Tabernacle Studies
TABERNACLE STUDIES
HOUSE OF GOLD:- How God commanded Moses to make a sanctuary that He may dwell among His people. Exodus 25:8 to 40:38 and Heb. 9:1-28.
:- How God commanded Moses to make a sanctuary that He may dwell among His people. Exodus 25:8 to 40:38 and Heb. 9:1-28.INTRODUCTION:-
God desires to live among men, He want people to live close to Him, that is the major reason why He commanded Moses to make a sanctuary that He may dwell among His people Exodus 25:8.
God also desires to live among men now, in our time and in the future, and also, in the time of the new heaven and the new earth. Rev. 21:1-3; I Cor.6:19-20. The Tabernacle reflects in its plan, God thoughts, tells of heaven glory, the golden city and of the New Jerusalem. Heb. 9:23-24 (Patterns of things in heaven are the items of the tabernacle).
The center of heaven is our Lord Jesus Christ in whom all riches and glory are to be found because He is the center of God’s thoughts from eternity to eternity.
The Tabernacle (House of gold) was not to be built according to human ideas but according to God’s specific design which He showed to Moses when he spent forty days with God on mount Sinai (Exodus 24:18). During the making of the tabernacle, the Lord gave constant reminders that it must be as He had instructed Moses (Exodus 39:42).
God is love and that is why He wanted to dwell with men; the only entrance to the court of the tabernacle was the gate which signify Jesus Christ as the only way to God almighty. John 14:6.
A GENERAL VIEW OF THE TABERNACLE (Using diagram to do the illustration).
THE GATE: - Exodus 27:16.
: - Exodus 27:16.The door is wide. Not many doors are as wide as that door. God’s love made the door wide so that all that wants to may enter. I Tim.2:3-4; Rev.22:17.
It is a beautiful door of four colours:- (a) Blue (Love John 3:16); (b) Purple (Judgement Jn.16:8-11); (c)Scarlet (Blood Col.1:13-14); and White (Rev.3:5 & 18). Jesus Christ character is described through these four colours.
The door is easily entered. Young and old, even a child can enter. Matt.11:28-30.
There is only one door. (John 10:9, Ephe. 2:18; 3:12). People cannot be saved in their own way (as some people believe). The only one way to salvation and mediator between God and men is Jesus Christ. I Tim. 2:5. He alone give access to God’s dwelling.
THE COURT.
.The Brazen Altar of Burnt Offering:-
The fear of God makes man’s conscience to trouble him when he committed sin and it makes him come to God who lives in the tabernacle for cleansing because no one flee or hide away from God’s presence.
A sinner enters into the tabernacle court through the wide open gate (i.e. Lord Jesus Christ). He explains to the priest who will kill the animal he brought on the brazen altar of burnt offering.
SPRITUAL APPLICATION:-
:-The Altar and the offering speak of Jesus Christ and His work of atonement on the cross. This is the focus of all God’s thoughts and the only ground of salvation for sinners.
God’s Plan:- It precede the devil’s plan to destroy all mankind through sin. God who is light (I john 1:5) had to judge man righteously and punish him but because He is also love ( I John 4:8 &16); He now send His only begotten son down to earth to die in the place of guilty sinners ( i.e. Man. John 3:17-18; I Jn. 3:1; John 3:16).
Throughout the Old Testament, each altar and each animal offered as a sacrifice, pointed to God’s beloved son and the way in which, one day, He would come to earth to suffer and die on that awful cross. (Numbers 21:8-9; John 3:14-16; I Tim. 2:3-6).
The Entire God Head was involved in the salvation of man:-
The Father gave His son. I Jn. 4:14.
The Son gave Himself. Gal. 2:20.
He offered Himself through the "Eternal Spirit". Heb. 9:14.
The Laver (Ex.30:17-21):-
(Ex.30:17-21):-The Laver was not very important to an ordinary Israelite because he or she is forbidden to the Holy place. It is meant for the priest to wash himself before he is fit to enter the Holy place as a purified priest. The reason why they need to wash themselves is because God is holy and they constantly defile themselves, so, they have strict orders to purify themselves at the laver, otherwise they would never be able to render an undefiled service to God.
SPIRITUAL APPLICATION
Those who has accepted the offering of the lord Jesus Christ through his precious blood shed on the cross of Calvary by confessing their sins and believing in Christ has been made to be priests unto God. Every child of God is equally a priest. I Pet. 2:5&9. As a child of God, but once in a while, you can still be defiled by sin. The ‘Word’ must remove this impurity by means of confession of guilt because Jesus Christ is our Advocate with the father who cleanses our feet through the washing of water. This is often repeated.
