The Truth of the Tabernacle

Scriptures: Chapters Ex 25-28, 35-40; Dt 1-4, 7-10, 17; Heb 4-10; I Pt 2

I.         Tabernacle- Its name and significance

A.     “The Tabernacle of the Lord” or “The Temple of the Lord” (I Kg 2:28; I Ch 9:23; I Ch 6:48)

B.     “The Tent of Meeting" or "The Tent of Revelation”
(Ex 25:22; 29:42, 43; 33:7, 11; Num 11:16; 12:4; 17:4; Dt 31:14)

C.     “The Dwelling Place of the Lord” or “The House of the God” (Ex 25:8; Jg 18:31)

D.     “The Tabernacle of Testimony” or “The Tabernacle of the Ark” (Ex 38:21; Num 9:15; 10:11)

E.     “The Sanctuary of the Lord” or “The Earthly Sanctuary”
(Ex 25:8; 19:20; Lev 10:17; Num 19:20; Hb 9:1; Ex 29:43, 44)

II.    The History of Building the Tabernacle

A.     The Time - Its construction began 6 months after the Israelites departed from Egypt and completed at the end of that year. Erected on the first day of the first month of the following year (Ex 40:17).

B.     The Place - At the foot of Mt. Sinai. (Ex 19:1)

III.  The Journey of Tabernacle

A.     Established first at the foot of Mt. Sinai. (Ex 40:1-33)

B.     Traveled in the wilderness 40 years along with the Israelites (Ex 40:34-38; Num 9:15-23; 10:11, 12, 35, 36)

C.     Entered Canaan and placed at Gilgal (Josh 4:19; 5:10; 9:6; 10:6, 43)

D.     Later relocated to Shiloh until the time of Judges (Josh 18:1; 19:51; 18:31, I Sam 1:3, 9)

E.     Moved to Nob (I Sam 21:1-6)

F.      Moved to Gibeon (I Kg 3:4; I Ch 21:29; II Ch 1:3)

G.     Moved into the Temple after the Temple was constructed (I Kg 8:4; II Ch 5:4, 5; 35:3)

H.    It took about 491 years from the first erection of the Tabernacle  to the completion of the Temple of God (I Kg 6:1, 37, 38)

IV.  The Progression of the Tabernacle and Its Pre-figuration

A.     The Alter of Sacrifice. (Gen 8:20)

Abraham who regarded God as the center of his life (Gen 12:7, 8; 13:18)

B.     The Tabernacle within the Camp. (Ex 25:8, 9; Nm 2:1, 2)

C.     The Tabernacle outside the Camp (Ex 33:7-11)

D.     The Temple of God (I Kg 6:38; 8:1-11)

E.     The body of believers (I Cor 6:16; II Cor 5:1-4)

F.      The True Church (Hb 8:1-6; 9:11; Rev 21:1-13)

V.     The Construction of the Tabernacle.

A.     The outer court

1.        The gate

2.        The hangings

3.        The bronze altar

4.        The laver

B.     The inner court (the Sanctuary or the holy place)

1.        The curtains

2.        The table of showbread

3.        The golden altar of incense

4.        The golden lampstand

5.        The coverings

C.     The most holy place (the holy of holies)

1.        The veil

2.        The ark of covenant

3.        The holy garment of the high priest

VI.  The Materials of the Tabernacle, Its Spiritual Teachings, and Pre-figurations

*  There were a total of 25 kinds of materials (Ex 25:1-7; 28:16-20)

Pref -- Lord's divine virtue, beauty and indispensable quality of the servant of God.

