sustain the light.
3) It shows us that the wick (which is the
absorption mechanism), being charred, needs to be trimmed which is a reference
to the garbage in our souls which needs to be trimmed off through the word of
God so that the new wick can burn more brightly.
T. We are not the light, we are not the
resultant shinning glory. We are merely
the candlewick which is given the oil to be burned by the flame which shines
the glory on the Bread of Life. Prophecy regarding the light: Zec 4:1 - 14
U. The two olive trees where literally Joshua
(the Priest) and Zerubbabel (the King).
1) Both are typified as Jesus Christ, the High
Priest and the King, and it is He who supplies the oil (the Word) through the
pipeline (GAP) of God the Holy Spirit.
V. Just as this light was all that illuminated
the
W. You should never be ashamed or embarrassed
about the light. You should show it to
all the world. Luke 8:16 “Now no one after lighting a lamp covers it
over with a container, or puts it under a bed; but he puts it on a lampstand,
in order that those who come in may see the light.”
XIII. The
Table of Show-Bread - the 2nd article in the
A. The table of ShowBread was on the right
hand side of Holy place across from the full blaze of the Golden Lampstand.
1) It was 3 ft long by 1 1/2 ft wide and 2 ft
3 in. High made of acacia (shittim) wood over laid with gold.
B. Turn to Lev 24:5-9 - READ
1) Upon the table where 12 loaves of
unleavened bread arrange 6 stacked per side.
2) Each loaf was covered with finely powered
frankincense.
3) The bread was renewed each Sabbath and the
old bread was eaten by the Priests in the Holy place while the frankincense is
burned before the Lord on the Golden Altar of Incense.
C. The table of ShowBread typifies Jesus
Christ as the living bread who nourishes both soul and body and becomes our
perfect life and sustenance.
1)
Duet
8:3 “And He humbled you and let you be
hungry, and fed you with manna which you did not know, nor did your fathers
know, that He might make your understand that man does not live by bread alone,
but man lives by everything that proceeds out of the mouth of the Lord.”
D. Jesus is the Bread of life. John 6:35, 51
1) This also typifies the
E. John 6:26-35 & 41-58
F. Bread is the fruit of the ground. The ground and its fruit was cursed because
of man’s sin (the first Adam).
1) So Christ was born as a man of a cursed
human race (the last Adam) to abolish all curses.
G. Bread is the offspring of death. (The seed
must be buried in the soil and die before it can produce the harvest that feeds
the race)
1) So Christ had to Die in order for us to
live.
H. The wheat grain must be crushed by the
millstone, the dough kneaded in the baker’s hand and baked in the fierce heat
of the oven.
1)
So
Christ had to be crushed, tested and tempted and shown to be without sin to be
the perfect sacrifice. Heb 2:10 “For it was fitting for Him for whom are
all things, and through whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to
perfect the author of their salvation through sufferings.”
I. The Priest had to prepare the bread in a
proper and concise way, eat and digest it.
1) Likewise through the Pastor-Teacher and the
power of the Holy Spirit, the word of God, must be prepared, presented, taken
in and metabolized for it to have any use to you.
J. The Bread was prepared without any leaven
speaking to the impeccability of Jesus Christ.
K. The twelve loaves stood for ample provision
for all the tribes. One for each of the
12 tribes, not one for all 12 tribes.
1) So Christ is our all sufficient Savior who
has died personally for each and every member of the human race. Heb 2:9 “.....by the grace of God He
(tasted) death for everyone.”
L. The twelve loaves are also analogues to God
the Father supplying all of our logistical needs.
M. As much as the Blood of Christ represents
His spiritual life and death, the Bread represents his physical life and death,
and to partake of His life we must partake of the Bread. 1Corn 11:23 - 24, 26
N. Before the Priests could eat of the Bread
they had to offer the bread first to God for 7 days. (# of completion)
1) Christ had to completely remove the issue
between God and man, sin, and fully satisfy the justice and righteousness of
God before man could reap the benefits of eternal salvation. (Propitiation) Luke 3:22
“You are My beloved Son, in Whom I am well pleased.”
2) Seven days speaks to the completed work
Christ performed on the cross which was fully accepted by God the Father -
Tetelastai.
3) Once the Father was fully satisfied then
the Priest could eat of the bread
4) Christ is the propitiation and therefore we
can now, based on our
O. The Bread was only eaten by the
Priest. The common people could not eat
of the Bread.
1) This typifies the Christian today in that
those who eat of the bread become Royal Priests and share in the life giving
bread (Jesus Christ), and those who do not partake of the Bread do not receive
eternal life but condemnation.