NOTE:-
The significance of the water in the laver before entering the ‘Holy place’ is to cleanse us by the word of God. Ephe. 5:26; Jn.15:6. Jesus blood speaks of atonement while the water speaks of cleansing.
In the book of John 13:8, Jesus wash the feet of His disciples so that they might have part with Him beacause the altar burnt offering only give us part in Him. That is why as a Christian today, we must maintain that part (that is our daily fellowship with Him) Jn. 15:1-5.
The world pollute or defile Christians (that is genuine children of God) base on what they see, touch, hear, think or say, that is why spiritual feet wash (with the word of God) is necessary to be done everyday of our life.
WHO WASHES OUR FEET:-
:-God’s word (Jesus Christ) is so powerful that it searches us to see the wrong things we’ve done, led us to be a believer or a Christian who have a cleansed life. I John 2:1-2.
When should we confess our sin?
As a child of God (born of God’s Spirit. Rom. 8:14), committing sin will make us sad, unable to pray and misses communion with Him back, we need to confess our sin honestly to Him immediately or every end of each day before we go to bed or sleep. That is why as a Christian, the laver (that is God’s word) warns us that we must walk carefully, so that we does not cause our Saviour and our heavenly father sorrow (by living in sin or committing sin every time). But whenever a Christian has fallen and has been raised up by grace, he obtains a renewed peace and fellowship with his or her Redeemer defying description. Titus 2:7-8.
WHO IS A LEVITE?
?The Levites are those that carry the ark with the poles which speak of Christ. The objects of the house of God (i.e. the table and the ark) were to be carried by the Levites by using the poles and every one who met them in the wilderness could see that they were carrying precious treasures.
NOTE:- Likewise today, we believers also carry wonderful things along with us. We show others who He is and what we possess in Him. In this way, we witness for Him, so those sinners may be saved. (But are we doing this? Are the poles on our shoulders). People can know about the redeemed sinners by spreading the gospel, therefore, my brethren, let us do our share of the work. I Peter 2:9; 1:2.
WHAT IS THE DUTY OF A PRIEST:-
:-The duty of a priest is to minister unto God on behalf of people; that is why a priest need to purify himself and be pure before God always so as to be fit for the Lord’s service. Exo. 28:1-2; 29:1-21; II Tim. 2:19-21; I Pet. 2:9; Rev. 1:6.
THE HIGH PRIEST:-
:-The High Priest office is higher than the other priests are because He assigns duty to the other priests and is their leader and typical example in all things before God.
The High Priest Garment:-
The Ephod: - is the high priest top garment. Ex. 39:3. Thread of gold is use to worked `through it speaks of heavenly glory. Today, Jesus Christ is our High Priest in heaven. He understands everything about you and me. Heb. 4:14-15.
The Stones set in the Shoulder plates:- contain engraved name of the Israelites twelve tribes. Today, Jesus Christ carries all who belongs to Him on His strong shoulder, just as the good shepherd carries the lamb on his shoulders. (Ps. 23:1-6).
The breastplate:- was square and also embroidered with gold and on it were twelve different, sparkling precious stones, set in gold with the names of the twelve tribes engraved in them. Today, the Lord Jesus Christ upholds the church as a whole (on His shoulders) but He also know us individually (the breastplate). That is why once you are saved, your name is known in heaven because Jesus Christ values you in His loving heart always. Jesus Christ ever lives to make intercession for us.
Urim and Thummim:- It makes the priest to be able to tell God’s will. Through them God gave His answer, and the inquirer obtained perfect light on how to act. Today, our High Priest is in heaven, and by means of prayer we have a direct connection with Him. We can approach our High Priest with every problem. He is there for us. He lives for His own. He doesn’t leave us in doubt. We can tell Him everything, and then we must wait patiently for His answer. In His own time. He will make the path clear to us.
The robe:-was made entirely of blue colour. Pomegranates in three colours, alternating with golden bells were attached to the lower hem. The amount of sound made by the bell equaled the amount of fruit: words and works were there in equal measure.
The mitre:- Upon the High Priest forehead is attached mitre or headpiece of fine woven linen, it was a golden plate on which was engraved: "HOLINESS TO THE LORD". The people of God in themselves were unworthy. But God saw that plate of gold with its inscription and so Israel was sanctified. In our time God’s people are also sanctified and acceptable to God, but only in and through the Lord Jesus Christ, our great High Priest. Heb. 6:18-20.
THE HOLY PLACE
The Candle stick. (ii) The table of showbread and (iii) The Golden Altar of Incense.