A.     Gold --  the major holy vessels in the holy and the most holy places (Ex 25:10-40)

·         The major material of the priests' holy garment (Ex 28:1-42)

·         Pref-- the glory and the divine nature of the Lord (Mt 2:11; Hb 1:1-3; Rev 19:16)

·         Excellency, purity, steadfastness and tested faith (Prov 17:3; I Pet 1:7)

B.     Silver-- the sockets under the board for the tennons (Ex 26:15-25). The hooks of the pillars and their fillets (Ex 27:9-11)

·         Pref -  cleansed (Ps 12:6; 66:10; Col 3:9; Mal 3:3)

·         Price of redemption (Nm 3:44-51; I Pet 1:18, 19)

C.     Brass-  altar and all of its vessels, taches, the sockets of the pillars, the laver, the socket of the door (Ex 26:11, 37; 27:2-19; 30:18; 38:30)

Pref -  brightness, holiness, solidity, affliction (Rev 1:15, 2:18; Ph 2:15, 16; Eph 5:8, 9)

D.     Blue-- the curtain, the covers, the veil (Ex 26:1, 31; 27:16)

Pref -- heavenly, spiritual (Ex 24:10; Jn 3:13; 18:36; Ph 3:20)

E.     Purple- the curtain, the covers, the veil (Ex 26:1, 31; 27:16)

Pref -- kingship and honor (Es 8:15; Dn 5:7; Lk 16:19)

F.      Scarlet- the curtain, the covers, the veil (Ex 26:1, 31; 27:16)

Pref - shedding of blood, sacrifice of life and redemption (Josh 2:18; Hb 9:12, 22; Rev 5:9, 10)

G.     Fine twined linen- the curtain, the covers, the veil (Ex 26:1, 31; 27:16)

Pref -- holy, sanctified (Hb 7:26: Rev 15:6; 19:8)

H.    Goats' hair- the curtains (Ex 26:7)

Pref -- neatness, endurance and obedience (Mt 11:29; Is 53:7; I Pt 2:21-23)

I.       Ram skins- covers (Ex 26:14)

Pref - shedding blood, sacrifice of life and redemption (Gen 3:21; 22:13; Jn.1:29; Lk 3:27; Is 61:10)

J.      Badgers' skins- covers (Ex 26:14)

·         The marine life of the Red Sea. Has large size skin, can reach 572' sq., extremely durable in the wilderness, very precious. Used to embroider cloth, fine linen. Strong, used for leather sandals (Ez 16: 10). .

·         Pref -- no outward beauty but is long lasting & durable (Is 53:2; Song 1:5, 6; I Cor 1:26-29; 4:13)

K.    Shittim wood- the ark, the table of showbread, the boards, the altar, the staves, bars for the boards, pillars (Ex 25:10, 23, 28; 26:15, 26, 32; 27:1)

·         The only tree that can grow well in the wilderness (Is 41:19). Has strong life, fine grained, brown color and insect repelling.

·         Pref -- insect repelling, resistant to sin and prevents corruption (Rom 12:2; Heb 4:15; I Pet 4:1, 2; I Jn 3:9; 14:13)

L.     Olive oil -- golden lampstand (Ex 27:20)

Pref –

1.        The Holy Spirit (Acts 10:38; Hb 1:9)

2.        Total self-sacrifice (Mt. 26:36-39)

M.   Sweet incense - anointing oil and incense (Ex 25:6)

Pref - the fragrance of Christ, self-sacrifice, divine love and prayer (Mt 2:11; Eph 5:2; Rev 5:8; 8:3, 4)

N.     12 Kinds of Precious Stones- garment of the high priest (Ex 25:7; 28:17-20)

Pref - perfect and excellent spiritual virtue (I Pet 2:4, 5; 3:1-5; II Pet 1:5-8)

 

 

VII.           The Important Spiritual Teachings of the Tabernacle.

* Every compartment and holy vessel of the Tabernacle has hidden precious spiritual teachings.