2) At the communion table, the bread is only
useful for the believer in fellowship.
The believer out of fellowship and the unbeliever receive no spiritual
nourishment from the bread.
P. The bread was eaten on the Sabbath, this
speaks also to the Christian life which every day becomes a Sabbath because we
have entered into his rest. Mat 11:28 w/
Heb 4:3,9&10.
1) Mat 11:28 “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden and I will give you
rest.”
2) Heb
4:3 “For we who have believed enter that
rest...”
3) For the believer, we need to eat from the
bread daily.
Q. Just like the oil (the word of God) is
given to replenish us daily, our sustenance (the word of God) needs to be taken
in (metabolized) daily. Luke 11:3
R. Frankincense: The
bread was sprinkled with frankincense.
Then on the Sabbath they would remove the frankincense from the bread
and burned it on the Altar of Incense.
It sent up a sweet perfume through all the
1) Several analogies of the Frankincense:
a) Acceptance of Christ’s work on the cross by
God the Father and the sweet, pleasing aroma it was to the Father.
(1) We see other examples of this in God’s
acceptance of Abel’s sacrifice. Gen 4:4
b) Acceptance of the sacred meal of the
priests as an act of worship. There is
no more acceptable service you can render than to feed on Christ and rejoice in
Him.
c) Martha toiled in the kitchen while Mary fed
on the words of Christ by having fellowshipped with Him and the latter was more
pleasing to Him.
d) Frankincense was one of the gifts given by
the wise men who came to Jesus in the manger signify God’s future acceptance of
Jesus’ work and the pleasing aroma His HUMAN son was to Him.
S. The table’s purpose (made of wood and gold)
was to exhibit the bread. This is
analogous to the Church today based on the foundation Christ laid on the Cross.
1) It was a simple structure.
2) It had one use; not to show itself but the
bread
3) It held the bread for God and the Priests
a) so we should hold the bread forth to
Glorify God and
b) to offer the bread to the world.
T. So what are you living on for your
sustenance of life. Today our society is
starving on rationalism, socialism, sensationalism, lifeless bondage to others
and the fanatic search for happiness.
1)
As
it says in Isa 55:2 “Why do you spend
your money for what is not bread, and your wages for what does not
satisfy? Listen Carefully to Me and eat
what is good, and delight yourself in abundance.”
XIV. The
Altar of Incense. Exodus 30:1-10, 34-38
A. The altar was ~ 3 ft high, 1 1/2 ft wide
and long
B. It had rings on two sides used for the
staves/poles to carry it from place to place as the tabernacle was moved.
C. The Altar was used to burn incense on it
and incense only. It was not be used for
the burning of sacrifices.
1) The sacrifice has already occurred outside
on the Brazen altar, the Cleansing has occurred at the Laver.
2) Here inside the
3) The Frankincense is first sprinkled off
from the of top the Bread onto the Altar of Incense.
4) The Bread is presented and consumed and the
Incense burns as a fragrant aroma of all that has been accomplished by the
Priest signifying that which Christ would do and has done on there and our
behalves.
5) And yet it also prepares the way to the
holy of Holies where, at the Throne room of God, Christ takes our offering and
intercedes on our behalf.
D. The Altar of Incense was also simple in
structure unlike the Lampstand and like the Table for holding the Show Breads.
1) It is not bringing glory to itself but
allowing the efficacious work, previously performed, speak for itself by
becoming a sweet fragrance of completed work.
E. The fragrance from the incense filled both
rooms, the
1) This shows us that Christ is our mediator
or intercessory.
a) He dwells among the Priests, (Royal
Priests), as well as with the Father in the Holy of Holies, Heaven.
b) And He is our intercessor offsetting our
accuser.
F. The fragrance that filled both rooms was a
sweet pleasing fragrance. In order for
someone to enjoy the fragrance it had to be inhaled.
1) Just like we have to inhale the word of God
in order for it to be applied and enjoyed.
2) And when we do, (breath in Doctrine), we
become as the incense was, a sweet and pleasing aroma to God. (2Corn 2:14-16)
G. The Altar had a crown of gold on top to
keep the incense from falling.
1) Christ was also crowned and will not falter
on our behalf.
a) “I
will never leave you nor forsake you.”
b) He was crowned with Thorns
c) He was crowned with Royalty
2) Because of the pain and suffering He
endured on our behalf, He was victorious and Crowned as our King and accepted
as a sweet savoring sacrifice by God the Father.