THE CANDLE STICK:- Christ is the light of the world. John 9:5. The seven oil lamps were filled with olive oil, which is a type of the Holy Spirit (Zech. 4:1-6). So, it is with the believers or christians who are closely connected with Christ: they can spread light as well, but, they can only do so by the Holy Spirit. (Matt. 5:14-16). A Christian whose life is clogged by uncleanness does not spread light. Let us remember that the light we give should not fall on us, but on the Lord Jesus Christ(because, the light first of all fall on the shaft of the candlestick, which is Christ). Numbers 8:2-3; Rev. 21:21 & 23).
:- Christ is the light of the world. John 9:5. The seven oil lamps were filled with olive oil, which is a type of the Holy Spirit (Zech. 4:1-6). So, it is with the believers or christians who are closely connected with Christ: they can spread light as well, but, they can only do so by the Holy Spirit. (Matt. 5:14-16). A Christian whose life is clogged by uncleanness does not spread light. Let us remember that the light we give should not fall on us, but on the Lord Jesus Christ(because, the light first of all fall on the shaft of the candlestick, which is Christ). Numbers 8:2-3; Rev. 21:21 & 23).THE TABLE OF SHOWBREAD:- The table is Christ and just as the table bore the loaves of bread (so, Jesus Christ also bear’s God’s today). The twelve loaves of bread signify the entire Nation of Israel. Today, our hearts, love and prayers should embrace the entire people of God (been in unity in Christ. John 17:9-11). The Priest eat the loaves every Sabbath and replaced by new loaves. (John 6:the true Bread feeds the life of the Christian 32-58 -). .Feeding upon Him, being occupied with Him through His word, receiving Him and enjoying Him ensure spiritual growth and true blessing.
:- The table is Christ and just as the table bore the loaves of bread (so, Jesus Christ also bear’s God’s today). The twelve loaves of bread signify the entire Nation of Israel. Today, our hearts, love and prayers should embrace the entire people of God (been in unity in Christ. John 17:9-11). The Priest eat the loaves every Sabbath and replaced by new loaves. (John 6:the true Bread feeds the life of the Christian 32-58 -). .Feeding upon Him, being occupied with Him through His word, receiving Him and enjoying Him ensure spiritual growth and true blessing.THE GOLDEN ALTAR OF INCENSE:- Only sweet-smelling incense could be burnt on the golden altar. The pleasant odour of the incense rose up to God.
:- Only sweet-smelling incense could be burnt on the golden altar. The pleasant odour of the incense rose up to God.The Candle stick. (ii) The table of showbread and (iii) The Golden Altar of Incense.
THE CANDLE STICK:- Christ is the light of the world. John 9:5. The seven oil lamps were filled with olive oil, which is a type of the Holy Spirit (Zech. 4:1-6). So, it is with the believers or christians who are closely connected with Christ: they can spread light as well, but, they can only do so by the Holy Spirit. (Matt. 5:14-16). A Christian whose life is clogged by uncleanness does not spread light. Let us remember that the light we give should not fall on us, but on the Lord Jesus Christ(because, the light first of all fall on the shaft of the candlestick, which is Christ). Numbers 8:2-3; Rev. 21:21 & 23).
:- Christ is the light of the world. John 9:5. The seven oil lamps were filled with olive oil, which is a type of the Holy Spirit (Zech. 4:1-6). So, it is with the believers or christians who are closely connected with Christ: they can spread light as well, but, they can only do so by the Holy Spirit. (Matt. 5:14-16). A Christian whose life is clogged by uncleanness does not spread light. Let us remember that the light we give should not fall on us, but on the Lord Jesus Christ(because, the light first of all fall on the shaft of the candlestick, which is Christ). Numbers 8:2-3; Rev. 21:21 & 23).THE TABLE OF SHOWBREAD:- The table is Christ and just as the table bore the loaves of bread (so, Jesus Christ also bear’s God’s today). The twelve loaves of bread signify the entire Nation of Israel. Today, our hearts, love and prayers should embrace the entire people of God (been in unity in Christ. John 17:9-11). The Priest eat the loaves every Sabbath and replaced by new loaves. (John 6:the true Bread feeds the life of the Christian 32-58 -). .Feeding upon Him, being occupied with Him through His word, receiving Him and enjoying Him ensure spiritual growth and true blessing.
:- The table is Christ and just as the table bore the loaves of bread (so, Jesus Christ also bear’s God’s today). The twelve loaves of bread signify the entire Nation of Israel. Today, our hearts, love and prayers should embrace the entire people of God (been in unity in Christ. John 17:9-11). The Priest eat the loaves every Sabbath and replaced by new loaves. (John 6:the true Bread feeds the life of the Christian 32-58 -). .Feeding upon Him, being occupied with Him through His word, receiving Him and enjoying Him ensure spiritual growth and true blessing.THE GOLDEN ALTAR OF INCENSE:- Only sweet-smelling incense could be burnt on the golden altar. The pleasant odour of the incense rose up to God.