(I Cor 2:10-13; II Cor 3:6; Heb 10:1; Rev 2:17)

A.     The Outer Court- only chosen people (the Israelites) are allowed to enter

1.       The gate (Ex 27:13-16)

 Pref - Lord Jesus (Jn 10:9; 14:6) and his body- the True Church (Eph 1:23; Rev 21:1-3, 25; Ps 100:4)

 a.      Facing toward the East (Ex 27:13, 14) - The True Church will appear in the East (Ez 43:1, 2; Mt 24:27; Rev 7:1-3)

 b.      b. The entrance of Salvation- the regeneration of water baptism and the renewing of the Holy Spirit (Gal 3:27; Jn 3:5; Ac 2:38; Titus 3:5)

2.       Hangings 150’ L x 75’ W x 7.5’ H (Ex 27:9-19)

 a.      Hangings were made of fine twined linen to separate the court and the world.

 b.      Inside dwells holiness while outside is filthiness -- The church is the holy new lump (II Cor 5:6-8)

 c.      Must separate from the world (Lev 20:24, 26; Num 23:9; I Cor 5:6-8)

 d.      Believers must not imitate the world and live in sin; they must live a holy life which belongs to God. Their thoughts, words, deeds, adornments, clothing, hobby, habit and leisure living must be different from the sinful world (Rom 12:2; II Cor 6:14-18; Col 3:5-10; I Pet 1:13-16)

 e.      The hooks of the pillars and their fillets are made of silver (Ex 27: 11) - The church desperately needs the steadfast and tested faith as her pillars (II Ch 3:15-17; Gal 2:9; Is 28:16)

 f.       Cords were used to connect and support the hangings (Ex 35:18)

Only the cords of love can truly unite and support the church (Hos 11:4; Eph 4:1-3, 14-16; Heb 3:12-14)

3.       The altar. (Ex 27:1-8)

 a.      The altar of burnt offering- by way of total sacrifice people's sins is redeemed (Ex 30:28; Lev 1:1-17)

Pref - Lord Jesus laid down his life and broken his body upon the cross in order to redeem the sins of the world (Heb 10:5-8; 13:10-13)

 b.      The altar was made of shittim wood and covered by brass (Ex 27:1, 2; Ps 66:18)

Pref - Lord Jesus’ perfection and holiness even sinless within (Jn 14:30). He experienced bitter trial and afflictions for us (Mt 16:21; I Pet 4:12, 13).

 

 

 

 

 

 c.      The altar has four comers (Ex 27:1) - The salvation of the cross is giving to all nations, all tribe and all tongues (from north, east, south, west) (Rev 7:9)

The abundant love of the Lord is bestowed on all humanity (Eph 3:16-20). He died for the sins of the whole world (I Tim 2:5, 6; I Jn 2:1, 2). The four horns (Ex 27:2) - The cross is the mighty power of God (Lk 1:69; I Cor 1:18)

 d.      The altar was hollow (Ex 27: 8) - The humble and lowly Lord (Ph 2:6-8)

 e.      The altar was laid outside the gate of the sanctuary (Ex 41:6, 29)

Christ will be crucified outside the gate of the city of Jerusalem (Hb 13:11-13)

 f.       The altar of Abraham and his sacrifice (Gen 12:7-8; 13:4; 18:18; 22:9-14)

The sacrifice of Solomon (II Ch 7:1-7)

The sacrifice of Elijah (I Kg 18:30-40)

The altar of the cross (Heb 10:4-7)

 g.      Heavenly fire and unauthorized fire (Lev 10:1-7; I Kg 18:38). Heavenly fire and human fire.

4.       The laver (Ex 30:17-21; 38:8)

* The word of God as a mirror - reflect the true faith of the inner man; makes us examine and cleanse ourselves (Js 1:21-25; I Pet 1:22-23; Ps 119:9-11).

 

 

 

* The spirit of God as a mirror – quicken the inner man 'and makes us see our own weakness, insufficiency and debt so that we will have strong self-reproof and renewal (Jn 16:8; Rm 8:26-27; Tit 3:5)

 a.      Priests must wash their body, hands and feet prior to entering the sanctuary or to serve God before the altar (Ex 29:4; 30:17-21) -- Believers must sanctify themselves before they serve God (Is 52:11, 12; Zech 3:1-7; II Tim 2:20-22).

 b.      It was made of brass (the mirror for the women who serve before the sanctuary) (Ex 38:8) -