3) As a result, He is perfectly qualified to
be our advocate today.
H. The four horns on the altar pointed to the
four corners of the camp.
1) Here again horns stand for power, the omnipotence
of Jesus Christ.
2) Also Christ’s sacrifice was efficacious and
applicable to the four corners of the world.
And His intercession today is potentially for all.
I. The fire was always burning on the altar
showing:
1) Christ’s sacrifice is without end and
continually satisfying to God the Father, and
2) Christ unceasingly intercedes for us.
XV. The
Incense:
A. The incense was designed specifically for
this ritual.
1) The word of God is designed specifically
for the believer to execute the protocol plan of God. (2 Tim 3:16)
B. The incense was designed specifically for
burning in the tabernacle and could not be used for common use outside of the
tabernacle.
1) If it were reproduced and used outside of
the tabernacle the individual(s) would be cut off from among the people.
2) Likewise today if the word is misused or
taught incorrectly the wrath of God will come down on that individual. (Rev 22:18-19)
C. Our ministry and Christian service is also
a sweet aroma for others.
1) Phil 4:18 “I am amply supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you have
sent, a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God.”
D. There is the analogy of God’s acceptance of
Abel’s Sacrifice vs Cain’s. (Gen 4:4)
1) Likewise God accepts our work if done
through the power of the filling of the Holy Spirit.
E. The Incense also shows us a picture of our
prayer life being a sweet aroma, pleasing to God as part of our Christian
life. (Rev 5:8 w/ Rev 8:3)
1)
Rev
5:8 “...and golden bowls full of incense
which are the prayers of the saints.”
2) The trinity is involved in our prayer life:
we are to pray to God the Father, through the power and filling of the Holy
Spirit in the name of Jesus Christ.
a) The Father hears our prayers and based on
His justice and righteousness answers them,
b) The Holy Spirit makes our prayers
efficacious (groanings), and
c) Based on the efficacious work of the Son
Jesus Christ is perfectly qualified to
intercede on our behalf before the Father.
F. Of the four spices that were blended to
make the incense, one (Frankincense) was known the other three are not,
(Stacte, Onycha, Galbanum).
1) This represents that some things we know
about Christ and his ministry and other things we do not.
2) God sometimes reveals to us the reasons for
our labor and the fruits of our labor and other times He does not, until we get
to heaven.
3) Like a soldier in the battlefield we do not
know the full strategic plan of the Generals.
Yet we have our individual assignment.
4) Isa 55:8 “for My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways.”
5)
Eph
6:12 “ For our struggle is not against
flesh and blood.......” vs. 18 With all prayer and petition, pray at all times
in the Spirit... and petition for all the saints” vs. 19 and pray on my behalf..”
6) The Show Bread was sprinkled with
Frankincense depicting the humanity of Jesus and is combined with three other
ingredients (the deity of Christ, God the Holy Spirit and God the Father) to
make a sweet smelling aroma for us.
G. Some of the Incense was to be beaten very
small
1) Again we see that Jesus Christ was crushed
on the Cross.
2) It pleased God the Father to bruise the
Redeemer when Christ offered Himself for a sacrifice of a sweet smelling savor.
H. The preparation of the Incense called for a
specific procedure as well, in Ex 30:35 “Salted, Pure, Holy”. These represent Christ as:
1) Salt - speaks to the savor we should have
through the Word in our dealings with the world. Mark 9:50 “have
salt in yourselves.” Also salt was a
preservative as the word of God is to preserve us in these times.
2) Pure - to be without blemish, perfect, impeccability
3) Holy - speaks to Christ’s sacredness and
sanctification.
XVI. The
Veil:
A. The final pictures we Have of Christ in the
Tabernacle is of Him within the holy of Holies.
B. We move from the
C. The veil represents the sin barrier between
God and Man that Christ has abolished through His flesh. (Mat 27:50-51, Mark 15:37-38, Luke 23:45 w/
Heb 10:19 - 20)
D. The Veil has been ripped in two, opening
the Holy of Holies and giving us direct access to God’s throne room where we
can enter boldly. (Heb 10:22 and 4:16)
Heb 4:16 “Let us therefore draw near with
confidence to the throne of grace that we may receive mercy and may find grace
to help in time of need.”