:- Only sweet-smelling incense could be burnt on the golden altar. The pleasant odour of the incense rose up to God.Incense speaks of the saint’s prayers and also signifies thanksgiving, praise and worship of God’s people. Heb.13:15; Ps. 141:2; Rev. 8:3. Today, Jesus Christ brings our prayers and thanksgiving to God. (It could not be acceptable to God if they came directly from us, Christ purifies and sanctifies them). In this way, every believer or Christian may approach God as a priest, but besides this, all the children of God together, as a holy priesthood can offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. ( I Pet. 2:5-9).
Worship is the highest thing a man can give for considering Christ redemptive work on the cross for His greatness His wonderful love his many other glories and us. (The true remains that we shall never be able to give sufficient thanks for the redemption accomplished and for the blessing that we have received from it). But incense (worship), is more than thanksgiving. It is enjoying the person of the son, His beauty, His love and all His personal riches with the father. This is a sweet-smelling savour to the father. (E.g. Mary of Bethany. Jn. 12:1-3). She offers sweet smelling incense.
The Floor:- The house floor was sand. The House of God in all its splendor and beauty, set apart for the highest majesty, yet it has an earthen floor ?. (Yes, the House of God with all those golden objects stood on the sand).
For us this means that: - God’s people are on a journey, through a desert that has nothing to offer the new Christian’s life. There are difficulties, sadness and disappointment, sickness and death around us. But we are not alone because God is with us in the desert. He does not lose sight of His people. Matt. 28:18-20. Brethren hold out a little longer, for He is with us. Soon the goal will be reached, and we shall be with Him forever and ever (Amen). Revelation 3:5 & 21.
THE HOLY OF HOLIES
TEXT:- Exodus 25:10-22. The ark is inside the Holy of Holies. Everything pertaining to the ark was made of gold. On the ark lay a large golden lid, the mercy seat, with the golden cherubim over it. Here God dwelt, unapproachable in dazzling light. It is a good thing that we do not live under the law but in the age of grace (Rom. 6:14). Those who belong to Christ may now contemplate the glory of the Lord with uncovered faces (II Cor. 3:18). Inside the ark is the tablets with the law, that is the ten commandments, the golden pot with manna and finally, the Aaron’s almond rod that budded (Num. 17:10; Hebrew 9:3-4).
The Mercy Seat:- Covered the ark. Here was the throne of God; it was of pure gold. This throne should have been a throne of judgement, the law, transgressed by Israel, lay beneath it. But once a year, the high priest sprinkled blood on the seat (The blood spoke of the perfect sacrifice and by means of this blood the throne of judgement was changed into a throne of grace. Rom. 3:25).
The Cherubim:- are exalted beings which guard God’s throne. They were connected with grace in the tabernacle and spread their wings over the mercy seat, their faces looked down, as if in admiration at the blood that was sprinkled upon it.
The Throne:- Through the once entering of our Lord Jesus Christ into God’s presence (Holy of Holies) has obtained an eternal redemption. Heb. 9:12; 4:16. Now a throne of judgement has been turn to a throne of mercy and grace. Whoever comes now to the throne of mercy and blessing now is happy person indeed and this time for grace is now approaching its end. At the time of Christ’s return, the time of judgement will begin. Revelation 20:11-15 (All that do not come to the throne of grace will stand before that terrible, majestic throne.
It is our earnest desire that we who have the opportunity to do the "TABERNACLE STUDIES" should become happy for time and eternity in Jesus name (Amen).
THE HOUSE OF GOLD (HOUSE OF GOD) IN SUMMARY.
.We are outside, far from God. We are sinners, enemies. We had a great debt and deserved to stay outside in our misery, in outer darkness, in eternal night.
We entered through the open door. The Lord Jesus Christ was that door. At the altar we saw God’s love for us, which caused His only son to be slain on the cross. There we found reconciliation and peace with God. So, we came to the house of gold.
It surpassed all our expectations. We saw the riches of our Lord Jesus Christ in the candlestick, the table of showbread and the golden altar. Through the veil, we came into the heavenly light surrounding the throne of God. There is our home. God wants to have lost sinners there. Is this a dream?, NO, it is reality !. Now we grasp it by faith, but soon we shall see it in reality.
What love God revealed! How great is His grace! How wonderful is the person who accomplished all this, the son of God! None can be compared to Him! "He who testifies these things says, surely I come quickly". Rev. 22:20.
When He has come to take His own to His home above, the eternal song of praise of the countless redeemed ones will sound through the halls of heaven.
It will be a grand choir, the singing will be with perfect voices, accompanied by perfect music played on harps.
Will you be there too? Will you go with us when He comes to take His own into His house of gold? What a privilege it is to be on the journey there! You may join us. You are welcome!