The word of God is our mirror for self-examination and cleansing (Jam 1:21-25, Ps 119:9-11)

5.       The curtains. (Ex 26:36, 37; 36:37, 38)

* The beautiful hanging of the door of the tent (Ex 26:36)

 The spiritual beauty of the Lord (Songs 1:16, 17; 2:1, 2; Mk 9:2, 3)

 

 

 

 

 

B.     The Sanctuary- only priests and the Levites on duty may enter (II Chron 23:6)

6.       The table of showbread (Ex 25:23-30; 26:35; Lev 24:5-9)

 a.      There shall be the bread of presence on the table always (Num 4:7) - Believers should receive the words of God daily through attending service, bible study and constant meditation on the words of God. They should eat the bread of life constantly (Mt 4:4; Jn 6:63).

 

 

 

 

 b.      It should be presented before the Lord every Sabbath. Aaron and his descendants must eat it in the sanctuary (Lev 24:8, 9). We should receive the word of God especially on the Sabbath day (Is 58:13, 14).

 c.      Table was covered with pure gold (Lev 24:6) - The word of God is extremely precious and more valuable than fine gold (Ps 19:9, 10; 119:127)

 d.      The showbread was baked upon the fire, and the pure frankincense was laid upon it. There were 12 bread (Lev 24:5, 7) - The word of God is pure and refined. It will stand in all circumstances and generations. It is the unchangeable perfect troth (Ps 18:30; Heb 13:8; II Tim 1:13, 14)

7.       The Golden Altar of Incense (Ex 30:1-10, 34-38; 37:25-29)

* Pref - The Lord shall live forever and intercedes for the saints (I Tim 2:4, 5; He 7:25). The prayer of the saints profound spiritual communion with God (Ps 141:2; Rev 5:8; 8:3, 4; I Cor 14:2)

 

 

 

 a.      It has four squares (Ex 30:2) -- to intercede for all nations, tribes, races and tongues (I Tim 2:1)

 b.      Burn incense in the early morning (Ex 30:7), evening (Ex 30:8) and generations after generations (Ex 30:8)

(a)     Burning incense-- pray deeply and constantly (Eph 6:18) and unceasingly (I Thess 5:17)

(b)     Live a praying life. (Ps 55: 16, 17)

The praying life of Jesus (Mk 1:35; Mt 14:22-25)

The praying life of Daniel (Dan 6:10, 11)

The praying life of Peter (Acts 3:1; 10:9)

The praying life of Anna (Lk 2:36-37)

 c.      The altar of incense in the church (Acts 4:30; 6:4)

 d.      The altar of incense in the family (Acts 10:1-7)

8.       Golden Lampstand (Ex 25:31-40; 27:20-21; 31:8; Lev 24:1-4; Num 8:1-4; Zech 4:2)

Pref --    The Lord Jesus (Jn 8:12; Lk 1:78-79; Rev 21:3)

The True Church (Rev 1:20)

The spiritual believer (Mt 5:14-16; Phil 2:15-16)

 

 

 

 a.      Made of a piece of solid pure gold (Ex 25:31, 36; Num 8:4). It resembles an almond tree (Ex 25:31-35), has a knop and a flower in each branch.

(a)     The fruit of almond is highly nutritious; can benefit people (I Cor 10:23-24, 33; Gal 5:22-23)

(b)     The faith of pure gold - the best material and the most precious faith (I Cor 2:11, 12). It was obtained through a high price of affliction and trial (I Pet 1:6, 7)

 b.      The source of light--pure olive oil (Lev 24:1, 2), refers to Holy Spirit (Acts 10:38)

Its brightest spot is in the center (Mt 6:22, 23) - brightness in heart (Dan 5:11, 14)

Be filled with the Holy Spirit (Eph 5:18; Acts 11:24). Constantly adding the oil (Ex 27:20).