XVII. The
Ark of the Covenant:
A. Upon entering the Holy of Holies we see but
one article - the Ark of the Covenant with its lid called the Mercy Seat. (Ex
25:10-22)
B. The
C. In
the
1) The tablets of the Law showing:
a) that Christ had the righteousness of God in
His heart and though the law was not perfect, Christ perfected the Law by
remaining impeccable.
b) More importantly the Sacrifice for our Sin
was the more perfect Law not that Christ lived without sin.
c) He did not gain victory by living a law
abiding life, but by fulfilling the Fathers will.
d) As the Law, was in the ark, inside the Holy
of Holies, within the Tabernacle, likewise, Christ’s righteous, is in the
shrine, inside your soul within your body, if you have accepted Christ as your
savior.
e) Psalm 40:6-8 w/ Heb 10:3-10
2) Aaron’s Rod that budded showing:
a) after the rebellion they had to choose a
tribe for the priesthood, each tribe placed a rod before the
b) A Priest held the rod and Christ would be
the High Priest. Even though He was not
from the Tribe of Levi, but from
c) He was Priest in the order of Melchezidek
d) The rod did not only bud but it had almond
blossoms and fruit.
(1) This speaks to salvation and spiritual
growth to the point of producing divine good.
(2) Almond trees are the first to blossom after
winter and almonds symbolize resurrection life.
(3) Christ though He died was raised to life
once again. Resurrection, the second
part of the Gospel message.
3) The Golden Jar of Manna showing:
a) Manna is another typology of Christ as the
Bread of Life, indicating God’s provision for our lives, Logistical Grace
b) the Golden Jar again showing His Deity.
D. The
E. The golden crown around it speaks to His
kingship.
1) Mat. 2:2 (born) w/ Rev 19:16 (King of
kings)
F. The
1)
The
ark led them through battles, through waters -
Number 10:33 “...the ark of the covenant
of the Lord journeying in front of them....to seek out a resting place for
them.”
2) So Christ is our mighty leader and our
peace.
G. There are three accounts of Arks in the
bible: Ark of Noah, of Moses (babe) and the Ark of the covenant.
1) The first two were sealed with pitch as
noted by the Hebrew word Kaphar, which literally means Atonement.
2) So we can say that the arks were sealed
with Blood.
3) Just as the Ark of the Covenant holding the
Law was sealed with the blood on the Mercy Seat- showing us Redemption.
XVIII. The
Mercy Seat:
A. The Mercy Seat was the lid of the Ark of
Covenant.
B. It was made of a solid piece of pure gold
again speaking of His deity as the ultimate cover for our sins.
C. The Mercy seat was sprinkled with Blood
from the Brazen Altar, first of a Bull for the Priest’s sins and secondly of a
goat for the people’s sins.
D. The priest is a type of Christ in
relationship to the Father.
1) Just as the Priest had to bring the blood
directly to the Mercy seat, on the day of Atonement, Christ had to go directly
to the Father before attending again to Man.
2)
Mary
could not touch Jesus prior to Him completing the work by going to the Father
and receiving His resurrected body. (John 20:11-17)
E. Now that Christ has completed His earthly
work, He is seated at the right hand of the Father, (Heb 10:12)
F. Just as the Mercy seat was a place of
judgment for Israel, Christ is the judge of man 1) for Believer’s deeds on
earth, Bema Seat, and 2) for all men’s belief or not, Great White Throne.
G. The Mercy Seat had two figures of Cherubim
Angels with wings outstretched across the
H. Above the Mercy seat is where the Shekinah
Glory dwelt.
I. The light of the Shekinah shone through
their wings as Christ will be our eternal light in the New Jerusalem.
J. Mercy Seat in Hebrew literally means a
bloody covering, pointing directly to Christ’s blood shed for our Sins.
K. So the Mercy seat was covering the sins of
1) Punished, Pardoned, Ransomed because of
Jesus.
a)
Psa
32:1 “How happy is he whose transgression
is forgiven, whose sin is covered.”
2) Covered forever by the blood of Jesus, by
the righteousness of Jesus!
a)
Rom
3:25 - 26 “who God displayed publicly as
a propitiation in His blood through faith. To demonstrate His righteousness,
because in the forbearance of God He passed over the sins previously
committed;” vs 26 “for the demonstration of His righteousness at the present
time, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in
Jesus.”
L. So, the Mercy Seat becomes the place of
judgment for sin and they are covered with the lid and with the blood.
M. Therefore, as God’s Justice and
Righteousness combined with His Love becomes His mercy; and as His Mercy views
the intercessory atonement of Christ on our behalf, they (J & R) are
satisfied. - Propitiation.
1)
Heb
12:24 “and to Jesus, the mediator of a
new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood,
- which speaks better than the blood of Abel.”
N. Further References: Heb 9:11 - 10:23