Go and purchase the oil now (Mt 25:1-13; Lk 11:8, 13)

 c.      The pipe of the lampstand must be often cleansed, managed (Lev 24:3, 4; Ex 7:21; 30:7), so that the oil may flow through it freely. Constantly watchful and self-cleansing: keep our eyes, hearts and body holy to remove all the obstacles and impurities (Pro 4:23-27; I Pet 1:13-16).

 d.      Seven candle lights shine toward each other, day and night  must not be quenched (Ex 25:37) --

Both physically and spiritually (Mt 5:28; I Pet 4:12)

There is no darkness in our hearts and daily life.

Walk perfectly with the Lord, like the light in the dark world (Mt 5:48; I Pet 2:12)

 e.      Only those who live in a praying and self-cleansing life are able to reflect the glory and divine nature of the Lord (Ex 34:29; Dan 6:10-11; II Cor 3:17, 18)

9.       The Coverings (Ex 26:1-14)

This is the top cover for the tabernacle. Total of 4 layers.

 a.       The first layer (innermost) -- was made of blue, purple, scarlet, fine, twined linen embroidered with cherubim of intricate work on them. Total of 10 curtains (42’ x 6’ each).

 b.      The second layer was made of goats’ hair. Total of 11 curtains (45' x 6' each)

 c.      The third layer - dyed red goat skin

 d.      The fourth layer (outermost) -- badger skins

(a)     Prefigure there's no external beauty (wealth, position, worldly knowledge, background and appearance) (Is 53:2, 3; Mt 13:53-57; Jn 1:46; II Cor 5:16) in Christ and the church.

But filled of the true substance and inner beauty (truth, spiritual virtue and love) (Mt 11:28, 29; Jn 6:15; 11:36)

(b)     God looks upon our hearts and the reality of our faith (I   Sam 16:7)

Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain (Prov 31:30). "Hypocrisy" is the most abominable in the eyes of God (Mt 6:1-18; 23:13-28).

Only the inward beauty is most precious and incorruptible (I Tim 2:8-11; II Pet 3:1-5)

C.     The Most Holy Place -

Only the high priest may enter with the blood of the goats and the calves once a year on the day of Atonement to redeem the sins of the Israelites (Hb 9:7)

10.   The veil. (Ex 26:31-33) - The separation between the holy place and the most holy place (Ex 26:33).

Pref --The body of the Lord (He 10:19-20)

 a.      The veil was tom apart from the top to the bottom (Mt 27:51) -- The Lord has broken his body for our sins (Lk 22:19) through his blood and the sacrifice of life has destroyed the wall of sin between men and God (Eph 2:13-18), so that all believers (the spiritual priests) (I Pet 2:9; Rev 5:9, 10) may enter boldly to the holy of holies to meet God face to face, and to receive mercy and grace before the throne of grace (He 4:16; I Jn 5:14)

 b.      The veil was made of blue, purple, scarlet, fine twined linen and embroidered with cherubim of intricate work on them.

The blue-heavenly, son of God (Jn. 3:13; Hb 1:3-5)

The purple-- the King (Jn 18:36-37; Rev 19:16)

The scarlet- laying down his own life (Jn 15:13)

The fine linen- holy and perfect (Heb 4:14, 15)

 c.      The four faces of cherubim (the angels) (Ez 10:14)

The face of the angel- God's messenger, totally submissive to God's will (Jn 4:34)

The face of man- the image of God, divine spirituality (Gen 1:7; I Cor 15:45; Eph 4:24)

The face of lion- the king of kings and the lord of lords (Phil 2:9-11)

The face of eagle-- spiritual wisdom and power (Lk 2:40, 52; I Cor 2:14, 15; Is 40:31; Lk 4:14)

11.   The Ark (Ex 25:10-22)

 a.      The other names:

The Ark of Covenant (Ex 26:34)

The Holy Ark (II Cor 35:3)

The Ark of God (I Sam 3:3; 4:11; 5:1)

The Ark of Thy Strength (Ps 132:8)

 b.      Material: Shittim wood covered by pure gold (Ex 25:10, 11)

 c.      The mercy seat (Ex 25:17-22)

The blood of goat and calves were sprinkled on the east, front and the top of the mercy seat (Lev 16:14-15).

Where the blood of Jesus covered the sins of man, there is the mercy and grace of God (Heb 9:5; 4:15-16).

 

 

 

 d.      Cherubim (Ex 25:18; 37:7)

Prefigure the perfect believers.

(a)     The mercy seat is their resting place -- (Ps 27:4; 84:1-4)

The temple of God is their home.

(b)     Made of pure gold -- excellent and refined faith (II Tim 2:20-21)

(c)     Two joined together- work in one mind, one accord (Ecc 4:9-12)

Their faces looked at one another and toward the mercy seat - Constantly looking upon the grace of the Lord (Ps 25:15; II Cor 12:9). Remember the blood and sacrifice of the Lord always (II Cor 5:14-15; Gal 2:20)

(d)     Their wings shall stretch forth on high covering the mercy seat- Always meditate the things above (Col 3:1-4).

God meet and speak with people between two cherubims - God's abidance and revelation and union in spirit with the saints (I Cor 6:17; 14:2)

 e.      Three precious things in the ark of covenant. (Hb 9:4)

(a)     A golden pot of manna

·         Manna- it was like coriander seed, little round and white. Has the color of bdwellium. Tastes like wafers made with honey (Ex 16:13-16, 35; Num 11:7). Imply the perfection, purity and preciousness of spiritual food- the words of God (I Cor 10:1-4; Jn 6:48-49, 63; Ps 18:30; 19:8, 9; Mt 7:6; 13:45-46)

·         Golden Jar- refers to a trialed faith (I Pet 1:7); to receive the word of God with faith (listen, read, Bible study). Only a golden jar of faith can contain the word of God (Heb 4:1-2) fully within one's heart. (Ps 119:11; Col 3:16)

·         Gathering the manna- Must be collected every morning (Ex 16:13-14; Ps 119:147; 143:8; Is 50:4)

Bend down to pick up (humility) (Is 61:1; Jms 1:21). Everyone must collect according to their daily need (Ex 16: 16-18, 21; Mk 4:33). Must not be tiresome of manna - the only food to sustain their 40 years of life in the wilderness (Num 11:4-6; 21:5; II Tim 4:3-4)

(b)     The tables of the covenant. (Ex 32:15, 16)

·         The negative expression-- the Ten Commandments (Ex 20:3-17)

·         The positive expression- the Two Commandments (Mt 22:37-40)

·         Written on the tablets of stone by the hands of God in the O.T. (Ex 34:1)

·         Written on the tablets of heart in the N.T.(Jer 31:33; Mt 5:21-32)

·         Written by God's own finger which shall never be changed or abolished (I Jn 3:9; 5:1-3)

·         Engraved on both sides of the tablets -- We must observe them both in private and public life (Ex 32:15, 16; Ps 119: 37, 80; Gal 4:18; Phil 2:27)

(c)     The budded rod of Aaron (Num 17:1-9)

·         Sign of the chosen. (Deut 7:6-7; Jn 15:16, 19)

·         Budded-Spiritual life; dead rod  living rod

The word of God rooted in heart, grows spiritually and bears fruit (Mt 13:1-9; Ezek 37:9, 10, 14)

The spirit of God bestows life and bear spiritual fruit.

Blossom- the spiritual beauty (Mt 6:29)

The inner beauty, the excellent spirituality (Dan 6:3)

The beautiful character and virtue (I Pet 3:1-5; II Cor 5:16)

Produce fragrance-love, to attract others (Acts 11:24)

·         Bear ripened almond -- edify others (I Cor 10:23, 24, 33)

Edify others in speech and in deeds (Eph 4:29)

Bear the fruit of love and saving souls (Phil 4:15-17; I Cor 9:22-23)

·         The rod of power (Num 20:8)

Dry, lifeless and valueless rod becomes living and powerful rod (I Cor 15:9, 10)

* Tabernacle is the center of living of the Israelites. The ark of Covenant is the center of the tabernacle.

The ark of God's abidance (Ex 25:8, 22)

The ark of mercy and grace (II Sam 6: 11, 12)

The ark of power (Josh 3:3-6, 13-17; 6:1-21)

12.   The Holy Garment of the High Priest (Ex 28:1-43)

The chosen people in the New Testament era are the spiritual priests (Rev 5:9-10)

 a.      Breastplate (15-30)

(a)     12 precious stones (17-21; I Pet 3:3-5)

·         God treasures the chosen people who are to be saved (Rev 14:3-5, 12-13)

God treasures the righteous and the Saints (Ps 34:15; 37:23-24; 116:15)

·         Engraved on the heart to be remembered forever (Is 49:14-16)

·         Constantly remember the Lord's sheep like a father (I Cor 4: 14-15), like a mother (I Thes 2:7).

·         Cannot be separated from Ephod (28)

·         Cannot separate brotherly love and serving God (I Jn 4:20-21)

(b)     Urim and Thummim (30; I Sam 28:6; Prov 16:33)

·         Made from 2 gems. One side written Urim (meaning Cursed & No), the other side written Thummim (meaning Perfect, Yes)

·         O.T. - no abidance of the promised Holy Spirit; relied upon Urim and Thummim to determine and judge matters (I Sam 14:41; Josh 7:16; Ac 1:24-26)

N.T. - with the promised Holy Spirit as teacher and guide, there is no need for Urim and Thummim; only relying on prayer and the Holy Spirit to teach, determine and judge (Jn 14:26; 16:13; Ac 13:1-3)

 

 

 

 b.      The Ephod (31-35)

(a)     blue color - belong to heaven (Ex 24:10), offer of spiritual sacrifice (I Pet 2:5), serving the Lord, responsible to the Lord and pleasing Him (Col 3:23-24)

(b)     Hem consists of color blue, purple, and scarlet fashioned in the shape of pomegranate (33, 34)

Often remind ourselves of our noble status and offices and ought to bear more fruit to glorify God and edify others (Jn 15:8, 16)

·         The Ephod of little Samuel - serving God from childhood (I Sam 2:18)

 c.      The embroidered coat and breeches of fine linen (39, 42) - cover our shame and filthiness with the holiness and beauty of Christ

 d.      Girdle of needlework (39-40) - to restrain our thoughts, words, and deeds by the perfect words of God (Ps 19:7-10; Eph 6:14), to gird ourselves with the beautiful virtue of Christ -- humility (I Pet 5:6)

 e.      The mitre of fine linen and the bonnet (39-40)

The most glorious office and the highest rewards (Mt 19:28; II Tim 4:8; Rev 2:10)

A plate of pure gold and engraved upon it like the engraving of a signet “HOLINESS to the LORD” (36)

And put it on a blue lace upon the forefront of the mitre (37)

Forever remember we belong to God and no longer to ourselves. We must unconditionally offer our body, spirit and soul to God to become a perfectly holy and righteous instrument (Rm 6:12-13; I Cor 6:18-20)

 

  

 

VIII.        The Design and Construction of the Tabernacle

A.     God's measurement and standards

1.        The tabernacle and all the holy instrument must be made according to God's design (Ex 25:9, 40)

2.        The measurement of the ark of Noah (Gen 6:14-22)

3.        The design of the holy temple. (I Chron 28:11, 12)

4.        The measurement of the spiritual temple (Ezek 43:10-12). The holy city, New Jerusalem (Rev 21:10-21)

5.        The measurement of the true church (Eph 2:19-22; Gal 1:6-10; I Jn 9; Mt 20:25-28)

The correct explanation of the truth and its right spiritual meaning (II Tim 2:15; II Pet 1:20-21)

6.        The perfect gospel. The pure word of God (II Tim 1:13-14)

7.        God shall measure the church with his standard and measurement and he shall also measure every worshipper (Rev 11:1)

·         The standard of thoughts and motive (Prov 21:2)

·         The standard of words (Mt 12:36)

·         The standard of deeds (Rom 2:6)

·         The standard of love (I Jn 4:17-18)

·         The standard of living (Ps 139:1-4)

B.     The three compartments of the tabernacle.

Outer Court   Sanctuary    The most holy place

Israelites  Priests and Levites on duty high priest, once a year

1.        The three steps of faith, three degrees of spiritual cultivation, three levels of prayer, three kinds of relationship with God (Ex 24:1-18).

 a.      At the foot of Mt. Sinai -- worldly faith, living according to fleshly desires (Rom 8:5-8; 12; I Jn 2:15-17) (population - 2,000,000)

 b.      Middle of the mountain - lukewarm, loves God and also the world, only see the outer rim of God's glory (Ex 24:9-10; Jms 4:4) (73 people)

 c.      Top of Mt Sinai- spiritual breakthrough to the third heaven and would not be affected by the world (Ex 24:16-18; II Cor 12:1-4; Phil 3:8), 40 days & nights without food and water, reduced the lust of flesh to nothing (Ex 34:28; Gal 5:24; 6:14); reflects God's glory (Ex 34:29; II Cor 3:18)

2.        The three levels of prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane (Mt 26:36-46; Mk 14:32-42; Lk 22:39-46)

 a.      Outside the garden (8 disciples) - worldly and superficial prayer (Mk 12:40; 14:32, 33; Lk 22:41; Mt 6:5-8)

 b.      Inside the garden (3 disciples) - Not sober, the spirit defeated by the flesh (Mt 26:40-41; Lk 21:34-36)

 c.      The depth of the garden. (Lord Jesus) - The spiritual communion in the inner room, meet God in the depth of the heart; total obedience and submission (Jer 29:13; Ps 91:1; 130:1; Mt 26:39; Rom 8:5-8); sweat like blood drops and tears of supplication (Lk 22:44; Heb 5:7)

We should grow in faith and draw nearer and nearer to God and often come boldly before the throne of grace to meet the Lord and to find mercy and help in time of need (Ps 73:28; Jms 4:8)

C.     The Design and Construction of the Tabernacle

Bezaleel was filled by the spirit of God and full of wisdom, understanding and equipped with all manners of workmanship (31:1-5)

1.        He is the grandson of Hur (31:1; 17:10-12) - 3 generations' faith (II Tim 1:5)

2.        The worker of God must pursue for the fullness of Holy Spirit and be abundant in wisdom, good virtues and gifts (Act 6:3; I Tim 4:12, 16; II Cor 14:1)

IX.  The Tabernacle in the Army of Israel. (Num 1:1-2:34)

A.     The encampment in the wilderness.

When encampment, tabernacle is placed in the center with Moses, Aaron and priests in the front, the Levites surrounded the tent, the other eleven tribes surround them (Num 2:1, 2; 9:15-23).

1.        Everything must follow regulation and be well organized (I Cor 14:40; Mk 6:39-40). Everyone must faithfully perform their duty according to their entrustment (I Pet 4:10-11)

2.        Christ is the center of living. He is the first and the greatest (Lk 1:46; Col 1:18)

3.        Church is the center of living (Neh 1:1-6; 2:3; Ps 122:1-9; 137:1-6; Dan 6:10; 9:1-3; Lk 1:41-46). Church is our home (Ps 15:1, 2; 27:4; 61:4; 84:1-4, 10).

 

 

 

 

 

B.     The marching in the wilderness.

 

When marching, every tribe in its own place and by their standards (Num 2:17).

They divided into 4 groups. Every 3 tribes as one group. The tabernacle will lead. Prefigures Christ is the commander of our faith and daily living. We all march as spiritual Christian soldiers to fight for him (II Cor 2:14, He 12:2; Josh 5:13-15; II Tim 4:7, 8)

X.     The Enlargement of the Tabernacle of God- The True Church. (Is 54:2)

A.     The tent of Shem (Gen 9:26-27; He 8:1-2)

B.     Enlarge the tent of God to cover the whole world (Mt 24:14; Rev 7:9; Is 26:15)